Welcome to Major Themes, a monthly feature in which classical music experts recommend a must-hear recording based on what's happening at classical stations and programs around the country. For this month's installment, we checked in with friends in Ohio, Vermont and Minnesota, as well as the host of Pipedreams.
What's in store musically for the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry? Everything is hush-hush until "the biggest classical musical event of the year" happens on Saturday -- along with the ceremony, of course. But we have a pretty good idea of what will be played, and you can listen now.
Welcome to Major Themes, a new monthly feature in which classical stations and programs around the country recommend a must-hear recording based on what's happening with them. For our first installment, we checked in with friends in New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas, as well as the producers of Performance Today.
Robert Elhai has worked on the music for Hollywood blockbusters like 'The Avengers' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' TV hits such as 'Hawaii Five-O,' and theatrical sensations like Broadway's 'The Lion King.' He's even worked with the heavy metal band Metallica and on a 'Call of Duty' video game. And he's done it all while living in Minneapolis.
In spite of the back seat classical music often takes in America in terms of sales figures and sheer visibility, there's nothing wrong with the music itself. This list of 10 albums is a testament to today's vibrant performers and composers, and of course some of the masters from the past.
Nita Qiu is a 15-year-old pianist from Woodbury, Minn. Last year she was a Minnesota Varsity showcase artist. Classical MPR host Julie Amacher recently caught up with Nita and talked with her about her Minnesota Varsity experience.
A total solar eclipse like this is the type of event that many people want to share with others, so many homes and campgrounds within the path of totality will be hosting eclipse-viewing parties. This begs the question: what music will you play while waiting through the partial phases of the eclipse that lead up to the big moment?
Earlier in April, we asked you to tell us your favorite violin concertos. We've tallied the results, and on Thursday, April 20, starting at 10 a.m. Central Time on our Favorites stream, we'll count down the top 20 favorite violin concertos -- as voted by you.
Each month on the YourClassical Favorites stream, we host a vote and a countdown of your musical favorites. In April, we're asking you to tell us your favorite violin concertos (or 'concerti', if you prefer). We've put together a ballot to help you make your selections, and you can also write in your choice. Then, on April 20 on our Favorites Stream, we'll count down the top 20, as voted by you.
We're airing our top 10 'Saint Paul Sunday' programs, hosted by Bill McGlaughlin, as part of the MPR 50th anniversary. The first in the series will feature Dorothy Delay, the longtime pedagogue who taught so many amazing artists, including Itzhak Perlman.
