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

Rhapsody in Black - 20250220

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

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

Extra Eclectic - Feb. 5, 2025

We begin our celebration of Black History Month on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ with two hours devoted to the music of Black 20th- and 21st-century composers, including Carlos Simon, Jessie Montomery and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


Toko Shiik

A Black History Month celebration

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. Listen as host Tynia Major speaks to cast members and watch how the crew makes snowball props in advance of the Feb. 8 premiere.


Lynn Lane/Minnesota Opera

Go behind the scenes of Minnesota Opera's 'The Snowy Day'

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James Doubek

Stradivarius violins often sell for millions. There's a long history behind them, and violinists who swear they sound better than modern ones.


Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images

A Stradivarius violin could sell for a record sum at auction. Is it worth the hype?

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Jonathan Biss

New Classical Tracks - Jonathan Biss

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 critiquing a new release each week. It airs locally at 7:15 a.m. Wednesdays and 5:15 p.m. Fridays.


Julie Amacher

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ with host Julie Amacher, pianist Jonathan Biss talks about his Beethoven concerto project with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, including the latest release featuring a new concerto by Sally Beamish. Listen now!


Benjamin Ealovega

Jonathan Biss combines Beamish and Beethoven

Minnesota Opera stage director Daniel Ellis and principal conductor Christopher Franklin speak to host Bonnie North about the  latest production, 'The Elixir of Love'

Minnesota Opera - The Elixir of Love Conductor/Director Interview

Vanessa Becerra and Andrew Stenson speak to host Bonnie North about the Minnesota Opera's latest production, 'The Elixir of Love'

Minnesota Opera - The Elixir of Love Cast Interview

Join YourClassical MPR as we present an encore broadcast of Minnesota Opera’s production of ‘The Elixir of Love.’ As a bonus, host Bonnie North speaks to members of the cast and crew about Gaetano Donizetti’s much-loved opera. Listen now!


Listen: Minnesota Opera presents Donizetti's 'The Elixir of Love'

Forgotten for 138 years, a Black composer’s magnum opus finds a stage

Matt Bloom

‘Morgiane,’ perhaps the oldest opera by a Black American, finally receives its full public performance, shedding light on the forgotten heyday of opera in New Orleans.


Camille Farrah Lenain for NPR

After 138 years, a Black composer's magnum opus finds a stage

Saturday Cinema - Feb. 1, 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

This week on ‘Saturday Cinema,’ join host Lynne Warfel to celebrate February birthdays in the world of film, including Cary Grant, John Ford, Elizabeth Taylor, John Williams and more. Listen now!


February birthdays

YourClassical Storytime - 'The ThreeBilly Goats Gruff'

YourClassical Storytime - 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff'

What happens when three Billy Goats Gruff run out of food to munch on their mountainside? See what musical surprises await in the YourClassical Storytime episode 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff,' featuring music from Bedrich Smetana and art by Nancy Carlson!


Nancy Carlson for MPR

'The Three Billy Goats Gruff'

Friday Favorites - Jan. 31, 2025

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

An American set, a Scandinavian set, a Silk Road set and a Palestrina palooza; what’s not to love about ‘Friday Favorites’? Listen now with host Steve Staruch!


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