Listen: Explore our newest stream, Chamber Music
We asked listeners to pick our newest music stream, and the winner was clear: Chamber Music. Experience classical music on a smaller scale, 24/7. Listen now!
Announcing the 2020 Minnesota Varsity Featured Artists and Composers!
Thanks to every Minnesota Varsity 2020 entrant for participating in our tenth season!
What's your musical pick for our Ultimate Feel-Good Playlist?
We're putting together our Ultimate Feel-Good Playlist, and we need your help. Which piece of classical music makes you feel good? Let us know, and tell us why.
Underground Railroad: A conductor and passengers documented in new oratorio
When it comes to the Underground Railroad, everyone knows Harriet Tubman. But a new oratorio by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Moravec sheds light on a different, key figure named William Still.
New Classical Tracks: Cellist Ofra Harnoy reenergizes her career as she gets 'Back to Bach'
This week on New Classical Tracks, cellist Ofra Harnoy discusses her debilitating shoulder injury and long journey to recovery, during which she not only reunited with her childhood sweetheart but ended up recording an entire album with him! Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of the CD!
Extra Eclectic: Arvo Part's "Blank Slate"
In 1968, Arvo Part essentially went dark. He stopped composing for several years as he entered a period of, as he called it, "artistic reorientation." When he re-emerged, he had a completely new style. One of the major works he created during this time was one that had a particularly appropriate title for him -- Tabula Rasa, or "blank slate." Steve Seel shares it on this week's program, in addition to some other works from the Baltic region, including Estonia's Erkki-Sven Tuur and Latvia's Peteris Vasks.
Celebrating the legacy of Minnesota's real-life 'Music Man'
G. Oliver Riggs was a real-life Minnesota 'Music Man' in the early 20th century, creating and directing a few dozen bands, drumming up enthusiasm for band music, and raising money for uniforms. Now, great-granddaughter Joy Riggs is sharing his story in her new book, 'Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters.'
Trilloquy: Shop Talk
Classical host Melissa Dundis joins her radio colleagues Garrett McQueen and Scott Blankenship to discuss music programming, the sound of DJ voices, and her recent move to the Twin Cities. She also performs a special duet for guitar and flute with Garrett.
Barry Tuckwell, revered horn player, conductor and arranger, has died at 88
Barry Tuckwell was a Australian horn player, conductor and arranger. He died on Jan. 16, 2020 at 88.
Classical Kids Storytime: 'The Emperor's New Clothes'
'New Clothes' for a new year! A vain emperor gets more than he bargained for when two weavers promise to make him a suit with special powers. Listen to 'The Emperor's New Clothes,' the latest episode of Classical Kids Storytime, featuring music by George Frideric Handel and original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.
Drew Petersen strikes a chord on a mysterious Steinway piano
Drew Petersen played on a mysterious Steinway piano with a story. Listen to his recent performance at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, and learn about the history of the piano he performed on.
Chmielewski Funtime Band still going strong after 137 years
The Chmielewski Funtime Band has been a polka staple for 137 years, and they're still going strong. The Minnesota-based band continues building on its Polish-American musical roots.
Apply now to appear on Classical MPR's Project DJ
Are you a young performer, 14 to 24, who would like to co-host Friday Favorites with Steve Staruch? Apply now to be considered for Classical MPR's Project DJ!
Listen to Classical MPR on Amazon Echo and Google Home, and much more
You can listen to Classical Minnesota Public Radio on Amazon Echo and Google Home, as well as install Alexa skills for all of the themed YourClassical music streams. Here's how.