Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Twin Cities or elsewhere in the region? Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in classical music, theater and more for the weekend of Jan. 17.
Barry Tuckwell was a Australian horn player, conductor and arranger. He died on Jan. 16, 2020 at 88.
Thanks to every Minnesota Varsity 2020 entrant for participating in our tenth season!
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.
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.
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.
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.'
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!
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.
'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.
Watch the celebrated opera star deconstruct old Italian love songs with her signature flair, backed by a crack jazz ensemble.
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.
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!
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.