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Extra Eclectic - April 27, 2026

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ we consider the planet we call home from several different vantage points with music by Eriks Esenvalds, Martin Bresnick, Reena Esmail and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


A man poses for a portrait on a path surrounded by trees

Extra Eclectic

Earth, teach me quiet

Lisa Hirsch

Thomas led the San Francisco Symphony from 1995 to 2020, helping to establish its reputation as a world-class orchestra. In 2021, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a type of brain cancer.


Michael Tilson Thomas, renowned conductor and composer, dies at 81

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

Rhapsody in Black - William Dawson

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

When William Dawson was 12, he ran away from home to study music at the Tuskeegee Institute. In 1930, he returned to his roots as director of the Tuskeegee School of Music, a post he held for 25 years. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


Rhapsody in Black - 20250206

Rhapsody in Black

William Dawson's Tuskegee Institute legacy

New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Gautier Capuçon

New Classical Tracks - 20260211

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,’ French cellist Gautier Capuçon invites composers from various genres to express their concern and gratitude for Mother Earth and the beauty of nature. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Cellist Gautier Capucon hangs from a zipline with his cello

Sequence for Gaïa - Max Richter - Gautier Capuçon

New Classical Tracks® 

Gautier Capucon shows gratitude for Mother Earth on new album

Extra Eclectic - April 20, 2026

Host Steve Seel continues our celebration of Earth Month on Extra Eclectic with a nod to composers who are passionate about the protection of nature’s fragile ecosystems: Steven Stucky, Scott Lee, Gabriela Montero and more. Listen now!


The natural world

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

Host Steve Staruch speaks with cast members Karin Wolverton, Diego Torre and Kara Morgan, as well as Head of Music Mario Antonio Marra, in preparation for the Minnesota Opera’s opening night of Puccini's 'Edgar,' taking place this Friday, April 17. Listen now!


“Orgia, chimera dall’occhio vitreo/Edgar, sulla tua fronte” performed by Diego Torre and Kara Morgan

“Addio, mio dolce amor!” performed by Karin Wolverton

Minnesota Opera

Minnesota Opera presents Puccini's 'Edgar'

Interview: Bakken Ensemble

Tom Crann is heard on YourClassical MPR from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays. Prior to rejoining the classical team at MPR, Tom was the host of All Things Considered for MPR News from 2005 to 2025, where he interviewed a wide range of public figures, including Minnesota's members of congress, politicians, experts, writers, and artists. He anchored Minnesota Public Radio's award-winning live coverage of the 35W bridge collapse. He has hosted other special coverage for MPR News, including live coverage of election nights since 2012.  He has been a host, producer, and interviewer for Minnesota Public Radio since 1995.   His work on MPR News has been recognized with an Eric Severeid award, a regional Edward R. Murrow award, and a National Headliner award. He has also hosted the international cultural broadcasts "Sounds Irish" and "The Last Night of the Proms," a co-production with the BBC. Tom began his career at MPR/APM as a classical host in 1995. In addition to his work at Minnesota Public Radio, Crann has spent more than 20 years hosting and producing classical music and cultural programs at public radio stations around the U.S, and for RTE/Lyric FM in Ireland, where he is still a contributor.


Tom Crann

On April 12, the Bakken Ensemble celebrated 30 years of concerts in the Twin Cities with a program featuring Arensky’s unique String Quartet No. 2 (scored for two cellos) and guest cellist Matt Haimovitz. Listen as Haimovitz and members of the ensemble converse with host Tom Crann about the event!


Tom Crann interviews Matt Haimovitz and members of the Bakken Ensemble

Bakken Ensemble: Interview with Matt Haimovitz

Two women pose with a violin and cello credit Tony Nelson

Bakken Ensemble celebrates 30 years of music with guest Matt Haimovitz 

Rhapsody in Black - Damien Sneed

A musician of multiple hats and genres, Damien Sneed is recognized today as a pianist, vocalist, organist, composer, conductor, arranger, producer and arts educator in high demand. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast. 


Sequestered Thoughts Music Video

Damien Sneed is a musician of many skills and genres

New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Jonathan Biss

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On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pianist Jonathan Biss delivers the final recording of his Beethoven Piano Concerti project: a recording featuring composer Caroline Shaw’s response to Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


A man in casual clothing poses for a studio portrait

Watermark: III

Jonathan Biss and Caroline Shaw respond to Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3

Extra Eclectic - April 13, 2026

To celebrate Earth Month, host Steve Seel brings us modern works on themes of water on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ including Anna Clyne’s ‘Restless Oceans,’ Jake Runestad’s ‘Waves,’ and Maya Beiser’s setting of Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Water’ from his ‘Fete des Belles Eaux.’ Listen now!


Man sitting at piano in front of bookshelf

MPR Hero Stories