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!


Provided

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

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

Rhapsody in Black - March  2, 2023

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

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

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,’ 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

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 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!


Friday Favorites: Listener requests with Project DJ co-host Mya Temanson

The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra presents a program featuring the music of Haydn, Kancheli and Elgar, featuring principal cello Julie Albers. Listen to the concert now!


Chester Higgins, Jr.

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Julie Albers perform Elgar

Rhapsody in Black - 20250213

Jazz singer Billie Holiday discovered “Strange Fruit,” Abel Meropol’s protest song against lynching In 1939. It became her closing number at all of her performances at Café Society and the best selling record of her career. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


William P. Gottlieb

Billie Holiday and 'Strange Fruit'

Extra Eclectic - Feb. 19, 2025

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ guest host Bonnie North features contemporary classical music from around the world. Listen now!


YourClassical MPR

Across the globe with guest host Bonnie North

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Anna Clyne and Eric Jacobsen

New Classical Tracks - Anna Clyne Eric Jacobsen

English composer Anna Clyne incorporates elements of folk music on her latest recording featuring the Knights. Listen as host Julie Amacher speaks to her and Eric Jacobson from the ensemble about their recent collaboration on the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks.’


Anna Clyne and the Knights bring folk into classic on new album

As Trump takes over leadership at Kennedy Center, some protest through dance

Elizabeth Blair

President Trump and his appointees are now solely in charge of the Kennedy Center. Performers protested by dancing.


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