Song of Joy: The Mendelssohns

The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin performs an Irish lullaby that dates from 1904.

Concert band is a large part of classical music, yet many composers don't get the recognition they deserve for contributing to the genre. Here are 10 band composers you should know — besides the March King, John Philip Sousa.

At this time of year, Jews around the world gather together to celebrate new beginnings. Listen as host Mindy Ratner guides us in a musical observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, in 'Music for the Days of Awe: An Observance of the Jewish High Holidays.’

You might spend your Labor Day at a cookout or a mattress sale, or packing away your flip-flops. But maybe you just want to relax and contemplate the meaning behind the holiday. Listen to these works celebrating workers.

Looking for a patriotic soundtrack for your July Fourth celebration? We've programmed a 4-hour playlist of classical and Americana music to go with whatever you're doing on Independence Day, from cooking out to watching fireworks.

Who needs another playing of Lee Greenwood’s gooey, inordinate, moralistic schlep of a song ‘God Bless the USA’ when there’s so much other great Americana music to explore for Independence Day? Classical host Ward Jacobson offers his recommendations for a musical July Fourth to remember.

This Juneteenth we commemorate the holiday with two contrasting and power playlist — Remembrance and Celebration. Remembrance is about the past and represents the struggle of Black Americans to get to where we are today and Celebration is about the joy and jubilee felt in the presence of positive change for now and in the future.

‘Shine: A Summer Solstice Celebration’ highlights composers and musicians who celebrate this glorious season and will inspire listeners to celebrate the longest day of the year. Listen now with host Melanie Renate.

There are many different versions of ‘The Snow Maiden,’ but this one reminds us to treasure winter as a special time of year instead of always wishing for warmer weather. Find out more in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring storytelling by Valerie Kahler, music by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

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!