Brian's Picks: Abbie Betinis

The St. Olaf Christmas Festival has become one of the nation's most cherished holiday celebrations. Listen now as the Northfield-based college presents its 2022 program, “Promise of Peace,” from Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, with host Valerie Kahler, in this one-hour special.

The Minneapolis youth choir Known MPLS is making an impact in song and in community. ‘Known MPLS first and foremost exists to consistently provide a safe space for youth to thrive,’ director Courtland Pickens says. Find out more about these remarkable singers, and watch their performance of ‘Up Above My Head.’

Over three days in mid-November, the Voces8 Scholars, the U.S.-based training ensemble for the U.K.’s esteemed Voces8, recorded two Christmas songs prepared exclusively for YourClassical MPR listeners as part of our Carol Countdown. Watch now!

May 26 marks the birth centenary of one of America’s most prolific and revolutionary composers: Miles Davis. In celebration, join host Kevin O’Connor for selections from Davis’ most influential album, as well as commentary and facts about Davis’ life, in Milestones: Kind of Blue.

‘Christmas With Cantus’ is a beloved holiday tradition for YourClassical MPR listeners featuring the eight voices of the male vocal ensemble live in concert.

'All Is Bright', with host Lynne Warfel, offers an hour of gorgeous, contemplative choral music that tells the traditional Christmas story with songs about angels, the star and the manger scene. Featured artists include Cantus, Chanticleer, Cambridge Singers, Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, Jessye Norman, and a variety of choirs.

At a time when everything around us feels disconnected and divisive, how do we hold on? Melanie DeMore uses the power of music to bring us together in ‘How to Hold On,’ a radio special featuring her original songs of comfort and solace performed by VocalEssence. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!

Two fabled vocal groups, one from Minnesota, the other from England, will perform together onstage at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on Thursday, Feb. 12. John Birge spoke to a member of each ensemble before the show.

YourClassical MPR’s live broadcast of 'A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols' from King's College, Cambridge, with host Michael Barone, has ended and on-demand audio is no longer available. Join us on Christmas Eve 2026 for another unforgettable service.

Each December, the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, rings out with the sacred and the exuberant: the sounds of the Christmas season. Enjoy the 2024 program, ‘Seeking Refuge for a Weary World.’