I used to play or listen to it and want to reconnect with that part of my life.

I listen to it regularly and want to engage with it on a deeper level.

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.

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Ammy Lin, winner of the 2024 Karin Larson YourClassical Prize, demonstrates the qudu dizi, a Chinese bamboo flute, and describes what makes it distinctive.

Jenny Cvek/MPR

Composer, vocal activist and conductor Melanie DeMore talks about her deep connection with VocalEssence, a relationship which started in 2014, and the way in which the ensemble creates spaces for members of the community.


Melanie DeMore on working with VocalEssence

Listen as the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, led by Melanie DeMore, take you on a journey from sea to sky in this rendition of “If I Were Bird”, recorded at the flagship studios of Minnesota Public Radio in St. Paul. Enjoy! 


VocalEssence Ensemble Singers: If I Were Bird

In 2010, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt wrote a piece dedicated to conductor Paavo Järvi. Listen as Järvi speaks with host Julie Amacher about the piece in this clip from ‘New Classical Tracks,’ where he also discusses his latest album celebrating Pärt’s 90th birthday.


Kaupo Kikkas

New Classical Tracks: Paavo Järvi

Pianist Angela Hewitt speaks with host Julie Amacher about the importance of having a singing voice when performing Mozart. Learn more about Hewitt’s recent album on the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks.’


Keith Saunders

New Classical Tracks: Angela Hewitt

Congratulations to VocalEssence for the release of their latest album, ‘How to Hold On,’ available today! To celebrate, listen as composer, vocal activist and conductor Melanie DeMore talks about how blessed she is to sing and feel connected to other human beings. 


Melanie DeMore on 'Blessed Be' with VocalEssence

Congratulations to VocalEssence for the release of their latest album, ‘How to Hold On,’ available today! Enjoy as conductor Philip Brunelle leads the group in a performance of one of the pieces featured on the album, “Blessed Be” by composer Melanie DeMore. 


VocalEssence Ensemble Singers: Blessed Be

Reading the title of a classical piece of music can make you feel like you are already behind. Symphony, prelude, toccata, opus, all those numbers.... Is it important to know what they mean? Performance Today host Valerie Kahler will help decode this confusing taxonomy and give some tips for the next time you open a concert program.

Classically Training, Episode 4 – “Sonatas, concertos, and preludes, oh my!”

In this episode, Performance Today host Valerie Kahler gives some tips for the next time you open a concert program.


YourClassical MPR

Classically Training: “Sonatas, concertos, and preludes, oh my!”

Conductors have an important job. They start the music, stop the music, set the tempo, and help shape the sound of a piece. And they do all of this with their arms! However, every conductor does the arm-waving part a little differently. So how do musicians know what to do? This week, our host sits down with conductor Hannah Schendel to help demystify the movement that creates our music.

Classically Training, Episode 3 – What does the arm waving mean?

In this episode, our host sits down with conductor Hannah Schendel to demystify the art of conducting.


Classically Training: What does the arm waving mean?

There are 88 keys on the piano, and each one plays a different note. But how did they choose those 88 notes and why did they stop there? Is that even something someone chooses? In this episode, Dr. Andy Fleser explains the history of one of the world’s most important instruments. 

Classically Training, Episode 2 – How did the notes on the piano get there?

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


MPR 

Classically Training: How did the notes on the piano get there?

Classically Training, Episode 1: What is classical music? Our curious host decides this is where her journey should begin but quickly learns that the answer may be harder to find. After consulting with folks on the street and an elementary music class, she decides to get some help from conductor Bill Eddins.

Ammy Lin: Qudu Dizi Demonstration

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