The SPCO

The Minnesota Orchestra's Norbert Nielubowski shares an up-close-and-personal look at the bassoon to help us better understand what some may consider an orchestral oddball. For starters, it's not an oboe.

Conductor and clarinetist Martin Frost is now an artistic partner of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. This dynamic musician is known for his sound and delicate phrasing, as well as for his courage to push the boundaries of classical music. Frost spoke to Alison Young by phone from his home in Sweden.

November's a busy month on the concert calendar, with interesting events happening all around our region. This week on Morning Glories, we'll highlight the artistry of four acclaimed soloists and one historic choir, whom you can also see live and in person.

How much about the flute do you know? Test your knowledge with this quiz written by Classical MPR's resident flutist, host Alison Young.

When SPCO principal flutist Julia Bogorad-Kogan got her first flute at age nine, it was love at first breath. Although she asserts the flute is "the sunshine of the orchestra," Bogorad-Kogan cautions that it's not for wimps. Read more about the flute-player's perspective in the latest of our section's-eye view series.

Third Coast Percussion's mission is to explore the extraordinary sonic possibilities of the percussion repertoire. David Skidmore of Third Coast Percussion spoke to Alison Young ahead of the group's performance as part of the SPCO's Liquid Music series.

We're declaring this week Bachtoberfest on Morning Glories, highlighting the music of J. S. Bach. Did you know that his home in Leipzig had an alcove especially for the beer barrel?

Last February, the Chamber Music Society of Minnesota hosted a huge 90th birthday celebration at Orchestra Hall for Emeritus Minnesota Orchestra Music Director Stanislaw Skrowaczewski. Listen to this concert broadcast on Classical MPR on Friday, Oct. 3, at 8 p.m.

There was a moment in grad school, said Anderegg, where she realized her life was at a crossroads - that she was about to begin a life as a professional musician and music teacher. She asked herself, she said, "Is this what I want to do?" The answer: yes.

Conductor and harpsichordist Christopher Hogwood has died at the age of 73 following a prolonged illness.