Saturday Cinema - April 25, 2026

Ward Jacobson has enjoyed a radio career spanning over two decades as a morning show host and sportscaster, as well as producer/host of an interview program where he chatted with authors, musicians, politicians and newsmakers. He is also a past winner of the prestigious Marconi Award. Jacobson's love of classical music stems from a childhood influenced by his bass-baritone father and piano-teaching mother. While still a college student in Nebraska, he began singing with the Abendmusik Chorus and took part in concert tours to venues as varied as Englands Lincoln Cathedral, the Vatican, Salzburg Cathedral, Auschwitz and Moscow. When not singing, he works to develop his guitar-strumming repertoire.


Ward Jacobson

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel celebrates film composers born in April, including Andre Previn, Miklos Rozsa, Elmer Bernstein and Henry Mancini. Listen now!


May birthdays with guest host Ward Jacobsen

How to Hold On

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

At a time when everything around us feels disconnected and divisive, how do we hold on? Melanie DeMore uses the power of music to bring us together in ‘How to Hold On,’ a radio special featuring her original songs of comfort and solace performed by VocalEssence. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Bruce Silcox

'How to Hold On' with Melanie DeMore and VocalEssence

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

Rhapsody in Black - Duke Ellington

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

Pianist, composer and innovator Duke Ellington is famous today for his jazz and swing music. However, he had a few other visions kicking around in his toolbox, including some memorable suites such as ‘The Queen’s Suite.’ Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


Provided

Duke Ellington defied mid-20th century labels with 'The Queen's Suite'

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - 20260429

New Classical Tracks - 20260429

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ bassoonist Frank Morelli presents his latest album From the Soul; a record that reflects the many life experiences he’s had during his exceptional career. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Bassoonist Frank Morelli's latest record reflects on his many life experiences

Extra Eclectic - April 27, 2026

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ we consider the planet we call home from several different vantage points with music by Eriks Esenvalds, Martin Bresnick, Reena Esmail and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


Jurgis Rikveilis

Earth, teach me quiet

Minnesota Orchestra - April 24, 2026

Minnesota Orchestra - April 10, 2026

On Friday, April 24, guest conductor Kristiina Poska led the Minnesota Orchestra in music by Brahms and Adolphe, as well as Strauss’ Oboe Concerto featuring Principal Oboe Nathan Hughes. Listen to the concert now!


Kaupo Kikkas

Listen: Minnesota Orchestra performs Brahms' Symphony No. 4

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

A.P. Mutter

More April birthdays

Rhapsody in Black - 20250206

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

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

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 Stucky, Scott Lee, Gabriela Montero and more. Listen now!


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