New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - February 25, 2026

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Orli Shaham

New Classical Tracks – Orli Shaham

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,’ pianist Orli Shaham collaborates with members of the Pacific Symphony on her latest chamber music recording: ‘American Tapestry.’ Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Pacific Symphony/Matthew Morgan Photography

Orli Shaham and members of the Pacific Symphony weave an 'American Tapestry'

Saturday Cinema - Feb. 21, 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 her interview with author Steven C. Smith on his new book, ‘Hitchcock and Herrmann: The Friendship & Film Scores That Changed Cinema,’ along with music selections by Herrmann or from Hitchcock films. Listen now!


STF/AFP/Getty Images

Hitchcock and Herrmann

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

Rhapsody in Black - 20240606

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

Community leader and musician Melanie DeMore uses the power of her voice to bring people together and create meaningful connections in her community and beyond. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.


Provided

Melanie DeMore uses her voice as a 'weapon of mass connection'

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - February 18, 2026

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Gao Hong

New Classical Tracks - Gao Hong

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pipa master Gao Hong teams up with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and ‘The President’s Own’ United States Marine Band to perform four original concertos she composed and orchestrated. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Gao Hong presents her four new concertos for pipa and orchestra

Minnesota Opera - 'The Snowy Day': Leah Hawkins Interview

Minnesota Opera - 'The Snowy Day': Raven McMillon Interview

Minnesota Opera presents ‘The Snowy Day,’ the story of a young boy who finds joy and wonder in the first snowfall of winter. Enjoy behind the scene conversations with members of the cast — then enjoy on-demand audio of the concert!


Lynn Lane/Minnesota Opera

Listen: The Minnesota Opera presents 'The Snowy Day'

Spring Moon: A Musical Celebration of the Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year Greetings Pronunciations

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

Learn about the Lunar New Year and the significance of the zodiac signs as host Mindy Ratner presents ‘Spring Moon – A Musical Celebration of the Lunar New Year’ in conjunction with the Year of the Horse, which begins Feb. 17.


Thyla Jane/Unsplash

Listen: 'Spring Moon – A Musical Celebration of the Lunar New Year'

Extra Eclectic - Feb. 16, 2026

The latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ presents the first of two programs for Black History Month, with a wealth of fantastic modern classical music from Black composers and performers. Listen now with host Steve Seel!





Photo: Jiyang Chen

Black classical musicians shine    

Saturday Cinema - Feb. 14, 2026

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel celebrates Valentine’s Day with music from historical romances, romantic comedies, and dramas, including ‘Shakespeare in Love,’ ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘Doctor Zhivago.’ Listen now!


Image courtesy of Disney/Pixar

Valentine's Day

Rhapsody in Black - 20240808

Awadagin Pratt is a professor of piano at the University of Cincinnati and the recipient of multiple awards. He’s never shied away from talking about his experiences as a Black man in classical music, and he’s working to make it a more welcoming space. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.


Rob Davidson

Awadagin Pratt is opening doors for young Black classical artists

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!


Listen

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