Good to Know

‘Performance Today’ has selected performer and composer Jessie Montgomery as the 2025 Classical Woman of the Year. This annual award recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the classical music art form and have inspired our listeners. Find out more!

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.  

At a time when many groups are scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, one group is pushing forward. The Charlotte Strings Collective is a group of local musicians highlighting Black composers and their work.

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!

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.  

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?

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.

The history of Mozart’s Requiem adds to the work’s mystique. Discover the composer’s experience writing the piece, how it was finished after his death and more.

The cymbal is an integral part of music across genres. But how did it become so fundamental to creating movement and rhythm? Read more about this exciting instrument.