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Friday Favorites - April 25, 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

Guest host Julie Amacher fills in for Steve Staruch on the latest episode of ‘Friday Favorites,’ playing listeners’ requests for their favorite classical music. Listen now! 


Julie Amacher - DO NOT USE; see update in Rights Notes, below

Theme & Variations

Friday Favorites: Listener requests with guest host Julie Amacher

Diane and Paul recall Rascal's response to the Met Opera broadcast of 'Carmen'

Luke Taylor

A St. Paul parrot found a connection to classical music — and to legions of fellow listeners.


A cast of characters gather onstage round a mezzo soprano who is singing

Remembering Rascal, classical music’s feathered fan

New Classical Tracks (extended interview) - Joanne Polk

New Classical Tracks - January  8, 2025

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ with host Julie Amacher, pianist Joanne Polk releases the second volume of her recordings featuring the music of French composer and pianist Cécile Chaminade. Listen now!


Scaramouche, Op. 56

New Classical Tracks® 

Joanne Polk returns to the exquisite music of Cécile Chaminade

Cynthia Dickison

The late pontiff was known for his love of music, and he even had a favorite record store in Rome. 


Clara Haskil spielt Mozart

Beethoven by Wilhelm Furtwängler - Symphonies n°1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 + Present° (Century’s recording)

Wagner - Parsifal Opera + Presentation (recording of the Century : Hans Knappertsbusch 1962)

Astor Piazzolla y su Quinteto Tango Nuevo - Vredenburg Music Hall (1984) - HD - Theo Uittenbogaard©

Pope Francis loved music, including classical

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra - Handel's 'Messiah'

Join Steve Seel for an Easter celebration with the complete performance of Handel's ‘Messiah,’ performed by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, conductor Patrick Dupré Quigley, an all-star roster of vocal soloists, and the Singers. Listen to the concert now!


The SPCO

Celebrate Easter with the SPCO's performance of Handel's 'Messiah'

Friday Favorites - April 18, 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

Steve Staruch celebrates his tenure of ‘Friday Favorites’ with an eclectic show. Enjoy choral and instrumental classics for the Easter season right next to Broadway showtunes, and everything in between. Listen now!


Friday Favorites: Listener requests and celebration with Steve Staruch

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.


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

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

Phoenix Chorale and Christopher Gabbitas explore seasons and time through music

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


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

MPR Hero Stories