Classical Minnesota Stories

Are you a composer looking for a filmmaker or a filmmaker looking for a composer? If so, Minnesota's Film Score Fest is something you should know about.

Last year Twin Cities soprano Carrie Henneman Shaw and Minnesota Orchestra violist Sam Bergman cofounded a new concert series. They called it Outpost, bringing to mind a remote place where travelers might find unexpected refreshment, including nonmusical performers. Their second outing takes place Friday in Minneapolis.

In its eighth year, the Cedar Commissions is continuing strong as a leading program for emerging Twin Cities musicians. This year will feature a work by composer Yigitcan Eryaman, whose piece will tackle the experience of Minnesota's seasons through the senses of a Turkish man.

The Minnesota Orchestra's American Expressions Festival is featuring works by well-known men such as Barber, Bernstein and Gershwin. But the festival also includes a symphony by an African-American woman named Florence Price.

Lorie Line began her musical career playing piano in Dayton's department stores 30 years ago. Today, she tours the Midwest and beyond with her own ensemble, now doing holiday concerts. But her success did not always come easy.

Trumpeter Charles Lazarus has been performing with the Minnesota Orchestra for nearly two decades. In that time, he has sought to bring as many musical styles as possible to his performances, including fresh renditions of holiday classics in his annual big band extravaganza, 'Merry and Bright.'

Listen Sunday as Classical MPR presents the Minnesota Orchestra and Chorale performing J.S. Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio.' This holiday spectacular begins at noon with a special encore broadcast of Cantata Nos. 1, 2 and 3 from 2017, followed at 2 p.m. by a live broadcast of Cantata Nos. 4, 5 and 6. Conductor Nicholas Kraemer shares his insights on the work.

Volunteers have been playing the bells above City Hall in Minneapolis for more than a century. From New Year's Eve concerts to a special tribute for Prince, performing on these historic bells presents unique opportunities and challenges.

This weekend, principal cellist Anthony Ross will perform Shostakovich's Second Cello Concerto with the Minnesota Orchestra for the first time publicly. Hear it live at 8 p.m. Friday on Classical MPR.

In recent years, the musicians of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra have tackled many new challenges. To recognize their efforts, the orchestra will hold a Musician Appreciation Concert on Thursday night, featuring the orchestra's artistic director and principal violin, Kyu-Young Kim.