Herbie Hancock helped rewrite post-bop language and reimagined the rhythm section as a conversational engine. But his musical imagination wouldn’t stop at jazz. He has continued composing for film and the concert hall alike. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.
No, 2025 isn’t over, but that’s not stopping us from pausing to take stock of some of our favorite releases and discoveries of the year on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Host Steve Seel shares music by Reena Esmail, Shirley Thompson and more. Listen now!
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ conductor Paavo Järvi leads the Estonian Festival Orchestra in music by Arvo Pärt in honor of the Estonian composer’s 90th birthday. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
On Sunday, Sept. 14, Twin Cities native William Yang performed an all-Chopin concert at Macalester College as part of the Chopin Society’s 42nd season. Listen to the concert in preparation of Yang’s third round performance at the 19th International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland.
NPR's Scott Detrow talks with Ana Gonzalez and cellist Yo-Yo Ma about their new podcast 'Our Common Nature' from WNYC, which connects music with nature and place.
Fans of "La traviata," "Aida," and "Otello" creator Giuseppi Verdi met at his statue in New York City Friday to mark 212 years since his birth.
On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel celebrates the biggest names in Hollywood over these two decades: Katherine Hepburn, Humphry Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Elizabeth Taylor and more. Listen now!
Calling all young Minnesota artists ages 14 to 28! Showcase your talent for your chance to win a cash prize and a studio session at Minnesota Public Radio’s Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser Studio in St. Paul or another professional recording studio. Mark your calendar: Submissions open Feb. 1, 2026, and close March 31, 2026. The winners in our Preprofessional Musician and Emerging Artist categories will be selected by vote by YourClassical listeners. Find out how to prepare your entry, check out the official rules, find frequently asked questions, and meet our past winners below! More details about the 2026 competition will be added to this page later this year. Questions? Contact karinlarsonprize@mpr.org
Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis redefined the genre in subtle and caustic ways. While he had great success he was always restless for innovation. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.
