Classical Minnesota Stories

It doesn’t take long for visitors to realize that Austin, Minnesota, and Hormel Foods go together well. But there’s another link between the founding Hormel family, its well-endowed foundation and the city: music.

The University of Minnesota's 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute concert moved online in 2021 and honored the legacy of John Lewis. Featuring music from spirituals to pop, the event, hosted by VocalEssence's G. Phillip Shoultz III, gave tribute to the civil right leader's legacy. Watch now.

After years of exciting experiences as a band director, Sigurd Johnson just wrapped up his 14th year leading the Gold Star Marching Band at North Dakota State University and has retired from the position. He shares stories from his past and his plans for the future.

Congratulations to band director Michael Serber, who recently retired from the Robbinsdale City Band after more than 50 years with the ensemble, including 31 as its leader. To celebrate, here’s a look at the storied band from our archives, including a 360 video of a performance in St. Paul.

After a year of no performances, tenor David Portillo returned to the stage in the spring for Minnesota Opera’s production of Benjamin Britten’s ‘Albert Herring.’ Listen now to YourClassical MPR’s encore broadcast of this remarkable production.

Philip Brunelle, the founder and mastermind of VocalEssence, takes the bench Sunday at the Historic Heights Theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ to accompany ‘Safety Last,’ Harold Lloyd’s most famous film.

If you love music, there's one genre that's cool to hate: holiday music. 'Nutcrackers' are derided. 'Sleigh Ride' is harrumphed at. In the classical music world, conductors abandon Mozart and Mahler in favor of Santa hats and simple sing-a-longs. But this writer refuses to give in to the musical Scrooges. Here's why.

Edina’s Patricia Langer, 79, is being honored for a lifetime of distinguished piano teaching. Steinway & Sons recently inducted her into its Music Teacher Hall of Fame.

‘Guns n' Rosenkavalier’ is a zanily original show conceived by St. Paul-based baritone Andrew Wilkowske, combining the worlds of opera and rock music. It plays Saturday at the historic Sheldon Theatre in Red Wing.

The scholastic marching arts returned in a big way Saturday as the Youth in Music Championships hosted 33 of the top high school marching bands from Minnesota and beyond at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Relive the excitement and pageantry of the event through our huge photo gallery.