Classical MSPIFF!
This week on Birge’s Picks, the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival presents films about Frederica von Stade, ‘Turandot,’ ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ and live instrumental music. Find out more!
MPR Hero Stories
Border CrosSing presents Golijov's 'Oceana' cantata
Host John Birge speaks with Ahmed Anzaldúa, artistic director of Border CrosSing, about the ensemble’s upcoming performance of Osvaldo Golijov’s ‘Oceana’ at the Ordway in St. Paul at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. Listen now!
7:45
2025 Classical Woman of the Year: Jessie Montgomery
‘Performance Today’ has selected performer and composer Jessie Montgomery as the 2025 Classical Woman of the Year. This annual award recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the classical music art form and have inspired our listeners. Find out more!
Friday Favorites: Listener requests with Project DJ co-host Jenna Kavouras
Jenna Kavouras, the Project DJ co-host for this week’s episode of ‘Friday Favorites,’ is a natural in front of the microphone. She had an experience of writing and performing her first composition, a piece for wind orchestra. It led to an experience of “wow!” Listen now with host Steve Staruch!
4:00:56
Famed conductor Michael Tilson Thomas holds last concerts
With a recurrence of cancer, famed conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is ending his musical career. One of his final concerts is in Miami Beach, where he'll lead the orchestral academy he helped found.
4:10
Black Violin mixes hip-hop and classical to create an unabashedly Black sound
The award-winning string duo Black Violin has been mixing classical and hip-hop for over 20 years. The group’s goal is to make the violin and viola sound naturally and unabashedly Black. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.
5:00
John Mauceri highlights Erich Korngold's only symphony
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ with host Julie Amacher, John Mauceri honors and highlights the music of Erich Korngold through recordings old and new. Listen now!
30:36
Photos: Minnesota Orchestra ignite Orchestra Hall with Brahms X Radiohead
Led by conductor and composer Steve Hackman, the Minnesota Orchestra — along with three vocalists — performed to a sold-out audience Friday night in Minneapolis. See a recap and a gallery of photos from the concert.
The British Invasion — Minnesota style
This week on Birge’s Picks, the British Invasion takes place when two distinguished choirs and one distinguished composer, all from London, grace stages around Minnesota. Find out more!
Listen: Minnesota Opera presents Glam Jam
Join YourClassical MPR as we present an encore broadcast of Minnesota Opera’s Glam Jam, a concert featuring some of the most captivating performers from the Minnesota Opera stage. Listen now!