Extra Eclectic - Sept. 24, 2025

It’s modern classical sounds from down under on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ as Steve Seel brings us a bevy of Australian composers (and one from New Zealand — since we’re right there). Listen now!


Jim Rolon

Dreaming Down Under

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Wilhelmina Smith and Dawn Avery

New Classical Tracks - September 24, 2025

New Classical Tracks - Wilhelmina Smith and Dawn Avery

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,’ composer Dawn Avery and cellist Wilhelmina Smith present their first collaborative recording, ‘Sweetgrass.’ Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Joe Zizzo

Composer Dawn Avery and cellist Wilhelmina Smith join forces on new album

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'

Saturday Cinema - Sept. 20, 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

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ in a tribute to Robert Redford, host Lynne Warfel interviews Manhattan-based independent filmmaker Robert Roessel: founder of the Tahoe Film Festival and longtime assistant to George Roy Hill, who directed Redford in three films. 


Julien Hekimian/Getty Images

Tribute to Robert Redford

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

Rhapsody in Black - 20240620

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

Michelle Cann is a trailblazing African American concert pianist and teacher who is inspiring the next generation of musicians at the Manhattan School of Music and the Curtis Institute.  Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


Steven Mareazi Willis

Pianist Michelle Cann inspires next generation as a noted music teacher

Extra Eclectic - Sept. 17, 2025

On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, we begin our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with works from Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina and Peru, including Gabriela Ortiz’ ‘Canto Abierto’ and Jimmy Lopez Bellido’s ‘Peru Negro.’ Listen now with host Steve Seel!


Marta Arteaga

Hispanic Heritage Month begins

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Sharon Isbin

New Classical Tracks - Sharon Isbin

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ guitarist Sharon Isbin fulfills her dream of performing a Latin American-inspired guitar concert on her latest album, ‘Romántico,’ featuring music by Karen LeFrak. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


J. Henry Fair

Sharon Isbin performs music by LeFrak on new album

Hermeto Pascoal, whimsical Brazilian composer nicknamed 'the Sorcerer,' dies at 89

{"type":"doc","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"text":"","type":"text"}]}]}

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

Pascoal said he had composed thousands of pieces. "I am 100 percent intuitive," he once told NPR. Miles Davis called him one of the most important musicians in the world. 


Georges Gobet/Getty Images

Hermeto Pascoal, whimsical Brazilian composer nicknamed 'The Sorcerer,' dies at 89

Saturday Cinema - Sept. 13, 2025

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel shares music from films that won Oscars for Best Supporting Actress and Actor including winners Peter Ustinov, Water Huston, Jack Lemmon, Hattie McDaniel, Fay Bainter, Miyoshi Umeki and more. Listen now!


Thanks for the support

Rhapsody in Black - 20240606

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.


Listen

Stories