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

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YourClassical Programming at the Minnesota State Fair 2026


Matt Haimovitz interview with Tom Crann

Tom Crann is heard on YourClassical MPR from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays. Prior to rejoining the classical team at MPR, Tom was the host of All Things Considered for MPR News from 2005 to 2025, where he interviewed a wide range of public figures, including Minnesota's members of congress, politicians, experts, writers, and artists. He anchored Minnesota Public Radio's award-winning live coverage of the 35W bridge collapse. He has hosted other special coverage for MPR News, including live coverage of election nights since 2012.  He has been a host, producer, and interviewer for Minnesota Public Radio since 1995.   His work on MPR News has been recognized with an Eric Severeid award, a regional Edward R. Murrow award, and a National Headliner award. He has also hosted the international cultural broadcasts "Sounds Irish" and "The Last Night of the Proms," a co-production with the BBC. Tom began his career at MPR/APM as a classical host in 1995. In addition to his work at Minnesota Public Radio, Crann has spent more than 20 years hosting and producing classical music and cultural programs at public radio stations around the U.S, and for RTE/Lyric FM in Ireland, where he is still a contributor.


Tom Crann

Shortly after Matt Haimovitz took a teaching position at the University of Minnesota, the Twin Cities became the target of the ICE surge. Haimovitz teamed up with his U of M colleagues and students to meet the moment musically. 


Matt Haimovitz pays musical tribute to his Twin Cities neighbors with new recording

American Composers Countdown 2026

You voted for your favorite composers, listen as host Tom Crann reveals the results on YourClassical’s American Composers Countdown!


Who is host Tom Crann's favorite American composer?

Who is host Julie Amacher's favorite American composer?

Who is host Steve Seel's favorite American composer?

Who is host Vernon Neal's favorite American composer?

YourClassical's American Composers Countdown

Interview: Aaron Copland interviewed on MPR by Dennis Rooney in July 1976

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Luke Taylor

A 1976 interview by MPR’s Dennis Rooney features the “Dean of American Music” reflecting on music and composers ahead of three Bicentennial performances at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.


50 years ago, Aaron Copland conducted the Minnesota Orchestra for the U.S. Bicentennial

For decades, an Israel-based father-son team have been recovering and repairing violins played by Jewish musicians that survived the Holocaust. Through June, those violins are touring the state.


A violin with a Star of David design sits behind a glass case.

These 70 violins tell the stories of Holocaust survivors, now they’re touring Minnesota

Lisa Hirsch

Thomas led the San Francisco Symphony from 1995 to 2020, helping to establish its reputation as a world-class orchestra. In 2021, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a type of brain cancer.


Michael Tilson Thomas, renowned conductor and composer, dies at 81

Words and Music of Black America

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!


Classical Feature: Words and Music of Black America

'Words and Music of Black America'

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 Dinis Sousa, an all-star roster of vocal soloists, and the Singers. Listen to the concert now!


The SPCO

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

Kavakos will begin his three-year appointment in 2027. 


A man conducts an orchestra during a concert 

Latest News

Minnesota Orchestra appoints Leonidas Kavakos its principal guest conductor 

Minnesota Opera: 'My Name is Florence' interview

Steve Staruch can be heard on Classical Minnesota Public Radio on Monday mornings and at other times during the week. Prior to joining the staff of MPR in 2004, Steve presented a variety of radio programs on WCAL in Northfield, Minn., where he created an immensely popular call-in program, and on WXXI in Rochester, New York. Outside radio, Steve also enjoys work as a freelance tenor and violist. Steve and his wife, Naomi, enjoy traveling, gardening and hosting dinner parties.


Steve Staruch

On Jan. 31, the Minnesota Opera presented the world premiere of ‘My Name is Florence.’ Listen as host Steve Staruch speaks to members of the cast — then enjoy on-demand audio of the concert!


Good to Know