André 3000’s ‘New Black Sun,’ released 17 years after his previous album, has no lyrics — but it does have plenty of jazzy flute. He’s not the first popular artist to incorporate the instrument. Here are 10 more great flute champions in pop and rock music, besides André 3000.


Andre 3000 celebrates the flute — and he's not the first pop artist to do so

Have you ever wondered why the conductor uses a baton? The answer might surprise you.


Why does the conductor use a baton?

To accompany Bradley Cooper’s new film, ‘Maestro,’ in which he embodies the legendary Leonard Bernstein, we offer 10 of the composer/conductor’s great recordings.


10 great recordings by 'Maestro' Leonard Bernstein

Is there a more expressive or versatile instrument than the violin? Have a listen to the evidence, and you’ll see why it’s the best instrument ever.


Is the violin the best instrument ever?

Duluth composer Wendy Durrwachter wrote her symphony ‘Laurentia’ to celebrate the waters and geology of the North Shore. The work will have its premiere with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra in November. 


Duluth composer Wendy Durrwachter's 'Laurentia' symphony premieres in November

We asked listeners for their go-to creepy classical music choices to add a little spirit to a Halloween playlist. Here’s the countdown of their favorites.


Listeners scare up a creepy classical music countdown for Halloween

We recently offered a playlist of 10 great choral works, and listeners responded with their own choices. Here are some of their favorites.


More great choral works, as suggested by Choral Stream listeners

‘Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin,’ a tribute to courageous prisoners at a Nazi concentration camp, will be performed Oct. 20 and 21 in Bismarck. But how did this internationally acclaimed ‘concert-drama’ end up in Bismarck, and how did it all start in Minneapolis?


'Defiant Requiem,' a tribute to courage during the Holocaust, to be performed in Bismarck

School is back in session, and maybe your student has joined the band. You might be thinking ‘76 Trombones’ or ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ — but let’s go beyond those warhorses and learn about these 13 great works for concert band.


Listen to these 13 great works for concert band

The Minnesota Orchestra’s recording of ‘brea(d)th,’ which premiered in May at Orchestra Hall, has been released on all streaming platforms by Decca Records. 


Cynthia Dickison

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