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!


Minnesota Opera

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

John Williams turns 94

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

Rhapsody in Black: Gil Scott-Heron

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

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.


Rhapsody in Black - 20250220

Rhapsody in Black

Provided

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

New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Christopher Tin

New Classical Tracks - 20260204

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,’ 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!


A large choir giving a concert in a performance space

Behind-The-Scenes: Rehearsing 'Song Offerings' with Kantorei

New Classical Tracks® 

Daniel Herman

Kantorei and Joel Rinsema commission Christopher Tin for new recording

Minnesota Orchestra - Jan. 30, 2026

Minnesota Orchestra - January 16, 2026

Guest conductor Fabien Gabel led the Minnesota Orchestra in music by Debussy, Dukas, Shin and Roussel, with an appearance by Principal Violist Rebecca Albers. Listen to the concert now.


Meet YourClassical MPR's Melissa Ousley

Thomas Søndergård: Taken by the Sound | Minnesota Orchestra

Celebrating a Century on the Airwaves

Minnesota Orchestra

Courtesy of the Artist

Listen: Gabel and Albers perform a U.S. premiere with the Minnesota Orchestra

Extra Eclectic - Feb. 2, 2026

As ‘Extra Eclectic’ moves to its new Monday evening time slot, host Steve Seel centers the show’s first hour on themes of “a new day,” including works by John Adams, Thomas Ades and Dobrinka Tabakova. Listen now!


Extra Eclectic

A new day

Calling all young Minnesota artists ages 14 to 28! The 2026 Karin Larson YourClassical Prize is open for entries.

Showcase your talent for your chance to win a cash prize and a recording studio session. Entries will be accepted through March 31, 2026. Find the entry form, all the guidelines and rules, meet our past winners, and learn more about Karin Larson below.

Questions? Contact karinlarsonprize@mpr.org


The Karin Larson YourClassical Prize

Saturday Cinema - Jan. 31, 2026

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel shares listeners’ requests for their favorite film music. Selections include music from ‘Toy Story,’ ‘Schindler’s List’ and ‘Home Alone.’ Listen now!


Public Domain via Houston Public Media

January listener requests

Minnesota Opera - Romeo and Juliet

Minnesota Opera presents Gounod’s ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ a story about timeless love and family feuds. Listen to the concert now!
