Classical music lovers turn out for YourClassical MPR Happy Hour with the Havana Quartet

This Friday, July 24, Sarah Hicks leads the Minnesota Orchestra in a salute to composer John Williams! This program features some of Williamsʼ most beloved and unforgettable music of the silver screen. Listen to the live broadcast with host Melissa Ousley at 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, on YourClassical MPR.

We continue our month-long celebration of American music on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ by looking at how contemporary composers reference American folk idioms in their works, including bluegrass, hymns and lullabies. Selections include music by Daron Hagen, Jennifer Higdon and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

Seth Parker Woods is a cellist who wholeheartedly embraces new compositions, fosters artistic innovation and pushes the boundaries of classical music. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ glam-rock artist and composer Kip Winger reveals his love for the classical music genre on his latest album, featuring conductor Giancarlo Guerrero and the Nashville Symphony. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.

Steve Seel presents another week of purely American sounds on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ and this time, it’s works written by musicians associated primarily with jazz. We hear works by Wynton Marsalis, Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk, Ornette Coleman, Pat Metheny and more.

The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra invites violinist Eunice Kim for one of the most enduring violin concertos of all time, Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3, paired with pieces by Beethoven and Françaix. Listen to the concert now!

The artistic collective Sing Democracy 250 recently marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a powerful message of hope for democracy through music. Listen now to this one-hour special, hosted by John Birge, that encourages us to build a more perfect union together!

Conductor Kedrick Armstrong uses both archives and youth education to serve the longevity of classical music by working to represent everyone in the concert hall. Find out more on the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pianist Simone Dinnerstein and the Baroklyn ensemble prepare for Philip Glass’ 90th birthday in 2027 with their latest album, featuring his ‘Tirol Concerto,’ selections from ‘The Hours’ film, and more. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.

Violinist Leonidas Kavakos makes his Minnesota Beethoven Festival debut with pianist Enrico Pace and a program featuring music by Franck, Stravinsky, Mozart and Beethoven. Listen to the live broadcast with host Steve Staruch at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 12, on YourClassical MPR.