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Time-tested. Listener-approved.

Major Themes: Our top picks in classical music, from early music to contemporary female composers

May 28, 2019

Looking for new and recommended music? Here are classical music experts' picks for must-hear recordings, including projects that highlight and celebrate women composers.

radio

Top Dutch orchestra and ousted conductor Daniele Gatti settle dispute

Apr 30, 2019

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the leading symphony orchestra in the Netherlands, and its former chief conductor, Daniele Gatti, have come to a mutual agreement over the conductor's dismissal in August.

At 92, the man who wrote the book on Berlioz resumes his case

Mar 17, 2019

French composer Hector Berlioz died 150 years ago. He has been a lifelong favorite of the British author David Cairns, who wrote Berlioz's biography and edited and translated his memoirs.

Irish Inspirations: Celebrating Women in Irish Music

Mar 8, 2019

Listen to this classical music special that does double duty and looks at music from Ireland, with an emphasis on women composers and performers, as well as music with female themes.

59min

Major Themes: Our top picks in classical music, from Baroque arias to contemporary female composers

Mar 6, 2019

Looking for new and recommended music? Here are classical music experts' March picks for must-hear recordings, from Baroque arias to contemporary compositions for Women's History Month.

Listen to Minnesota's Benjamin Lee play erhu on 'From the Top'

Feb 21, 2019

Erhu player Benjamin Lee, 16, from Byron, Minn., will appear this week on 'From the Top,' the hit NPR radio program featuring America's best young classical musicians. The show will air on Classical MPR at noon Sunday, Feb. 24.

Major Themes: Our top picks in classical music, from 'Portraits of Langston' to 'Rocky Point Holiday'

Feb 11, 2019

Looking for new and recommended music this winter? Here are classical music experts' picks for must-hear recordings, from a Grammy-nominated disc to heavenly choral music to a selection for Black History Month.

Quiz: What's your classical theme song for 2019?

Dec 6, 2018

What's your classical theme song for 2019? Do you rock to Bach? Mosey to Mozart? Bop to Beethoven? Find out which of 40 classical works should be your life's soundtrack in our new personality quiz!

Major Themes: Our top picks in classical music, from 'The Messiah' to 'Christmas on Sugarloaf Mountain'

Dec 1, 2018

Looking for new and recommended music this holiday season? Here are classical music experts' picks for must-hear recordings, from a stunning performance of Handel's 'Messiah' to a joyous Christmas celebration with Apollo's Fire.

That time when 'country' guitarist Roy Clark proved he was a classical master, too

Nov 16, 2018

Guitarist Roy Clark, who died Thursday at 85, was known far and wide as the banjo-pickin' ace of the country-music TV show 'Hee Haw.' But he was a master musician who also had impressive classical chops, too. Here's the proof.

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