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

Rhapsody in Black - Awadagin Pratt

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

Awadagin Pratt is a professor of piano at the University of Cincinnati and the recipient of multiple awards. He’s never shied away from talking about his experiences as a Black man in classical music, and he’s working to make it a more welcoming space. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.


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Pratt plays Chopin

Rhapsody in Black

Rob Davidson

Awadagin Pratt is opening doors for young Black classical artists

Minnesota Orchestra - January 30, 2026

Minnesota Orchestra - January 16, 2026

Guest conductor Juraj Valčuha leads the Minnesota Orchestra in a program featuring film music by Herrmann, an overture by Tchaikovsky and a symphony by Rachmaninoff. Listen to the live broadcast with host Melissa Ousley at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, on YourClassical MPR.


Meet YourClassical MPR's Melissa Ousley

Thomas Søndergård: Taken by the Sound | Minnesota Orchestra

Celebrating a Century on the Airwaves

Minnesota Orchestra

Courtesy Vermont Classics / Anne Petkov 

Minnesota Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff

Minnesota Opera - 'The Snowy Day': Leah Hawkins Interview

Minnesota Opera - 'The Snowy Day': Raven McMillon Interview

Minnesota Opera presents ‘The Snowy Day,’ the story of a young boy who finds joy and wonder in the first snowfall of winter. Enjoy behind the scene conversations with members of the cast and listen to our broadcast of this production on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. with host Steve Staruch.


Minnesota Opera 'Snowy Day' - Creating snowballs!

Minnesota Opera

Lynn Lane/Minnesota Opera

The Minnesota Opera presents 'The Snowy Day'

New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Gautier Capuçon

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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® 

M. Bertrand Delapierre / Émile Palandre

Gautier Capucon shows gratitude for Mother Earth on new album

Extra Eclectic - Feb. 9, 2026

When we hear “percussion,” we often think of drums — but the world of percussion contains so much more, and we explore that world on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ in works by Shelley Washington, Ayanna Woods, Andy Akiho and more. Listen now!





Extra Eclectic

Da Ping Luo

Percussive possibilities

Interview: John Birge talks to Cantus' Paul Scholtz and The Kings Singers Christopher Bruerton about choral piece, "MLK"

John Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.


John Birge

Two fabled vocal groups, one from Minnesota, the other from England, will perform together onstage at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on Thursday, Feb. 12. John Birge spoke to a member of each ensemble before the show. 


“MLK” by U2, arr. Bob Chilcott

Roosevelt Mansfield (Cantus); courtesy Intermusica (TKS)

Cantus, The King's Singers to perform onstage together in Minneapolis

MN Opera - My Name is Florence

Minnesota Opera: 'My Name is Florence' interview

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

On Jan. 31, the Minnesota Opera presented the world premiere of ‘My Name is Florence.’ Listen as host Steve Staruch speaks to members of the cast — then enjoy on-demand audio of the concert!


Liam James Doyle for MPR News

Listen: The Minnesota Opera presents 'My Name is Florence'

Saturday Cinema - Feb. 7, 2026

Lynne has been at this radio thing since 1984 when she fell into an historic job at KFAC AM and FM, the commercial classical station in Los Angeles.  She was the first woman staff announcer in the station's history, and it was such big news back then, it made the LA newspapers and national radio publications.  She is thrilled women in radio is no longer newsworthy.


Lynne Warfel

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel shares a full program of music by John Williams, from deep cuts and fan favorites. Selections include music from ‘Jaws,’ ‘The Cowboys’ and ‘Time Tunnel.’ Listen now!


Saturday Cinema

Michael Kovac/Getty Images

John Williams turns 94

Rhapsody in Black: Gil Scott-Heron

Gil Scott-Heron was a self-described ‘bluesologist’ and a bold voice of social activism in music in the 1970s and ‘80s. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


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Provided

Gil Scott-Heron's message for the 1970s — and today

New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Christopher Tin

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On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ conductor Joel Rinsema and choral ensemble Kantorei present their latest album, featuring a commissioned piece by composer Christopher Tin about holding space for joy in times of darkness. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
