Holiday

Each December, the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, rings out with the sacred and the exuberant: the sounds of the Christmas season. Enjoy the 2023 program, ‘Love, the Rose, Is on the Way.’

Carols as Home features a modern take on classic Christmas carols, hosted by Imani Winds founding oboist, Toyin Spellman-Diaz. Toyin coaxes intimate stories of Christmas memories from the members of the ensemble, and why these classic carols are still essential today. Listen now!

Celebrate the season with song! Steve Staruch hosts this one-hour program of holiday favorites, new and old, presented live in concert by Chanticleer, the two-time Grammy-winning 12-man ensemble known as ‘an orchestra of voices.’

‘In Winter's Glow’ is a winter solstice program, hosted by Steve Seel. It presents modern classical sounds for the longest night of the year, chosen especially to complement the chilly, starry nights of the season.

This year’s annual residency by the Voces8 U.S. Scholars at Minnesota Public Radio attained new heights thanks to a special appearance by Lyyra. They joined forces for the holiday classic ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ before the Scholars went solo for a delightful ‘God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman.’ Watch now!

'All Is Bright', with host Lynne Warfel, offers an hour of gorgeous, contemplative choral music that tells the traditional Christmas story with songs about angels, the star and the manger scene. Featured artists include Chanticleer, The Dale Warland Singers, Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, Jessye Norman, and a variety of choirs.

The Celtic lands of Northwestern Europe have an especially rich musical heritage, and many Christmas songs and carols come from Celtic nations. Listen as host Andrea Blain explores music and customs that have roots in ancient winter celebrations and traditional Christmas festivals.

‘Welcome Christmas’ is a perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world's premier choral ensembles. Join host Bonnie North for an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries, including the world premiere of three beloved Latvian carols by composer Ēriks Ešenvalds.

Swing into 2025 with William Eddins and the Minnesota Orchestra, as they perform Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and Antheil’s ‘Jazz Symphony,’ along with pianist Jon Kimura Parker. Listen to the live broadcast with host Melissa Ousley at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, on YourClassical MPR.

What is the story behind Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ and why is it performed at both Christmas and Easter? Here’s everything you need to know about this enduring holiday masterpiece, including the best recordings.