Minnesota Orchestra appoints Leonidas Kavakos its principal guest conductor

Afro-Brazilian guitarist Plinio Fernandes’ style is a unique alchemy of the Brazilian folk and popular songs he grew up with, Latin classical traditions and the Western canon. He recently released his debut album and is working to teach and inspire new generations of musicians. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Violinist and composer Curtis Stewart recently released a two-CD recording featuring ‘24 American Caprices’ composed in the styles of the many genres he grew up listening to on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.

Brass instruments are the focus on episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ in solo, duo and ensemble settings. Selections include Valerie Coleman’s ‘Fanfare for Uncommon Times,’ Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Apparition du Christ Glorieux’ and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

Earlier this summer, pianist Jonathan Biss reunited with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra for a concert that honored the lives and music of Robert and Clara Schumann. Listen to the concert now!

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel kicks off the academic year with films with all kinds of school themes, including ‘Dead Poets Society,’ ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘Steel Magnolias.’ Listen now!

Birge took the plunge behind the microphone and has been connecting the dots for YourClassical MPR listeners for 29 years – including 21 as morning show host. Listen to his last regular shift, which took place on Aug. 28, as well as his “exit interview” with host Tom Crann.

Duke Ellington once said, “All arrangements of historic American Negro music have been made by conservatory-trained musicians who inevitably handle it with a European technique. It’s time a big piece of music was written from the inside.” That piece of music was ‘Black, Brown and Beige.’ Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

The Catalyst Quartet recently released the fourth and final volume of its ‘Uncovered’ project. The album focuses on Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and features 18 of his string quartets. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.

The Earth is our one home, and on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ contemporary composers pay tribute in their music, including Erland Cooper, whose ‘Carve the Runes Then Be Content With Silence’ incorporates the Earth as a collaborator. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel celebrates graphic designer Saul Bass, whose posters and credit sequences set the tone for films such as ‘Vertigo,’ ‘The Pink Panther’ and more. Listen now!