Joseph Kahn

Joe Kahn escaped from Nazi Germany at age six and grew up on a chicken farm in what is now Israel. His life, nevertheless, has been steeped in classical music and listening to good music became an indispensable part of his life from childhood. With a good ear, avid interest and innumerable concerts, he acquired an eclectic musical knowledge – all of it self-taught.

Joe is Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry from NCSU where he taught for 28 years. For ten years he hosted the classical music request program, first on WKNC and then on WCPE. He was classical music critic with his wife Elizabeth at the Independent Weekly for ten years. He and Elizabeth now write program notes for musical organizations around the country.

He believes that musical criticism should be geared to the interested lay person and aim to be both informative and accessible. Criticism should not only evaluate, but also explain and educate.

Articles by Joseph Kahn: