Music with Minnesotans

Arlys Whitaker earned an MBA and worked for Xerox for many years before becoming the assistant marketing director of the the Utah Symphony Orchestra and then teaching elementary school music. She has stories to tell and a remarkable playlist, too.

A number of years ago, Laura Hampton was an art student in Philadelphia. Could she make a career as an artist? Did she have the courage to proceed? These are the questions she asked herself as she rode the train one day. When she stepped out of the car, she was an artist!

What is the relationship between beauty and justice? Kristina Boerger is the new professor of choral leadership and conducting at Augsburg University. She shares her story and personal playlist with Steve Staruch on this week's Music with Minnesotans.

Mike Orsted is a retired Presbyterian minister. He served several small-town congregations in the Midwest, where his gift of compassion and empathy were his calling card. Retirement has opened up a whole new world for him and his wife. He tutors young grade-school kids and loves it. His personal playlist includes several intimate and playful works.

Lonnie Dupre is a Minnesota legend who loves classical music. It keeps him focused, calm, centered, brave and empowered -- and you need every single one of those feelings if you're planning to travel across the North Pole in summer, or circumnavigate Greenland by kayak, or climb Denali all alone in the darkest time of year.

Marco Real-d'Arbelles is a violinist and conductor. He has performed with the Miami Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Summer Opera, and has just been named the associate artistic director of the Bach Society of Minnesota. His story is inspiring. And his personal playlist is, too.

John Noltner's photographic work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Forbes Magazine and the New York Daily News. Since 2009, though, he's been traveling the country asking people from all walks of life, "What does peace mean to you?" His multimedia project, A Peace of My Mind, is a masterpiece of storytelling.

Norton Stillman is the brains and the passion behind Nodin Press. He has been the head of the publishing company since 1967. Nodin specializes in Minnesota authors. Norton Stillman joins Steve Staruch to share stories from a lifetime of publishing, and an exciting personal playlist, too.

In the early 1970s, Margie Simon was one of the first female band directors in the state. When that career came to an end, she used all her experience and storytelling talents to start a new career in public relations. She runs her own business.

Lucas Meachem is a Grammy-winning singer and actor. Irina Meachem is a pianist and vocal coach. They met in Minneapolis a few years ago when she was the rehearsal accompanist for the Mill City Opera. He was late to rehearsal because of a fishing trip. Still, they hit it off. While their careers take them all over the world, they call Minnesota home.