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Tom Crann joined MPR as a classical-music host on November 19, 1995. After hosting All Things Considered for MPR News from 2005 to 2025, Tom rejoined the classical team on May 12.


Chris McDuffie for MPR News

Host changes coming to YourClassical MPR

Congratulations to Tom Crann on 30 years at MPR

New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Phoenix Chorale

New Classical Tracks - April 16, 2025

Julie Amacher's desire to introduce others to great music is what led her to radio. She began her professional broadcast career at a station in Sun Prairie, Wis. She went from rock 'n' roll to the Rocky Mountains, where she found her niche in public radio at KUNC in Greeley, Colo. Julie spent 13 years at KUNC, where she managed the announcers and their eclectic music format. During that time, she earned four national awards for best announcer. She joined Minnesota Public Radio in 1997 as an on-air host and also produces New Classical Tracks, a weekly podcast sharing behind-the-scenes stories about a new release each week. It airs locally at 7:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. on Saturdays.


Julie Amacher

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ the Phoenix Chorale and its artistic director Christopher Gabbitas explore the ways that earth’s rotation and seasons mark our time and emotions as humans on their latest recording. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Phoenix Chorale: April Rain Song - Harris

New Classical Tracks® 

Chris Loomis

Phoenix Chorale and Christopher Gabbitas explore seasons and time through music

Cynthia Dickison

The music director of the original production describes the search for authenticity and community in the sisterly story.


Children's Theatre Company

Denise Prosek plumbs new depths in 'Frozen' at CTC

The company makes its 18th visit to Northrop Auditorium, bringing back the classic ballet.


Two ballet dancers strike a dramatic pose during an onstage performance

Rosalie O'Connor

Northrop presents American Ballet Theatre's 'Giselle' 

Friday Favorites - April 11, 2025

Steve Staruch can be heard on Classical Minnesota Public Radio on Monday mornings and at other times during the week. Prior to joining the staff of MPR in 2004, Steve presented a variety of radio programs on WCAL in Northfield, Minn., where he created an immensely popular call-in program, and on WXXI in Rochester, New York. Outside radio, Steve also enjoys work as a freelance tenor and violist. Steve and his wife, Naomi, enjoy traveling, gardening and hosting dinner parties.


Steve Staruch

From a ‘Surprise Symphony’ by Haydn to passionate storytelling by Chopin to a grand chorus by Handel, this week’s episode of ‘Friday Favorites’ was an eclectic dream machine. Be transported to your favorite spring place with sunny requests from YourClassical MPR’s listeners. Listen now with host Steve Staruch!


Theme & Variations

James Napoli/APM

Friday Favorites: Listener requests to welcome spring

Longtime music host and performer Andrea Blain presents classical music programming including national specials, opera and other live broadcasts and holiday programs. She also is part of a team that works on content and scripting for ‘Rhapsody in Black’ and has voiced several episodes of YourClassical Storytime.


Andrea Blain

This National Poetry Month, join host Andrea Blain for ‘Words and Music of Black America,’ a special featuring music with texts by Black poets. Listen now!


georgeclerk/Getty Images

'Words and Music of Black America'

World premieres and returning guest artists are featured in the musician-led concert repertoire.


Steven Garcia

SPCO announces its 2025-26 season

Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Rhapsody in Black - Wynton Marsalis

Vernon Neal is the host of the podcast ‘Rhapsody in Black,’ where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music.


Host/Producer

Vernon Neal

Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis is internationally known for his outstanding career in jazz. Many don’t know that he has also found success in classical music.  Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast. 


Plantation Coffle March

2:19 Blues - Wynton Marsalis Septet at Jazz in Marciac 2015

"Twilight" by Wynotn Marsalis

Rhapsody in Black

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Wynton Marsalis has jazz and classical chops

New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen and John Churchwell

New Classical Tracks - Orion Weiss

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen and pianist John Churchwell present music by Korngold, Brahms, and Clara and Robert Schumann, as heard on their most recent recording. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen and John Churchwell

New Classical Tracks: Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen and John Churchwell

Fadi Kheir / Carnegie Hall

Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen goes where no countertenor has gone before

John Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.


John Birge

This week on Birge’s Picks, the math works out for music lovers this week as two masters of the six-string guitar and three great string quartets grace stages across Minnesota and beyond. Find out more!


MPR Hero Stories