Classical Minnesota Stories

At Marshall High School, 20 percent of the student body is enrolled in marching band. Learn more about what makes this Minnesota school and its band program special.

The Mankato Symphony Orchestra is premiering a work celebrating the locally set 'Betsy-Tacy' stories, composed by Benji Inniger, as part of a concert this weekend that pays tribute to Mankato's past and present.

When he makes his Minnesota Orchestra debut this weekend, violinist Benjamin Beilman will be bringing his 1709 Stradivari, a rapidly burgeoning professional reputation, and the score to a fiery concerto that has somehow fallen out of favor. Listen live at 8 p.m. Friday to Classical MPR's broadcast.

Morgan Creek Vineyards boasts not only Minnesota-grown grapes, but owners with a passion for classical music. Georg and Paula Marti bring their classical flair to their winery in New Ulm, Minn.

Minnesota-based soprano Andrea Leap, along with the Leap Ensemble, will be performing works by Marianna Martines and Maria Teresa Agnesi Pinottini, two female classical composers, throughout September.

As times change, so do the stereotypes surrounding barbershop singing. Learn more about the barbershop community in Minnesota, and hear the Minneapolis Commodores perform at venues across the Twin Cities this summer.

We hear it at every sporting event, but who is behind the National Anthem? For the St. Paul Saints, trumpeter Johnny Holliday is continually on call. Learn more about what it takes to play 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at a game.

Bearing Witness is a project by St. Paul-based cellist Kirsten Whitson. Focusing on stories of injustice and human rights, the program includes video transitions and narration to accompany Whitson's cello. Performances go through June 10.

To celebrate the moon landing's 50th anniversary, Trylon Cinema in Minneapolis is presenting a film series celebrating journeys into outer space, including '2001: A Space Odyssey' and 'Alien.' Just as monumental as the movies' subjects are many of their unforgettable music scores.

Who will replace Osmo Vanska when he steps down as the music director of the Minnesota Orchestra in 2022? Here are 10 qualities that one longtime fan would love to see in the next person on the podium.