Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Rhapsody in Black - 20250206

Vernon Neal is the host of the podcast ‘Rhapsody in Black,’ where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music.


Host/Producer

Vernon Neal

When William Dawson was 12, he ran away from home to study music at the Tuskeegee Institute. In 1930, he returned to his roots as director of the Tuskeegee School of Music, a post he held for 25 years. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


P.H. Polk/Tuskeegee Institute

William Dawson's Tuskegee Institute legacy

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - 20260211

New Classical Tracks - 20260211

Julie Amacher's desire to introduce others to great music is what led her to radio. She began her professional broadcast career at a station in Sun Prairie, Wis. She went from rock 'n' roll to the Rocky Mountains, where she found her niche in public radio at KUNC in Greeley, Colo. Julie spent 13 years at KUNC, where she managed the announcers and their eclectic music format. During that time, she earned four national awards for best announcer. She joined Minnesota Public Radio in 1997 as an on-air host and also produces New Classical Tracks, a weekly podcast sharing behind-the-scenes stories about a new release each week. It airs locally at 7:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. on Saturdays.


Julie Amacher

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ French cellist Gautier Capuçon invites composers from various genres to express their concern and gratitude for Mother Earth and the beauty of nature. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


M. Bertrand Delapierre / Émile Palandre

Gautier Capucon shows gratitude for Mother Earth on new album

Minnesota Orchestra - April 10, 2026

Minnesota Orchestra - March 27, 2026

Guest conductor Kristiina Poska leads the Minnesota Orchestra in music by Brahms and Adolphe, as well as Strauss’ Oboe Concerto featuring Principal Oboe Nathan Hughes. Listen to the live broadcast with host Melissa Ousley at 8 p.m. Friday, April 24, on YourClassical MPR.


Kaupo Kikkas

Minnesota Orchestra performs Brahms' Symphony No. 4

Extra Eclectic - April 20, 2026

Host Steve Seel continues our celebration of Earth Month on Extra Eclectic with a nod to composers who are passionate about the protection of nature’s fragile ecosystems: Steven Stuckey, Scott Lee, Gabriela Montero and more. Listen now!


Photo: Anders Brogaard

The natural world

Saturday Cinema - April 18, 2026

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

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel celebrates famous folks born in April. Selections include music from ‘Doctor Zhivago,’ ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ ‘The Godfather’ and more. Listen now!


Paramount Pictures

April birthdays

Minnesota Opera's cast talks about Giacomo Puccini's 'Edgar'

MN Opera - Giacomo Puccini's 'Edgar' Interview

Steve Staruch can be heard on Classical Minnesota Public Radio on Monday mornings and at other times during the week. Prior to joining the staff of MPR in 2004, Steve presented a variety of radio programs on WCAL in Northfield, Minn., where he created an immensely popular call-in program, and on WXXI in Rochester, New York. Outside radio, Steve also enjoys work as a freelance tenor and violist. Steve and his wife, Naomi, enjoy traveling, gardening and hosting dinner parties.


Steve Staruch

Host Steve Staruch speaks with cast members Karin Wolverton, Diego Torre and Kara Morgan, as well as Head of Music Mario Antonio Marra, in preparation for the Minnesota Opera’s opening night of Puccini's 'Edgar,' taking place this Friday, April 17. Listen now!


Mike Madison

Minnesota Opera presents Puccini's 'Edgar'

Tom Crann interviews Matt Haimovitz and members of the Bakken Ensemble

Bakken Ensemble: Interview with Matt Haimovitz

Tom Crann is heard on YourClassical MPR from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays. Prior to rejoining the classical team at MPR, Tom was the host of All Things Considered for MPR News from 2005 to 2025, where he interviewed a wide range of public figures, including Minnesota's members of congress, politicians, experts, writers, and artists. He anchored Minnesota Public Radio's award-winning live coverage of the 35W bridge collapse. He has hosted other special coverage for MPR News, including live coverage of election nights since 2012.  He has been a host, producer, and interviewer for Minnesota Public Radio since 1995.   His work on MPR News has been recognized with an Eric Severeid award, a regional Edward R. Murrow award, and a National Headliner award. He has also hosted the international cultural broadcasts "Sounds Irish" and "The Last Night of the Proms," a co-production with the BBC. Tom began his career at MPR/APM as a classical host in 1995. In addition to his work at Minnesota Public Radio, Crann has spent more than 20 years hosting and producing classical music and cultural programs at public radio stations around the U.S, and for RTE/Lyric FM in Ireland, where he is still a contributor.


Tom Crann

On April 12, the Bakken Ensemble celebrated 30 years of concerts in the Twin Cities with a program featuring Arensky’s unique String Quartet No. 2 (scored for two cellos) and guest cellist Matt Haimovitz. Listen as Haimovitz and members of the ensemble converse with host Tom Crann about the event!


Tony Nelson

Bakken Ensemble celebrates 30 years of music with guest Matt Haimovitz 

Rhapsody in Black - Damien Sneed

A musician of multiple hats and genres, Damien Sneed is recognized today as a pianist, vocalist, organist, composer, conductor, arranger, producer and arts educator in high demand. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast. 


Ayano Hisa/Jazz at Lincoln Center

Damien Sneed is a musician of many skills and genres

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - 20260415

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Jonathan Biss

New Classical Tracks - 20260415

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pianist Jonathan Biss delivers the final recording of his Beethoven Piano Concerti project: a recording featuring composer Caroline Shaw’s response to Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Benjamin Ealovega

Jonathan Biss and Caroline Shaw respond to Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3

Extra Eclectic - April 13, 2026

To celebrate Earth Month, host Steve Seel brings us modern works on themes of water on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ including Anna Clyne’s ‘Restless Oceans,’ Jake Runestad’s ‘Waves,’ and Maya Beiser’s setting of Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Water’ from his ‘Fete des Belles Eaux.’ Listen now!


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