MPR Hero Stories

On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, we’re looking skyward, toward both the sun and the stars. Selections include music by Meredith Monk, Max Richter, Terry Riley and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ French pianist Bertrand Chamayou and Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes collaborate on an album featuring four-hand piano music from the final year of Franz Schubert’s life. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!

Classical music host Mindy Ratner has gathered a collection of conversations with some of those touched directly by the Holocaust. Listen now to 'Kaddish: Reflections on the Holocaust in Music and Words.'

Columbia University graduate and polyglot Paul Robeson was a bass-baritone who advocated for the performance of African American spirituals in classical spaces. Considered a ‘darling of the entertainment industry,’ he was almost erased from history for his outspoken activism. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ our theme is a simple one: “big” and “small” pieces. In the first hour, the works come in large sizes, including Steve Reich’s ‘Music for a Large Ensemble.’ We get small in the second hour with Nico Muhly’s ‘Small Variations.’ Listen now with host Steve Seel!

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ the educational fellowship program, national radio show, and podcast ‘From the Top’ celebrates its silver anniversary with a new digital recording featuring performances by young musicians and guest artists. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!

While protesting the difficult conditions of racism and injustice in the United States, people sang freedom songs to give them strength to keep on working for the cause. Join us for ‘Songs of Freedom,’ narrated by G. Phillip Shoultz. Listen now!

Thursday night at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis, scores of classical music fans turned out for the YourClassical MPR Happy Hour, which featured hospitality and live music.

Find out how a chance meeting with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. helped give composer and conductor Paul Freeman the resolve to make classical music more inclusive and diverse on the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast. Listen now.

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ we hear music that honors sadness, grief and healing. Selections include Tamar Sagiv’s ‘Shades of Mourning,’ “Longing” from Dobrinka Tabakova’s Concerto for Cello and Strings and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!