Extra Eclectic - Oct. 23, 2024

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ guest host Valerie Kahler spotlights composer Clint Needham’s musical ode to nature, ‘Shades of Green.’ Listen now!


Guest host Valerie Kahler features Needham’s ‘Shades of Green’

MPR News with Angela Davis - Power Pair: Two violas, two orchestras and one marriage

The Twin Cities is rare in having two professional orchestras with viola sections. That’s what makes it possible for Maiya Papach and Rebecca Albers to chase their music dreams and create a life together in Minnesota. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the couple about how to gracefully play a supporting role in music and in marriage.  


Provided

Two violas, two orchestras and one marriage with Maiya Papach and Rebecca Albers

Steve Staruch can be heard on Classical Minnesota Public Radio from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays, including hosting Music with Minnesotans, Regional Spotlight and Friday Favorites. 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, N.Y. 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

On the latest edition of Friday Favorites, Steve Staruch helps a couple celebrate their 50th anniversary with their song, plays an Elizabethan madrigal about “makin’ out!” and honors a childhood remembrance of a Ravel rehearsal. Listen now!


James Napoli/APM

Friday Favorites: Listener requests for the middle of October

Classical Review: Ives Denk

{"type":"doc","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"text":"","type":"text"}]}]}

Tom Huizenga

To mark the 150th anniversary of the maverick American composer’s birth, pianist Jeremy Denk releases an Ives tribute album that educates, delights and confounds.



Bettman/Getty Images

Bettman/Bettman/Getty Images

Charles Ives’ vision of America still strikes an unsettling chord

Warriors from Lin-Manuel Miranda

Jennifer Vanasco

A new concept album from the creator of Hamilton sets a cult classic film to a starry hiphop, rock and Broadway soundtrack.


Jimmy Fontaine/Atlantic Records

Lin-Manuel Miranda's new musical is based on a cult movie — and is for your ears only

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

Rhapsody in Black - Mary Lou Williams

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

Mary Lou Williams’ artistic vision and her ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive and unique composition are perfect for concert halls and jazz clubs. Find out more on the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast. 


William P. Gottlieb

Mary Lou Williams is perfect for concert halls and jazz clubs

Extra Eclectic - Oct. 16, 2024

On this week's Extra Eclectic, Steve Seel showcases modern works that use rounds and “looping” phrases in their structure, as well as music that celebrates the fall season with modern works that have an autumnal air. Listen now!


What goes around comes around

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - David Leisner

New Classical Tracks - October 16, 2024

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

In 1984, guitarist David Leisner was diagnosed with focal dystonia. After a severe injury that paused his career for 12 years, he was able to return to performing. Find out more about his journey to recovery and his new album on ‘New Classical Tracks,’ with host Julie Amacher.


Guitarist David Leisner returns to 19th-century guitar repertoire with 'Charms to Soothe'

Reclaiming the Sound Waves: Connor Chee

Host Scott Blankenship talks with Navajo pianist and composer Connor Chee about his artistic process and the importance of preserving Navajo music for future generations. Music includes the radio premiere of ‘Unbroken: Music for the Navajo Code Talkers.’ Listen now.


Saturday Cinema - Oct. 12, 2024

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

This week on ‘Saturday Cinema,’ join host Lynne Warfel for a show dedicated to the music of legendary American film composers Jerry Goldsmith and Elmer Bernstein. Selections include music from ‘Ghostbusters,’ ‘Alien’ and ‘The Great Escape.’ Listen now! 


Listen

Stories