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Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Rhapsody in Black - Jessie Montgomery

Vernon Neal is the host of the podcast ‘Rhapsody in Black,’ where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music.


Host/Producer

Vernon Neal

On the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast, we learn about Jessie Montgomery, a composer, violinist and educator whose music helps her connect with the world. Listen now.


Person in black dress with city street in the background

Jessie Montgomery's Starburst | Minnesota Orchestra | Osmo Vänskä

Rhapsody in Black

Composer Jessie Montgomery uses music to connect with the world

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - January 14, 2026

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Old Post Road

New Classical Tracks - Old Post Road

Julie Amacher's desire to introduce others to great music is what led her to radio. She began her professional broadcast career at a station in Sun Prairie, Wis. She went from rock 'n' roll to the Rocky Mountains, where she found her niche in public radio at KUNC in Greeley, Colo. Julie spent 13 years at KUNC, where she managed the announcers and their eclectic music format. During that time, she earned four national awards for best announcer. She joined Minnesota Public Radio in 1997 as an on-air host and also produces New Classical Tracks, a weekly podcast sharing behind-the-scenes stories about a new release each week. It airs locally at 7:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. on Saturdays.


Julie Amacher

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ cellist Dan Ryan and flutist Suzanne Stumpf, the music directors of Musicians of the Old Post Road, talk about the ensemble’s latest recording featuring music by Christoph Graupner and more. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Johann Graupner - Trio Sonata in D Minor, GWV 207

New Classical Tracks® 

Musicians of the Old Post Road bring Christoph Graupner's music to life

Extra Eclectic - March 16, 2026

On this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ contemporary composers explore themes of childhood. Selections include music by Angelica Negron, Thomas Ades, Shara Nova and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


Extra Eclectic

It's playtime!

Steve Seel is the host of YourClassical’s weekly SymphonyCast and the trailblazing music show Extra Eclectic. He possesses a broad knowledge of many musical genres, having hosted radio programs ranging from classical to jazz and even avant-garde music at radio stations around the country. Steve began his love affair with public radio at 24 working whatever shifts he could at his hometown station of WUSF-FM in Tampa, Florida, and from there worked his way to snowy Buffalo, New York, and its renowned classical station WNED-FM, where he hosted middays and the weekly experimental-music show Present Tense.  In 2005, Steve became one of the founding voices on Minnesota Public Radio's eclectic station, the Current. While there, he hosted afternoons and mornings, and conducted in-depth interviews with pop music luminaries ranging from Brian Eno to David Byrne to Tori Amos. Steve is a basement composer obsessed with all things both minimalist and slow, and might actually be incapable of writing anything that exceeds 75 beats-per-minute.


Steve Seel

On the latest episode of ‘SymphonyCast,’ internationally renowned violinist Isabelle Faust, backed by the WDR Symphony Orchestra, shines in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, plus two works by Schumann, and Schubert’s ‘Unfinished Symphony.’ Listen now with host Steve Seel!


A woman stands with a violin in her hands

SymphonyCast® 

WDR Symphony Orchestra

Rhapsody in Black - Sheku Kenneh-Mason

At 19, Sheku Kanneh-Mason became the first Black musician to win BBC Young Musician of the Year. He continues to focus on what is most important to him: the music, the cello and music education. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


Sheku Kanneh-Mason - Myfanwy (Arr. for Solo Cello)

Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason is a young and promising classical music superstar 

New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Joyce DiDonato and Time for Three

New Classical Tracks - Joyce DiDonato and Time for Three

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ the Time for Three ensemble and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato bring the poetry of Emily Dickinson to life with music by Kevin Puts. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Four musicians performing together onstage

Her Face - Kevin Puts | Joyce DiDonato & Time For Three

Time for Three, Joyce DiDinato and Kevin Puts bring Emily Dickinson's poetry to life

Extra Eclectic - March 9, 2026

‘Extra Eclectic’ continues its celebration of Women's History Month this week with female composers musing on the subject of home and family, nostalgia and love. Enjoy selections by Andrea Casarrubios, Gabriela Lena Frank, Chen Yi and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


Women composers at home and away

On the latest episode of ‘SymphonyCast,’ conductor Simon Rattle takes the podium for Schumann’s Symphony No. 2, before Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird’ sets the orchestra ablaze in the story of the powerful and evil Koschei the Deathless. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Matt Haimovitz 

New Classical Tracks - March  4, 2026

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ cellist Matt Haimovitz and pianist Christopher O’Riley collaborate on their lates album featuring period instruments and the music of J.S. Bach. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Trio Sonata No. 5, BWV 529: I. Allegro

Matt Haimovitz and Christopher O’Riley present 'The Bach Dialogues'

Extra Eclectic - March 2, 2026

As Women’s History Month begins, ‘Extra Eclectic’ celebrates how women represent the vanguard of contemporary classical music today with two hours of stellar women composers. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


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