New Classical Tracks®

Host Julie Amacher provides an in-depth exploration of a new classical music release each week.

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Lara Downes releases 'Love at Last,' an album of healing and hope

On this week’s New Classical Tracks, pianist Lara Downes delves into her new release, ‘Love at Last,’ an album featuring music of healing and hope. Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of the album!

Violinist Tessa Lark goes back to her roots

In this week’s New Classical Tracks, violinist Tessa Lark combines bluegrass and classical on her latest recording, ‘The Stradgrass Sessions.’

Minnesota Orchestra standing outside Orchestra Hall

Osmo Vänskä finds a message about life in Mahler's Symphony No. 9

In this week’s New Classical Tracks, conductor Osmo Vänskä explores how Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 carries a message of life in his latest recording with the Minnesota Orchestra.

Mehmet Ali Sanlikol combines jazz with classical Turkish music

In this week’s New Classical Tracks, Turkish American composer Mehmet Ali Sanlikol tells how he found jazz in his new recording with the chamber orchestra A Far Cry, ‘A Gentleman of Istanbul.’

Brooklyn Rider creates music out of opportunity

In this week’s New Classical Tracks, Brooklyn Rider violist Nicholas Cords discusses the themes and opportunities involved in the group’s latest album, ‘The Wanderer.’

Conductor JoAnn Falletta has built a reputation championing American composers

In this week’s New Classical Tracks, conductor JoAnn Falletta features the work of American composers Danny Elfman and Adolphus Hailstork on her latest recording.

William Kanengiser and Alexander String Quartet relive British Invasion

In this week’s New Classical Tracks, guitarist William Kanengiser joins forces with the Alexander String Quartet to experience one of rock’s greatest events, which is also the title of their first album, ‘British Invasion.’

Pianists Deborah Moriarty and Zhihua Tang bring many cultures together

In this week’s New Classical Tracks, pianists Deborah Moriarty and Zhihua Tang release four-hand piano music from around the world on their first album, ‘Connecting Cultures.’

Eric Whitacre wants you to feel at 'Home'

In this week’s New Classical Tracks, Eric Whitacre collaborates with British vocal ensemble Voces8 on his latest album, ‘Home.’

Catalyst Quartet uncovers more musical gems in latest 'Uncovered' release

In this week’s New Classical Tracks, the Catalyst Quartet delves into rarely recorded music by composers Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, William Grant Still and George Walker.

The Team

Julie Amacher

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 critiquing a new release each week. It airs locally at 7:15 a.m. Wednesdays and 5:15 p.m. Fridays.