On this episode of Friday Favorites, for June 16, 2023, host Steve Staruch starts the weekend with ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ and Charity tells her YourClassical story on Gustav Holst. Also, Project DJ co-host Dmitri Price talks about playing violin in the Kennedy High School orchestra and the Greater Twin Cities Youth Orchestra.


Friday Favorites: 'Rhapsody in Blue,' Gustav Holst and Project DJ co-host Dmitri Price

Extra Eclectic - June 14, 2023

Steve Seel is the host of YourClassical’s weekly SymphonyCast and the trailblazing music show Extra Eclectic. He possesses a broad knowledge of many musical genres, having hosted radio programs ranging from classical to jazz and even avant-garde music at radio stations around the country. Steve began his love affair with public radio at 24 working whatever shifts he could at his hometown station of WUSF-FM in Tampa, Florida, and from there worked his way to snowy Buffalo, New York, and its renowned classical station WNED-FM, where he hosted middays and the weekly experimental-music show Present Tense.  In 2005, Steve became one of the founding voices on Minnesota Public Radio's eclectic station, the Current. While there, he hosted afternoons and mornings, and conducted in-depth interviews with pop music luminaries ranging from Brian Eno to David Byrne to Tori Amos. Steve is a basement composer obsessed with all things both minimalist and slow, and might actually be incapable of writing anything that exceeds 75 beats-per-minute.


Steve Seel

It's a different world today for those in the LGBTQIA community, and classical music is becoming refreshingly open and accepting in the 21st century. This week’s episode of Extra Eclectic, with host Steve Seel, showcases composers who paved the way in the 20th century by confronting old prejudices head-on and composers who have benefitted from their courage in the 21st century.


Betty Freeman

Extra Eclectic: Classical Pride! 

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

Rhapsody in Black - Roderick Cox

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

Conductor Roderick Cox is notable for his dynamic, engaging performances, often highlighting works by underrepresented composers and exploring various musical styles. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast. 


Josh Kohanek

Conductor Roderick Cox is a trailblazer on the podium

True Colors

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

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Gabrielle Glass

As we celebrate Pride Month in June, join hosts Julie Amacher and Gabrielle Glass as they interview five LGBTQIA+ artists from the operatic world who will share their story with you, and how their pride impacts their musical identity. 


BBC/Chris Christodoulou

'True Colors': Sounds from the heart for Pride Month

April 29, 1998: Mindy Ratner goes to China

Sept. 28, 1999: Mindy Ratner calls from China

Oct. 10, 2003: Mindy Ratner chats with Itzhak Perlman

Throwback Thursday - Mindy Ratner - Radio Lady

TBT Mindy Ratner - Radio Lady

Kaddish: Reflections on the Holocaust in Music and Words

Candles Burning Brightly

Spring Moon: A Musical Celebration of the Lunar New Year

Randy Salas is the senior digital producer of classical music for Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media. He oversees all classical digital content, including the website, social media, videos, e-newsletters and podcasts.


Senior Digital Producer, Classical

Randy Salas

Classical host Mindy Ratner is a constant companion for listeners. Join us as we celebrate 40 years of her friendly, authoritative presence on the airwaves of YourClassical MPR and across the nation on YourClassical Radio with this compilation of some of her “greatest hits,” along with a look back in photos. 


Celebrating 40 years of classical host Mindy Ratner on the air

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Randall Goosby

New Classical Tracks - Randall Goosby

On this week’s New Classical Tracks, violinist Randall Goosby collaborates with conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Philadelphia Orchestra for a new recording that explores concertos by Florence Price concerti and Max Bruch. 


Courtesy of the artist

Violinist Randall Goosby explores concertos by Price and Bruch

Listen to the Story

Olivia Hampton

Vikings were ruthless warriors, but also preserved art. This has inspired a new album of Lullabies for Piano and Cello from composer Gabríel Ólafs.


Universal Music 

Courtesy of Universal Music

Viking heritage inspires soothing lullabies from Icelandic pianist Gabríel Ólafs

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra: Tabea Zimmermann

Listen to the 64th season finale of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, an event that features Beethoven’s timeless ‘Pastoral Symphony,’ a masterwork inspired by the natural world and performed under the baton of conductor Gábor Takács-Nagy. Enjoy on-demand audio of the concert now!


Listen: Takács-Nagy leads the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in its season finale

Saturday Cinema - Movie Musicals

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 this episode of Saturday Cinema, host Lynne Warfel celebrates movie musicals. Listen now to the program, which includes selections from ‘Oklahoma!,’ ‘The Music Man’ and ‘South Pacific.’


Movie Musicals

SHINE - A Celebration of the Summer Solstice 2023

‘Shine: A Summer Solstice Celebration’ highlights composers and musicians who celebrate this glorious season and will inspire listeners to celebrate the longest day of the year. Listen now with host Melanie Renate.


Listen

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