Composers have reflected on themes of love in their music pretty much for as long as music has existed. This week on Learning to Listen, we're going to hear music that reflects ideas of romance or love as Valentine's Day approaches.


Learning to Listen: Themes of Love and Romance

Men's vocal ensemble Cantus join host Alison Young for an hour of music and conversation in celebration of Valentine's Day. Through their music, Cantus give voice to that familiar kind of love we celebrate on this day while also broadening that definition through their songs and personal reflections.


Valentine's Day with Cantus

Alison Young leads a double life as one of our classical hosts and as a long-distance backpacker. As she takes a leave of absence to hike New Zealand's version of the Appalachian Trail, she shares the influence of classical music on her five-month, 1,800-mile trek.


Classical host Alison Young embarks on a 5-month hiking trek across New Zealand

Lonnie Dupre is a Minnesota legend who loves classical music. It keeps him focused, calm, centered, brave and empowered -- and you need every single one of those feelings if you're planning to travel across the North Pole in summer, or circumnavigate Greenland by kayak, or climb Denali all alone in the darkest time of year.


Music with Minnesotans: Arctic explorer Lonnie Dupre finds focus with classical music

Michael Barone, host of 'Pipedreams' and Classical MPR's in-house organ expert, offers an insider's view of the stunning 7,000-pipe Aeolian-Skinner organ at the University of Minnesota's Northrop Auditorium. Join him Saturday to hear it at two free events.


Explore Northrop's newly restored organ with 'Pipedreams' host Michael Barone

The Minnesota Orchestra opens its 2018-2019 season with music from Joan Tower, Aaron Copland and a Brahms concerto performed by pianist Emanuel Ax. Listen to the concert live on Classical MPR at 8 p.m. Friday, hosted by Alison Young.


Listen to Minnesota Orchestra's season-opening concert with Emanuel Ax live on Classical MPR

Jeremy Denk plays one of his favorite pieces, Beethoven's 'Emperor Concerto,' this weekend with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Find out why the pianist loves the work so much and hear his performance Saturday night during Classical MPR's live broadcast of the SPCO's season-opening concert.


Listen live: Jeremy Denk explores Beethoven's 'Emperor Concerto' with the SPCO

The latest Picnic Operetta production, 'Dr. Falstaff and the Working Wives of Lake County,' brings together music, food and the environment in a modern rendition of Otto Nicolai's 'The Merry Wives of Windsor.' It also includes music by Bruce Springsteen.


New Picnic Operetta production combines Minnesota, Shakespeare and Springsteen

Minnesota-born pianist Kenny Broberg has a remarkable attitude toward his musical career and performance routine for such a young man. He chats with us before his debut Tuesday night at the Minnesota Beethoven Festival, which you can hear live on Classical MPR.


Hear rising star Kenny Broberg perform at the Minnesota Beethoven Festival

Find out why Beethoven is the 'most impactful and meaningful' to Joshua Bell as you listen to the superstar violinist's 2017 performance at the Minnesota Beethoven Festival.


Alison Young

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