Expand your horizons with a collection of classical content that’s good to know.

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Mindy Ratner reflects on her career in radio (interview with Bonnie North)

Mindy Ratner reflects on her career in radio

Mindy Ratner recalls how her career in radio began

Mindy Ratner talks about how more women now work in radio than when she started

Mindy Ratner talks about what YourClassical MPR was like in the early days of her career

Mindy Ratner reflects on serving the classical-music audience

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Cynthia Dickison

After more than 50 years of broadcasting, Ratner is retiring from regular on-air hosting duties on Classical 24, MPR’s national service, on Saturday, Oct. 31.


jeremy messersmith  - Little Blue World (Live at The Current for MPR's 50th Anniversary)

Mindy Ratner is retiring after 43 years as a classical host and producer at MPR

Tom Crann is heard on YourClassical MPR from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays. Prior to rejoining the classical team at MPR, Tom was the host of All Things Considered for MPR News from 2005 to 2025, where he interviewed a wide range of public figures, including Minnesota's members of congress, politicians, experts, writers, and artists. He anchored Minnesota Public Radio's award-winning live coverage of the 35W bridge collapse. He has hosted other special coverage for MPR News, including live coverage of election nights since 2012.  He has been a host, producer, and interviewer for Minnesota Public Radio since 1995.   His work on MPR News has been recognized with an Eric Severeid award, a regional Edward R. Murrow award, and a National Headliner award. He has also hosted the international cultural broadcasts "Sounds Irish" and "The Last Night of the Proms," a co-production with the BBC. Tom began his career at MPR/APM as a classical host in 1995. In addition to his work at Minnesota Public Radio, Crann has spent more than 20 years hosting and producing classical music and cultural programs at public radio stations around the U.S, and for RTE/Lyric FM in Ireland, where he is still a contributor.


Tom Crann

With autumn now in full swing, Theme and Variations returns for another season! We pick the theme — you choose the variation by requesting a piece of music inspired by that theme. Our theme for November is GRATITUDE.


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Shows

Join us for Theme & Variations

 Join Tom Crann for Theme and Variations the first Friday of every month

Alex V. Cipolle​ is a senior arts reporter and critic, covering arts and culture for MPR News.  


Senior Arts Reporter and Critic

Alex V. Cipolle

The vote to authorize a strike came after the musicians’ union said the Minnesota Opera declined cost-of-living increases during contract negotiations.


Minnesota Opera Orchestra musicians vote to authorize strike weeks before season opener

Tom Huizenga

The deep-voiced Scottish mezzo-soprano just made her Royal Opera House debut. Now, with her debut solo album, The Deeps Have Music, she is on the doorstep of stardom.


A woman poses casually with her chin in her hand

Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 1, Sea Slumber Song

With a voice as vast as the ocean, Beth Taylor has arrived

Listen to host John Birge's last shift

Host Tom Crann interviews host John Birge about his 20 years at YourClassical before his final regular shift on Aug. 28.

John Birge and Tom Crann 'Exit Interview'

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. 


BBC Proms 2010 - Bach Day 10 - Sleepers Wake

YourClassical MPR's John Birge is signing off after a storied run as morning host

Luke Taylor

As the largest gift the organization has ever received, artistic and executive director Scott Lykins says it will be used “to pave the way to a sustainable future.”


Lakes Area Music Festival receives $2 million endowment for future seasons

YourClassical Programming at the Minnesota State Fair 2026


Matt Haimovitz interview with Tom Crann

Shortly after Matt Haimovitz took a teaching position at the University of Minnesota, the Twin Cities became the target of the ICE surge. Haimovitz teamed up with his U of M colleagues and students to meet the moment musically. 


Matt Haimovitz pays musical tribute to his Twin Cities neighbors with new recording

Ella Harpstead

Concert band is a large part of classical music, yet many composers don't get the recognition they deserve for contributing to the genre. Here are 10 band composers you should know — besides the March King, John Philip Sousa.


Concert Band

Ten band composers you should know — besides Sousa

American Composers Countdown 2026

You voted for your favorite composers, listen as host Tom Crann reveals the results on YourClassical’s American Composers Countdown!


Good to Know