MPR Hero Stories

The tribute to the pianist/composer is personal for co-founder and performing partner Young-Nam Kim.

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!

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!

‘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!

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!

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.

Attention, emerging and preprofessional musicians in Minnesota, ages 14 to 28: YourClassical MPR is thrilled to announce the Karin Larson YourClassical Prize. Submit your performance now for a chance to win a cash prize and recording time at MPR. Find out more!