Holiday

After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the world came together to pay tribute to his legacy and continue the fight for equal rights that still exists today. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is Monday, please reflect on these six musical pieces that commemorate his life and work.

We have a variety of classical specials for the holiday season, from Christmas to New Year's Day. Listen to them any time that's convenient using this comprehensive listing.

This year celebrate the ending of 2022 and the welcoming of 2023 with two live-streamed performances by the Minnesota Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic.

The St. Olaf Christmas Festival has become one of the nation's most cherished holiday celebrations. Listen now as the Northfield-based college presents its 2022 program, “Promise of Peace,” from Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, with host Valerie Kahler, in this one-hour special.

Over three days in mid-November, the Voces8 Scholars, the U.S.-based training ensemble for the U.K.’s esteemed Voces8, recorded two Christmas songs prepared exclusively for YourClassical MPR listeners as part of our Carol Countdown. Watch now!

Julie Amacher and Tesfa Wondemagegnehu host this uplifting Christmas special from 2021 that features Black music and composers. A 'Soulful Christmas' celebrates classical music by Black artists, while exploring spirituals, gospel music, jazz and other Black musical traditions.

There are many different versions of ‘The Snow Maiden,’ but this one reminds us to treasure winter as a special time of year instead of always wishing for warmer weather. Find out more in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring storytelling by Valerie Kahler, music by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'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 Cantus, Chanticleer, Cambridge Singers, Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, Jessye Norman, and a variety of choirs.

"Welcome Christmas" is a perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world's premier choral ensembles, conducted by Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz. Join host John Birge for an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries, including compositions and arrangements by Zanaida Robles, Daniel Kantor, Sarah Quartel and more.

Each December, the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, rings out with the sacred and the exuberant: the sounds of the Christmas season.