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We Stand On Top of the Mountain

Jeffrey Yelverton is a digital producer of classical music for Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media. He supports the digital portfolio of MPR/APM by creating original content and providing production support for YourClassical Storytime, New Classical Tracks and various seasonal events.


Digital Producer, Classical

Jeffrey Yelverton

During Kwanzaa, which runs Dec. 26-Jan. 1, we celebrate African-American culture with composers that have imbued the essence of the Seven Principles in their timeless and joyous music hosted by Jeffrey Yelverton.


Holiday

Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

We Stand on Top of the Mountain: A Kwanzaa Celebration

Carols as Home with Imani Winds

An original member of Imani Winds, oboist Toyin Spellman-Diaz has built her career as a champion of contemporary chamber music. She teaches at NYU Steinhardt School of Music, Brooklyn College and Mannes School of Music. She also serves on the board of the American Composers Orchestra.


Toyin Spellman-Diaz

Carols as Home features a modern take on classic Christmas carols, hosted by Imani Winds founding oboist, Toyin Spellman-Diaz. Toyin coaxes intimate stories of Christmas memories from the members of the ensemble, and why these classic carols are still essential today. Listen now!


Carols as Home with the Imani Winds

All Is Bright

Lynne has been at this radio thing since 1984 when she fell into an historic job at KFAC AM and FM, the commercial classical station in Los Angeles.  She was the first woman staff announcer in the station's history, and it was such big news back then, it made the LA newspapers and national radio publications.  She is thrilled women in radio is no longer newsworthy.


Lynne Warfel

'All Is Bright', with host Lynne Warfel, offers an hour of gorgeous, contemplative choral music that tells the traditional Christmas story with songs about angels, the star and the manger scene. Featured artists include Chanticleer, The Dale Warland Singers, Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, Jessye Norman, and a variety of choirs.


'All Is Bright': Contemplative choral music for Christmas

In Winter's Glow

‘In Winter's Glow’ is a winter solstice program, hosted by Steve Seel. It presents modern classical sounds for the longest night of the year, chosen especially to complement the chilly, starry nights of the season.


'In Winter's Glow'

Carols, Customs and Candlelight

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

The Celtic lands of Northwestern Europe have an especially rich musical heritage, and many Christmas songs and carols come from Celtic nations. Listen as host Andrea Blain explores music and customs that have roots in ancient winter celebrations and traditional Christmas festivals. 


Carols, Customs and Candlelight: A Celtic Christmas Celebration

'Welcome Christmas'

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

‘Welcome Christmas’ is a perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world's premier choral ensembles. Join host Bonnie North for an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries.


'Welcome Christmas!'

Candles Burning Brightly

Mindy Ratner is a host and producer on the Classical Music Service of Minnesota Public Radio, where she is heard on weekends. She began her career in public broadcasting following her graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, working first for the local public television station and then for Wisconsin Public Radio. She moved on to stations in Cincinnati and Philadelphia before joining Minnesota Public Radio in 1983. In 1998 and '99, Ratner took a leave of absence to work as a music host and producer for China Radio International in Beijing. Her spare time is devoted to international travel; folk, ballroom and contradancing; singing in the Minnesota Chorale; her two cats, and trying to stay ahead of the weeds in her garden.


Mindy Ratner

A new, delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights! Hosted by Mindy Ratner, ‘Candles Burning Brightly’ features 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.


'Candles Burning Brightly'

'A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols'

YourClassical MPR’s live broadcast of 'A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols' from King's College, Cambridge, with host Michael Barone, has ended. But you can relive this glorious event through on-demand audio, which is available now, as well as complete our feedback form!


A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 2025 - Order of Service (Final)

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols - 2025

Listen now to 'A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols'

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

Celebrate the holidays with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra annual performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ featuring an all-star roster of vocal soloists, vocal ensemble The Singers, and conductor Dinis Sousa. Listen to the concert now!


St. Paul Chamber Orchestra - Handel's 'Messiah' (2025)

The SPCO

Provided

Listen: St. Paul Chamber Orchestra performs Handel's 'Messiah'

YourClassical Christmas Favorites 2025

Christmas Favorites - Jake Armerding: 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy'

Christmas Favorites - Tom Crann: 'The Christmas Song'

Christmas Favorites - Lynne Warfel: 'O Come, All Ye Faithful'

Christmas Favorites - John Birge: 'What Sweeter Music'

Christmas Favorites - Jake Armerding: 'How a Rose E'er Blooming'

Christmas Favorites - Tom Crann: 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing'

Christmas Favorites - John Birge: 'Wexford Carol'

Christmas Favorites - Vernon Neal: 'Winter Wonderland'

Christmas Favorites - John Birge: 'In the Bleak Midwinter'

Christmas Favorites - Tom Crann: 'Silent Night'

Christmas Favorites - Jake Armerding: 'Linus and Lucy'

Christmas Favorites - Tom Crann: 'The Holly And The Ivy'

Six YourClassical hosts picked their five favorite Christmas carols, and you voted for your favorites. Listen to the full countdown as hosts Tom Crann and Jake Armerding highlight the top carols based on your votes. 


Holiday Stream Stories