Good to Know

Led by conductor and composer Steve Hackman, the Minnesota Orchestra — along with three vocalists — performed to a sold-out audience Friday night in Minneapolis. See a recap and a gallery of photos from the concert.

The Minnesota Orchestra released details for the 2025-26 season this week. It is Music Director Thomas Søndergård’s third season, and among many star-studded moments planned throughout the schedule are performances by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Leila Josefowicz.

Franz Schubert was an Austrian composer, known for writing a monumental oeuvre in his 31 years. Learn more about his life and work with YourClassical.  

Composer John Williams turns 93 on Feb. 8. To celebrate, enjoy an encore of a special Minnesota Orchestra concert in tribute to the iconic composer. And ‘Saturday Cinema’ host Lynne Warfel has compiled the Ultimate John Williams Playlist for your pleasure. Listen now!

We asked listeners to tell us their favorite chamber music pieces. Here are the top 20 vote-getters.

This Black History Month, celebrate the history of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' and discover the roots of a song whose beauty and power has propelled it to prominence as the Black national anthem.  

We asked listeners to share poems inspired by Ludovico Einaudi's 'Golden Butterflies.' Read their submissions while you listen to the piece.

Niccolo Paganini is celebrated as one of the best violin virtuosos of all time. With talent that unhuman comes the question: Did he sell his soul to the devil?

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.

There’s more to composer Giacomo Puccini’s iconic ‘Nessun Dorma’ than meets the ear. Learn more about the context and famous performances of one of the best-known opera arias of all time.