YourClassical MPR

In this episode, composers Shruthi Rajasekar, Janika Vandervelde, and Dan Nass take a seat at the Composers Roundtable to share how they turn their ideas into music.

In this episode, Performance Today host Valerie Kahler gives some tips for the next time you open a concert program.

Introduce basic musical concepts to a kid — or yourself — with Class Notes.

In this episode, our host sits down with conductor Hannah Schendel to demystify the art of conducting.

In this episode, Dr. Andy Fleser explains the history of the piano, one of the world’s most important instruments.

Our curious host quickly learns that the answer may be harder to find.

Follow along as YourClassical tracks the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, one of the world’s most prestigious showcases of rising piano talent.

Explore the evolution of contemporary classical music with YourClassical. Discover innovative compositions and composers pushing artistic boundaries today.

Explore the beauty and drama of the most famous opera songs. From soaring arias to lively dances, explore the most popular opera compositions to date.

Unlock the amazing benefits of classical music for your baby’s development. Explore how it can soothe, stimulate and nurture growth. Read on to learn more!

Discover the transformative power of classical music and its benefits to your mind and soul. Read more to elevate your everyday life through music!

Discover everything you need to know about classical music and video games. Learn more about the pieces featured during your next gaming session.

Birge took the plunge behind the microphone and has been connecting the dots for YourClassical MPR listeners for 29 years – including 21 as morning show host. Listen to his last regular shift, which took place on Aug. 28, as well as his “exit interview” with host Tom Crann.

As the largest gift the organization has ever received, artistic and executive director Scott Lykins says it will be used “to pave the way to a sustainable future.”

YourClassical Programming at the Minnesota State Fair 2026

Shortly after Matt Haimovitz took a teaching position at the University of Minnesota, the Twin Cities became the target of the ICE surge. Haimovitz teamed up with his U of M colleagues and students to meet the moment musically.

You voted for your favorite composers, listen as host Tom Crann reveals the results on YourClassical’s American Composers Countdown!

A 1976 interview by MPR’s Dennis Rooney features the “Dean of American Music” reflecting on music and composers ahead of three Bicentennial performances at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.

For decades, an Israel-based father-son team have been recovering and repairing violins played by Jewish musicians that survived the Holocaust. Through June, those violins are touring the state.

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.

Concert band is a large part of classical music, yet many composers don't get the recognition they deserve for contributing to the genre. Here are 10 band composers you should know — besides the March King, John Philip Sousa.

This National Poetry Month, join host Andrea Blain for ‘Words and Music of Black America,’ a special featuring music with texts by Black poets. Listen now!

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

Kavakos will begin his three-year appointment in 2027.

The artistic collective Sing Democracy 250 recently marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a powerful message of hope for democracy through music. Listen now to this one-hour special, hosted by John Birge, that encourages us to build a more perfect union together!

So you’ve invited some folks for dinner. The table is set, the food is prepped — now, what about music? Here’s a course-by-course playlist to fit the menu.

The American rail system is a metaphor for how culture has changed over the centuries. To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, join violinist and composer Curtis Stewart for ‘I Am the Migration,’ a special featuring Stewart’s own family's American story, which he used as inspiration for his new set of 24 American Caprices.

Where classical music is always arriving, with host Steve Seel. Listen live at 10 p.m. Central every Monday on YourClassical Radio.

Despite being a fundamental part of life on earth, change is difficult for everybody. Join host Zuzu Black for ‘Transitioning: The Music of Change,’ an hourlong special featuring Queer and trans musicians that explores the many complex and interwoven facets of change. Listen now!

May 26 marks the birth centenary of one of America’s most prolific and revolutionary composers: Miles Davis. In celebration, join host Kevin O’Connor for selections from Davis’ most influential album, as well as commentary and facts about Davis’ life, in Milestones: Kind of Blue.

Underground Noise invites you to the soundscape of the fungal world. Hear the one-hour special on Monday, Feb. 9, at 9 p.m. Central on YourClassical MPR.

Tigre Tigre is a new production from the Fox and Beggar Theater company, whose productions combine street theater, dance, puppetry, circus arts, and what it calls “folk opera.”  

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

The Metropolitan Opera makes its productions available to listeners via free live audio streams. Check out the schedule and listen now!

This Easter, as always, the 'Messiah' oratorio is in full play. But do you want to venture beyond Handel's masterpiece? Then check out our picks for 10 other great works for Holy Week.

For the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ Valerie Kahler delves into the fascinating history of this great work and shares an array of performers who interpreted it. Listen now to 'Blue Centennial': Celebrating a Century of Gershwin’s 'Rhapsody'!