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Tom Crann is heard on YourClassical MPR from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays. Prior to rejoining the classical team at MPR, Tom was the host of All Things Considered for MPR News from 2005 to 2025, where he interviewed a wide range of public figures, including Minnesota's members of congress, politicians, experts, writers, and artists. He anchored Minnesota Public Radio's award-winning live coverage of the 35W bridge collapse. He has hosted other special coverage for MPR News, including live coverage of election nights since 2012.  He has been a host, producer, and interviewer for Minnesota Public Radio since 1995.   His work on MPR News has been recognized with an Eric Severeid award, a regional Edward R. Murrow award, and a National Headliner award. He has also hosted the international cultural broadcasts "Sounds Irish" and "The Last Night of the Proms," a co-production with the BBC. Tom began his career at MPR/APM as a classical host in 1995. In addition to his work at Minnesota Public Radio, Crann has spent more than 20 years hosting and producing classical music and cultural programs at public radio stations around the U.S, and for RTE/Lyric FM in Ireland, where he is still a contributor.


Tom Crann

We pick the theme — you choose the variation by requesting a piece of music inspired by that theme.


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Shows

Chris McDuffie for MPR

Join us for Theme & Variations

 Join Tom Crann for Theme and Variations the first Friday of every month

Reading the title of a classical piece of music can make you feel like you are already behind. Symphony, prelude, toccata, opus, all those numbers.... Is it important to know what they mean? Performance Today host Valerie Kahler will help decode this confusing taxonomy and give some tips for the next time you open a concert program.

Classically Training, Episode 4 – “Sonatas, concertos, and preludes, oh my!”

Aerin O'Malley

In this episode, Performance Today host Valerie Kahler gives some tips for the next time you open a concert program.


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Classically Training

YourClassical MPR

Classically Training: “Sonatas, concertos, and preludes, oh my!”

Conductors have an important job. They start the music, stop the music, set the tempo, and help shape the sound of a piece. And they do all of this with their arms! However, every conductor does the arm-waving part a little differently. So how do musicians know what to do? This week, our host sits down with conductor Hannah Schendel to help demystify the movement that creates our music.

Classically Training, Episode 3 – What does the arm waving mean?

In this episode, our host sits down with conductor Hannah Schendel to demystify the art of conducting.


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Classically Training: What does the arm waving mean?

There are 88 keys on the piano, and each one plays a different note. But how did they choose those 88 notes and why did they stop there? Is that even something someone chooses? In this episode, Dr. Andy Fleser explains the history of one of the world’s most important instruments. 

Classically Training, Episode 2 – How did the notes on the piano get there?

In this episode, Dr. Andy Fleser explains the history of the piano, one of the world’s most important instruments.


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MPR 

Classically Training: How did the notes on the piano get there?

Classically Training, Episode 1: What is classical music? Our curious host decides this is where her journey should begin but quickly learns that the answer may be harder to find. After consulting with folks on the street and an elementary music class, she decides to get some help from conductor Bill Eddins.

Classically Training, Episode 1: What is classical music?

Our curious host quickly learns that the answer may be harder to find.


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Classically Training: What is classical music?

Classical music can feel intimidating. The jargon, history, and virtuosity make the genre feel like an exclusive club. Classically Training is a new video podcast for folks who are curious about classical music and need a place to start. In this podcast from YourClassical MPR, follow your eager host, Aerin O'Malley, on her own journey to classically train. In each episode, Aerin brings her burning questions to classical music experts to try and get some answers. Follow along for a season of curiosity, discovery, great teachers, and music. The first episode drops Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.

Classically Training: Podcast Trailer

Classically Training is a new video podcast for folks who are curious about classical music and need a place to start. 


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Coming September 8: Classically Training

Pipedreams® 

APM/MPR

SymphonyCast® 

Where classical music is always arriving, with host Steve Seel. Listen live at 10 p.m. central every Wednesday on YourClassical Radio.


Extra Eclectic

Hear audio from Minnesota Orchestra concerts for 30 days after YourClassical MPR’s broadcasts and read more about the orchestra’s activities.


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