Holiday Stream Stories

This Easter, as always, the 'Messiah' oratorio is in full play. But do you want to venture beyond Handel's masterpiece? Then check out our picks for 10 other great works for Holy Week.

Do you hate Valentine's Day? Are you tired of hearing romantic arias and serenades all the time? Here's a playlist of anti-romantic and downright miserable classical music to darken your mood.

Learn about the Lunar New Year and the significance of the zodiac signs as host Mindy Ratner presents ‘Spring Moon – A Musical Celebration of the Lunar New Year’ in conjunction with the Year of the Dragon, which begins Feb. 10.

On Jan. 1, Thomas Søndergård and the Minnesota Orchestra, along with pianist Stephen Hough, welcomed 2024 with a sparkling concert featuring music by Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky. Listen to the concert now!

The St. Olaf Christmas Festival has become one of the nation's most cherished holiday celebrations. This year's presentation, ‘Love and Joy Come to You,’ features more than 500 student musicians. Listen now.

On Jan. 1, 2023, conductor Mei-Ann Chen and the Minnesota Orchestra rang in the new year with a program featuring music by Leonard Bernstein, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and a piece by Jessie Montgomery performed by special guest Awadagin Pratt. Listen to the concert now as we prepare for 2024!

How much do you know about Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, beyond its signature melodies? Let’s crack it open for Christmas!

For a 7-year-old kid growing up on a farm in Nebraska in the 1960s, the best Christmas gift came from Goodyear’s annual ‘Great Songs of Christmas’ albums, especially the 1965 and ‘66 volumes. YourClassical host Ward Jacobson remembers.

In this season of holiday traditions, few are as magnificent and memorable as Handel's ‘Messiah.’ British conductor Christopher Warren-Green returns to lead the Minnesota Orchestra, the Minnesota Chorale and soloists in this glorious work. Listen live at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, on YourClassical MPR.

Hosted by Mindy Ratner, ‘Candles Burning Brightly’ is a delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights! There is lots of music from Jewish communities worldwide, a hilarious lesson on preparing a classic Hanukkah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home.