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John Birge talks about this musical celebration in Northfield, Minn.

Vintage Band Festival

This weekend in Northfield, Minn., 30 bands from around the world will perform 100 concerts in celebration of the music and instruments of past eras.

Classical MPR's John Birge spoke to Paul Niemistö, associate professor of music at St. Olaf College, about vintage brass instruments and what makes them so special. You'll also hear a clip of a performance by Sweden's Medevi Brunnsorkester, one of many bands in Northfield this weekend.

Gallery

Vintage Bands, nature and great food make for a moveable feast in Northfield, Minn.

Get Out There: 5 things to do in Northfield

Paul Niemistö, St. Olaf College

John Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.


John Birge

John Birge talks about how this weekend's festival in Northfield, Minn., gives today's music lovers a chance to hear instruments that haven't been heard in 150 years.


The sound of the Vintage Band Festival

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