Saturday Cinema - March 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,’ host Lynne Warfel hightlights Welsh actors, filmmakers and more in celebration of St. David’s Day. Also, hear a special tribute to Gene Hackman in the second hour of the show. Listen now!


St. David's Day

YourClassical Storytime - 'Sivka Burka: The Magic Horse'

What happens when a foolish young man is gifted a magical horse with fantastical powers? Find out in 'Sivka-Burka: The Magic Horse' — the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, with narration by Inés Guanchez, illustrations by E.J. Thompson, and music by Aida Isakova and Nikolai Medtner.


E.J. Thompson for MPR.

'Sivka-Burka: The Magic Horse'

Friday Favorites - Feb. 28, 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

The Project DJ co-host this week is Ben Shermock. He took his first voice lesson two years ago, and it changed the trajectory of his life. Hear Ben’s story — and your requests, too — on this week’s episode of ‘Friday Favorites.’ Listen now with host Steve Staruch!


Provided

Friday Favorites: Listener requests with Project DJ co-host Ben Shermock

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

Rhapsody in Black - 20250206

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

When William Dawson was 12, he ran away from home to study music at the Tuskeegee Institute. In 1930, he returned to his roots as director of the Tuskeegee School of Music, a post he held for 25 years. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


William Dawson's Tuskegee Institute legacy

Extra Eclectic - Feb. 26, 2025

This week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ showcases a host of modern classical works featuring instruments picked, plucked and strummed — including the guitar, harp, theorbo (a kind of giant bass lute) and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


Provided 

Feeling plucky

New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Desmond Earley

New Classical Tracks - Desmond Earley

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, Desmond Earley and the Choral Scholars of University College Dublin honor James Joyce on a new album featuring his poem collection ‘Chamber Music.’ Listen now!


Desmond Earley brings James Joyce's poetry into the musical realm

South African cellist Abel Selaocoe fosters dialogue across time and cultures

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Olivia Hampton

Michel Martin

South African cellist and composer Abel Selaocoe talks about his new album "Hymns of Bantu," which highlights the healing power of song across cultures.


Michael Zamora/NPR

South African cellist Abel Selaocoe fosters dialogue across time and cultures in a new album

Rhapsody in Black - March  2, 2023

Pop artist Roberta Flack, who died Monday at 88, grew up classically trained and continued to love the music, even when revolutionizing the R&B scene. Find out more about her life in this episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast. 


Keystone/Getty Images

Roberta Flack was the shepherd of a new R&B sound

Saturday Cinema - Feb. 22, 2025

This week on ‘Saturday Cinema,’ Minnesota Orchestra conductor Sarah Hicks joins Lynne Warfel in-studio for a discussion about her role in the orchestra’s ‘Live to Film’ concerts, her favorite films and more. Listen now!


Lynne Warfel chats with Minnesota Orchestra's Sarah Hicks

Friday Favorites - Feb. 21, 2025

The Project DJ co-host for this episode of ‘Friday Favorites’ is Mya Temanson. A native of Minot, North Dakota, she’s an MPR Fellow with a passion for violin and writing. Listen now with host Steve Staruch!


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