Minnesota's World Stage

The holiday season is filled with sweets. But maybe you like a little spice in your holiday eggnog. Listen as Orkestar Bez Ime joins Steve Staruch to perform its full-bodied music from the Black Sea region.

The African Children's Choir is aiming at 'a profound, significant change in trajectory for real lives,' its manager says.

Tokyo-based musician Momokusu Iwata fuses traditional shamisen repertoire with the sounds and sensibilities of jazz, pop and rock. He will perform Sunday, including two new works by a Twin Cities composer, at Hamline University.

Have you ever drummed your fingers impatiently on a laptop, mulling how to word an important email or waiting for a lazy download? If so, you are an inspiration to composer Jay Afrisando, whose interactive sound exhibit 'Music of Your Office' is playing free May 7 and 8 in downtown St. Paul.

Soojin Lee discusses traditional Korean instruments and how they have changed over time, along with Korean classical music.

Listen to Ahmed Anzaldúa, Artistic Director of Border CrosSing, chat with Classical MPR host Julie Amacher, and check out photos from their time in the music class at Washburn Elementary in Bloomington.

Listen to Siama Matuzungidi and Dallas Johnson from Siama's Congo Roots chat with Classical MPR host Julie Amacher and check out photos from their time in the music class at Zanewood Community School in Brooklyn Park.

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.

In an unassuming Minneapolis storefront, the newly started Resonance Box aims to expand and challenge how we listen to the world around us. Founder Aida Shahghasemi explains how her roots in Persian music drive her efforts.

From China to St. Paul, pipa player Gao Hong recounts her journey to the United States and her creative process alongside oud player Issam Rafea in their new CD, 'Life as Is.'