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.

This week on Birge’s Picks, experience the wonder of chamber music. 


3 + 4 + 3 = Infinity

This week on Birge’s Picks, experience works that take you worldwide and beyond. 


World music and a world of music!

This week on Birge’s Picks, two excellent artists perform concerts in St. Paul this week. 


Decisions, decisions…

This week on Birge’s Picks, experience classical music that is infused with music from various regions of the world. 


Persia to Iberia, Paris to Punjab

This week on Birge’s Picks, explore a weekend stuffed with great live orchestral music across the state.


An orchestral carnival

This week on Birge’s Picks, Minnesotan rising star Jack Swanson returns for an intimate recital in Duluth.


Stillwater singer who’s not standing still

This week on Birge’s Picks, go out and enjoy live Christmas music throughout the region.


Last call for live Christmas music

This week on Birge’s Picks, George Frideric Handel’s ‘Messiah’ makes its way throughout Minnesota and the surrounding area.


Hallelujah!  It’s Handel’s 'Messiah'

"Welcome Christmas" is a perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world's premier choral ensembles, conducted by Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz. Join host John Birge for an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries, including compositions and arrangements by Zanaida Robles, Daniel Kantor, Sarah Quartel and more.


Welcome Christmas!

This week on Birge’s Picks, Osmo Vänskä is back at the Minnesota Orchestra to finish up his Mahler cycle and Joshua Bell brings his violin back to perform with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.


Decisions, decisions

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

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