Photos: Scenes from MPR Day at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair

Tania León has been hailed as an astoundingly original composer and a music ambassador who continues to impact classical music significantly. Her inspiring story showcases her perseverance and commitment to excellence in the face of adversity. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

For decades, an Israel-based father-son team have been recovering and repairing violins played by Jewish musicians that survived the Holocaust. Through June, those violins are touring the state.

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ violinist Gil Shaham performs Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Violin Concerto alongside conductor Eric Jacobson and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!

Composers have quoted, borrowed from, and paid tribute to earlier composers for centuries, and Steve Seel brings us some contemporary examples on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Featured composers include Caroline Shaw, Greg Saunier and Curt Sydnor. Listen now!

On Friday, May 8, Minnesota Orchestra’s Thomas Søndergård delivered a program including selections from operas by Wagner and Bartók, featuring guest soloists Michelle DeYoung and Nathan Berg. Listen to the concert now!

Host Steve Staruch speaks with cast members Amanda Batista and Won Whi Choi, as well as Principal Coach and Chorus Director Celeste Marie Johnson, in preparation for the Minnesota Opera’s opening night of Leoncavallo's 'Pagliacci,' this Saturday, May 9. Listen now!

Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis is internationally known for his outstanding career in jazz. Many don’t know that he has also found success in classical music. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes pays tribute to Norwegian composer Geirr Tveitt on his latest project featuring the composer’s only piano sonata, as well as folk tunes and songs performed by Andsnes’ sister: vocalist Solveig Andsnes. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!

This annual “Star Wars Day” provides the inspiration for the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ with works about space and stars. Steve Seel also pays tribute to composer Michael Harrison, who died on April 17, with a performance of his ‘Just Constellations.’ Listen now!

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!