MPR Hero Stories

YourClassical celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with our brand new Hispanic Heritage Month Stream. Join Ines Guanchez as she explores the rich musical traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Cantus and Imani Winds join forces for ‘My Ancestors Speak,’ a powerful joint concert that unites a stunning vocal octet and a dynamic wind quintet for story and song that explores and celebrates the rich, diverse cultural lineages of both ensembles. Listen to the concert now!

At this time of year, Jews around the world gather together to celebrate new beginnings. Listen as host Mindy Ratner guides us in a musical observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, in 'Music for the Days of Awe: An Observance of the Jewish High Holidays.’

Violinist and composer George Bridgetower was good friends with Ludwig Van Beethoven. So much so that Beethoven wrote a violin sonata just for him. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Conductor Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra present their new release featuring music by Antonin Dvorak and Carlos Simon recorded live in the historic Heinz Hall. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.

A performance of Wynton Marsalis’ Concerto for Orchestra recorded at the 2026 BBC Proms offers a look at modern classical works inspired by jazz on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ which also showcases works by Jon Batiste, Earl Louis Stewart and Jeff Scott. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

Afro-Brazilian guitarist Plinio Fernandes’ style is a unique alchemy of the Brazilian folk and popular songs he grew up with, Latin classical traditions and the Western canon. He recently released his debut album and is working to teach and inspire new generations of musicians. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Violinist and composer Curtis Stewart recently released a two-CD recording featuring ‘24 American Caprices’ composed in the styles of the many genres he grew up listening to on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.

Brass instruments are the focus on episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ in solo, duo and ensemble settings. Selections include Valerie Coleman’s ‘Fanfare for Uncommon Times,’ Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Apparition du Christ Glorieux’ and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

Earlier this summer, pianist Jonathan Biss reunited with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra for a concert that honored the lives and music of Robert and Clara Schumann. Listen to the concert now!