Expand your horizons with a collection of classical content that’s good to know.

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Melinda Whittington and Joo Won Kang speak to host Bonnie North about the Minnesota Opera's latest production, 'La Bohème'

Minnesota Opera - La Bohème Cast Interview

For host Bonnie North, classical music is more than just a genre — it's a way of life. She stumbled into the world of radio after responding to a newspaper ad for Vermont Public Radio seeking a classical music DJ for its Sunday afternoon show. Despite having no previous radio experience, she was confident in her knowledge of classical music and took a chance. She created an audition tape, and the rest is history. Her favorite composer depends on her mood. Sometimes she seeks the meditative sounds of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, while other times she craves the angular compositions of Igor Stravinsky. Of course, she also loves the classics by composers who include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. But she is always looking for contemporary composers and is eager to discover new musical talents. Outside of work, she loves to attend live music events. She also enjoys traveling and having friends and family scattered throughout the United States and Europe. But her love for animals is just as strong, and she often volunteers at animal shelters. She is an avid duathlon participant, combining her love for running and biking in one exciting event.


Bonnie North

Minnesota Opera presents Pucchini’s ‘La Bohème,’ the story of a group of friends and lovers in Paris who find love amid the hardship of a life in pursuit of art. Listen to the concert now!


La Bohème: Act II Chorus

La Bohème | Minnesota Opera

Minnesota Opera

Dan Norman

Listen: Minnesota Opera presents 'La Bohème'

Browse all the concerts in the world’s greatest classical music festival.


BBC Proms 2025

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Cynthia Dickison

Luke Taylor

The late pontiff was known for his love of music, and he even had a favorite record store in Rome. 


Clara Haskil spielt Mozart

Beethoven by Wilhelm Furtwängler - Symphonies n°1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 + Present° (Century’s recording)

Wagner - Parsifal Opera + Presentation (recording of the Century : Hans Knappertsbusch 1962)

Astor Piazzolla y su Quinteto Tango Nuevo - Vredenburg Music Hall (1984) - HD - Theo Uittenbogaard©

Antonio Cotrim/Getty Images

Pope Francis loved music, including classical

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra - Handel's 'Messiah'

Join Steve Seel for an Easter celebration with the complete performance of Handel's ‘Messiah,’ performed by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, conductor Patrick Dupré Quigley, an all-star roster of vocal soloists, and the Singers. Listen to the concert now!


The SPCO

Provided

Celebrate Easter with the SPCO's performance of Handel's 'Messiah'

A familiar voice will be heard during afternoon drive time beginning May 12. 


Chris McDuffie for MPR News

Host changes coming to YourClassical MPR

Longtime music host and performer Andrea Blain presents classical music programming including national specials, opera and other live broadcasts and holiday programs. She also is part of a team that works on content and scripting for ‘Rhapsody in Black’ and has voiced several episodes of YourClassical Storytime.


Andrea Blain

This National Poetry Month, join host Andrea Blain for ‘Words and Music of Black America,’ a special featuring music with texts by Black poets. Listen now!


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'Words and Music of Black America'

World premieres and returning guest artists are featured in the musician-led concert repertoire.


Steven Garcia

SPCO announces its 2025-26 season

Ines Guanchez is an associate digital producer for classical. An accomplished pianist, she founded Dúo Ávila with fellow Venezuelan violinist Sofia Schutte. The ensemble focuses on music by composers outside of the classical canon and has performed in venues in Minnesota and Costa Rica. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with master’s degrees in mass communications and piano performance. She previously interned for Minnesota Public Radio in 2018.


Ines Guanchez

On Friday, March 28, Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes performed a captivating and impactful solo concert at the Ordway as part of the Schubert Club’s International Artists Series. Here are the details.


Piano Sonata in E Minor, Op. 7: I. Allegro moderato

Geirr Tveitt - Piano Sonata No. 29, Op. 129, "Sonata Etere"

12 Études, Op. 25: No. 3 in F Major

Debussy plays Debussy | La Cathédrale Engloutie (The Sunken Cathedral), Prélude Book I, No.10 (1913)

Jenny Cvek-Walmsley | MPR

Leif Ove Andsnes captivates in Schubert Club concert

The tribute to the pianist/composer is personal for co-founder and performing partner Young-Nam Kim.


Two musicians pose for a portrait together

photo courtesy of Ilya Moshenski

Chamber Music Society concert honors founder Paul Schoenfield

‘Performance Today’ has selected performer and composer Jessie Montgomery as the 2025 Classical Woman of the Year. This annual award recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the classical music art form and have inspired our listeners. Find out more!


Good to Know