Saturday Cinema - Sept. 12, 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 shares music from films that won Oscars for Best Supporting Actress/Actor, including ‘Grumpier Old Men,’ ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Shakespeare in Love.’ Listen now!


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Classical Feature - Music for the Days of Awe: An Observance of the Jewish High Holidays 2023

Music for the Days of Awe: An Observance of the Jewish High Holidays

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

At this time of year, Jews around the world gather together to celebrate new beginnings. Listen as host Mindy Ratner guides us in a musical observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, in 'Music for the Days of Awe: An Observance of the Jewish High Holidays.’


Sonya Rapport

Listen: 'Music for the Days of Awe: An Observance of the Jewish High Holidays'

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

Rhapsody in Black - George Bridgetower

Violinist and composer George Bridgetower was good friends with Ludwig Van Beethoven. So much so that Beethoven wrote a violin sonata just for him. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


Wikipedia 

 Violinist George Bridgetower left his mark on Beethoven 

New Classical Tracks - 20260909

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - 20260909

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

Conductor Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra present their new release featuring music by Antonin Dvorak and Carlos Simon recorded live in the historic Heinz Hall. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.


Felix Broede

Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra present Dvorak and Simon

Extra Eclectic - Sept. 7, 2026

A performance of Wynton Marsalis’ Concerto for Orchestra recorded at the 2026 BBC Proms offers a look at modern classical works inspired by jazz on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ which also showcases works by Jon Batiste, Earl Louis Stewart and Jeff Scott. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


Piper Ferguson

Jazz influences

Saturday Cinema - Sept. 5, 2026

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel shares works by and about the Newman family: Alfred, Lionel, Randy, Thomas and David. Selections include music from ‘The Robe,’ ‘Little Women’ and ‘Galaxy Quest.’ Listen now!


The Newman family revisited

Rhapsody in Black -Plínio Fernandes

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

Afro-Brazilian guitarist Plinio Fernandes’ style is a unique alchemy of the Brazilian folk and popular songs he grew up with, Latin classical traditions and the Western canon. He recently released his debut album and is working to teach and inspire new generations of musicians. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


Provided

Afro-Brazilian guitarist Plinio Fernandes uses unique style to inspire and teach new generations

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - September  2, 2026

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Curtis Stewart

New Classical Tracks - September  2, 2026

New Classical Tracks - Curtis Stewart

Violinist and composer Curtis Stewart recently released a two-CD recording featuring ‘24 American Caprices’ composed in the styles of the many genres he grew up listening to on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.


Titilayo Ayangade

Curtis Stewart captures the essence of a nation in his '24 American Caprices'

Extra Eclectic - Aug. 31, 2026

Brass instruments are the focus on episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ in solo, duo and ensemble settings. Selections include Valerie Coleman’s ‘Fanfare for Uncommon Times,’ Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Apparition du Christ Glorieux’ and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


Kia Caldwell

A brass celebration

Earlier this summer, pianist Jonathan Biss reunited with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra for a concert that honored the lives and music of Robert and Clara Schumann. Listen to the concert now!


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