How do you feel about classical music?

When I’m doing tasks like cooking, exercising or cleaning.

When I’m reading or studying, for example.

When I’m relaxing, sleeping or just “hanging out.

When I’m paying attention solely to the music

When does listening to music bring you the most joy?

I attend a few shows a year, but it’s not a large part of my life.

I regularly attend live shows and can’t get enough of them.

Do you enjoy live music?

I know what I like and rarely stray from my favorites.

I’m open to new things, but there are classics for a reason.

I relish discovering the new and unfamiliar.

When it comes to listening to music …

I like folk, bluegrass and more traditional forms.

If it’s improvised and cool, I’m there.

If I’m not listening to classical music, I’m listening to …

Rooted in Black music history in the Americas and worldwide.

Going beyond Western Europe traditions, often influenced by folk music.

Drawing from traditional music of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and more.

Delving into traditional music of Native Americans and other First Nations.

Surveying traditional music of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Exploring traditional music cultures from around the world.

I'd like to learn more about music from:

Take a 2 minute quiz to share your taste

We'll recommend YourClassical programming just for you

Discover the power and joy of classical music

Man playing violin

Start the quiz

We can help you find classical music you'll love

No public concert today, but VocalEssence has a radio date at the BBC. After lunch and shopping in Covent Garden (including Puccini-singing buskers adjacent to the Royal Opera House), we head for the BBC's Broadcast House for a live performance on "In Tune," on Radio 3.

Studio space is tight, so there's room for only half of the Ensemble Singers. But the atmosphere is genial.

Affable host Sean Rafferty was very taken by the music, and interviewed conductor Philip Brunelle and two singers. Here's how it looked from the control room:

"In Tune" airs weekdays from 5p -7p, and mixes live performance and chat in a fashion not unlike our own "Performance Today." Top-drawer talent only: Yo Yo Ma was the guest the day before, and just before VocalEssence sang, Sean Rafferty had a live phone interview with Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb, about the Met's financial crisis. You can 

.  This visit was a treat for me as well, as I was able to get a radio-insiders tour of the the BBC studios. How reassuring to discover that the BBC is every bit as messy as every other radio station I've ever ever seen!

Next, it's the first of two London concerts, an all-American program with some special treats for Inauguration Day. Be sure to tune in to Classical Minnesota Public Radio this evening at 8pm for the performance from St. John's, Smith Square in London.

For many more tour photos, check out the 

, and for the singer's inside track, the 

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

No public concert today, but VocalEssence has a radio date at the BBC. After lunch and shopping in Covent Garden (including Puccini-singing buskers adjacent to the Royal Opera House), we head for the BBC’s Broadcast House for a live performance on “In Tune,” on Radio 3. Studio space is tight, so there’s room for only […]


VocalEssence in the UK: Day 3 – London

Love the music?

Your Donation