St. Olaf Christmas Festival (2025) - O Morning Star, O Radiant Love

The St. Olaf Christmas Festival has become one of the nation's most cherished holiday celebrations. This year's presentation, ‘O Morning Star, O Radiant Love,’ features more than 500 student musicians in three performances at Northfield college. Listen to the concert now!


Listen to the 2025 St. Olaf Christmas Festival, 'O Morning Star, O Radiant Love'

Saturday Cinema - Dec. 6, 2025

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 shares music from classic and newer films that celebrate the holidays, including ‘Miracle on 34th Street,’ ‘The Bishop’s Wife’ and more. Listen now! 


Hollywood Holiday kickoff

'Carols, Customs and Candlelight: A Celtic Christmas Celebration'

Longtime music host and performer Andrea Blain presents classical music programming including national specials, opera and other live broadcasts and holiday programs. She also is part of a team that works on content and scripting for ‘Rhapsody in Black’ and has voiced several episodes of YourClassical Storytime.


Andrea Blain

The Celtic lands of Northwestern Europe have an especially rich musical heritage, and many Christmas songs and carols come from Celtic nations. Listen as host Andrea Blain explores music and customs that have roots in ancient winter celebrations and traditional Christmas festivals. 


Carols, Customs and Candlelight: A Celtic Christmas Celebration

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 - Dec. 3, 2025

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ guest host Jake Armerding shares recent recordings by Marc-Andre Hamelin, Hania Rani and Georgijs Osokins. Selections include compositions by Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, Radiohead and more. Listen now!


Jack Mitchell/Getty Images

New music for piano with guest host Jake Armerding

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - December 3, 2025

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Joshua Gindele_Miro Quartet

New Classical Tracks - Joshua Gindele_Miro Quartet

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,’ the renowned Miró Quartet continues its 30th-anniversary celebration with its latest album, a holiday-themed recording featuring arrangements by 15 contemporary composers. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Jeff Wilson

The Miro Quartet celebrates 30 years with a holiday recording

Christmas at Luther

Each December, the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, rings out with the sacred and the exuberant: the sounds of the Christmas season. Enjoy the 2024 program, ‘Seeking Refuge for a Weary World.’


Christmas at Luther: 'Seeking Refuge for a Weary World'

'Candles Burning Brightly'

Mindy Ratner is a host and producer on the Classical Music Service of Minnesota Public Radio, where she is heard on weekends. She began her career in public broadcasting following her graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, working first for the local public television station and then for Wisconsin Public Radio. She moved on to stations in Cincinnati and Philadelphia before joining Minnesota Public Radio in 1983. In 1998 and '99, Ratner took a leave of absence to work as a music host and producer for China Radio International in Beijing. Her spare time is devoted to international travel; folk, ballroom and contradancing; singing in the Minnesota Chorale; her two cats, and trying to stay ahead of the weeds in her garden.


Mindy Ratner

A delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights! Hosted by Mindy Ratner, ‘Candles Burning Brightly’ features lots of music from Jewish communities worldwide, a hilarious lesson on preparing a classic Hanukkah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home.


St. Olaf Christmas Festival - Our Hope for Years to Come

The St. Olaf Christmas Festival has become one of the nation's most cherished holiday celebrations. This 2024 program, ‘Our Hope for Years to Come,’ features more than 500 student musicians. Listen now. 


St. Olaf Christmas Festival: 'Our Hope for Years to Come'

Saturday Cinema - Nov. 29, 2025

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel shares music from listeners’ most-requested films and composers, including ‘Schindler’s List,’ ‘The Holiday’ and ‘Apollo 13.’ Listen now! 


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