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

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 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

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

Rhapsody in Black - 20240808

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

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

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,’ 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 - Feb. 9, 2026

When we hear “percussion,” we often think of drums — but the world of percussion contains so much more, and we explore that world on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ in works by Shelley Washington, Ayanna Woods, Andy Akiho and more. Listen now!





Da Ping Luo

Percussive possibilities

Saturday Cinema - Feb. 7, 2026

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel shares a full program of music by John Williams, from deep cuts and fan favorites. Selections include music from ‘Jaws,’ ‘The Cowboys’ and ‘Time Tunnel.’ Listen now!


Michael Kovac/Getty Images

John Williams turns 94

Rhapsody in Black - 20250220

Gil Scott-Heron was a self-described ‘bluesologist’ and a bold voice of social activism in music in the 1970s and ‘80s. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


Provided

Gil Scott-Heron's message for the 1970s — and today

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - 20260204

New Classical Tracks - 20260204

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ conductor Joel Rinsema and choral ensemble Kantorei present their latest album, featuring a commissioned piece by composer Christopher Tin about holding space for joy in times of darkness. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Daniel Herman

Kantorei and Joel Rinsema commission Christopher Tin for new recording

Extra Eclectic - Feb. 2, 2026

As ‘Extra Eclectic’ moves to its new Monday evening time slot, host Steve Seel centers the show’s first hour on themes of “a new day,” including works by John Adams, Thomas Ades and Dobrinka Tabakova. Listen now!


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