Classical host Mindy Ratner is a constant companion for listeners. Join us as we celebrate 40 years of her friendly, authoritative presence on the airwaves of YourClassical MPR and across the nation on YourClassical Radio with this compilation of some of her “greatest hits.”
But first: Mindy’s colleagues and friends celebrated her tenure with a party Tuesday, June 13, at MPR’s headquarters in downtown St. Paul. Members of the Minnesota Chorale, with which Mindy performs, surprised her at the bash with a flash-mob performance of Melanie DeMore's "Blessed Be," changing the original line of "Blest, be, blessed be the living tree" to "Brava Mindy, on the radio, since '83." Then they sang a few other songs, including Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy C. Takach's "A Silver Thread," an excerpt of which is shown below. That's Mindy singing at center in the print dress!
Great moments on the air
Mindy’s on-air highlights since 1983 are too many to count, but here are a few favorites from our archives.
In the late ‘90s, she received the rare opportunity to take a leave of absence for a limited-term hosting position on China Radio International. It all began with a visit from the deputy director of the English Service at CRI. In this MPR News segment from April 29, 1998 (titled “Bye Bye Mindy” in our archives), she explains to host Bob Potter how what initially seemed like an outlandish offer turned into a real-life adventure.
More than a year later, on Sept. 28, 1999, Mindy checked in from Beijing to tell MPR News listeners about the government’s preparations for the 50th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and how she learned to do a unique Chinese dance.
Itzhak Perlman is recognized as one of the finest violinists in the world, and he has 16 Grammys, four Emmys and many other honors to prove it. In 2003, he talked to Mindy before a sold-out recital at the Schubert Club — his first Minnesota concert in more than a decade at the time — about how, even after four decades as a top international performer, the music still moves him.
For Throwback Thursday during our winter member drive in February 2022, Mindy shared a memory that goes back “many, many years,” when she was one of only two women on the entire YourClassical MPR staff. She recalls a wonderful encounter with an older woman and her granddaughter that she still holds dear in her heart.
Memorable specials
Mindy regularly produces and hosts specials that draw on her expertise, whether it’s her Jewish heritage or experience with Chinese culture. These programs air on YourClassical MPR, as well as on hundreds of stations across the nation.
In Kaddish: Reflections on the Holocaust in Music and Words, Mindy gathers a collection of conversations with some of those touched directly by the Holocaust. Guests include Theodore Bikel — actor, singer, social activist and master storyteller — who came to the Twin Cities in June 2013, and longtime radio professional Martin Goldsmith, plus members of our own community with stories and insights to share. The music curated by Mindy is especially poignant for this touching observance, which in 2017 won a Gabriel Award, a Catholic honor that recognizes excellence in broadcasting.
Mindy’s Candles Burning Brightly is a delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights. It boasts lots of music from Jewish communities worldwide, a hilarious lesson on preparing a classic Hanukkah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home. The program was first produced 20 years ago and went national in 2013. She produces a new program periodically, most recently in December 2022.
Drawing from her extensive experience of living in China, Mindy explores the significance of the Lunar New Year and the zodiac signs in Spring Moon – A Musical Celebration of the Lunar New Year. This festive holiday is known as Chun Jie (Spring Festival) in China, Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea. It’s also celebrated in other countries and cultures, mainly in East Asia.
Great moments online
Mindy has made many online-only contributions for listeners, including:
Mindy Ratner, Classical MPR's voice of Christmas Day for 30 years: Find out why she says, “I've always worked Christmas."
8 songs for 8 nights: Music for Hanukkah: Mindy joins with former music director Ryan Lohr to curate musical selections for the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Mindy Ratner spends the day at Pere Lachaise: She recounts in 2011 how she spent “the better part of a day” in Paris’ famous cemetery, the final resting place of many luminaries.
On the Classical MPR stage: MPR Choir: How did Mindy end up leading a choir at the Minnesota State Fair? "I couldn't say no!" she says in this 2014 article.
Mindy Ratner: 40 years in photos
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