Voces8 U.S. Scholars and Augsburg/Mirandola Chamber Collective: 'Nunc Dimittis' by Paul Smith

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

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

The event, held Wednesday, July 23, brought people together at Surdyk’s Liquor & Cheese Shop in Minneapolis for a convivial evening of music, food and beverage tastings.

Jess Gillam is a phenomenal young saxophonist who has already made her mark in the world of classical music. Listen to Gillam’s performance of her own arrangement of Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen’s ‘Shine You No More,’ recording during her recent visit to Minnesota Public Radio’s headquarters.

This year marks the 300th anniversary of Antonio Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons,’ the famous concertos that took over 200 years to become popular. Recently, the Janoska Ensemble, made up of three brothers from Slovakia, has given these concertos a makeover in their style.

What does a conductor really do? To answer this question, YourClassical Fellow Anna Tessman collaborated with conductor Hannah Schendel to help students learn exactly that through a series of masterclasses across the Twin Cities. Find out more!

For half a century, students have come to Red Wing to learn the art and craft of instrumental building and repair at Minnesota State College Southeast. On May 15 and 16, 2025, the college celebrated those “50 Years of Lutherie” with a showcase of its guitar and violin programs.

Will a clever fly outsmart a hungry frog? Find out in the June episode of YourClassical Storytime, ‘Franklin the Frog,’ featuring narration by Fred Child with Meghann Oglesby and Derrick Stevens, illustration by Joseph Midthun and Daniel Hoffstrom, and music by Georges Bizet. Listen now!

Watch as saxophonist Jess Gillam talks about her instruments, an alto and a soprano saxophone both crafted by hand by Yanagisawa, in her conversation with host Julie Amacher.

Watch as composer Michael Daugherty talks about the final piece on his latest album. The composition, ‘Into the New World,’ features a solo for the euphonium, the instrument that Neil Armstrong learned in high school and played throughout his life.