In Ireland, the instrument almost always missing from a traditional Irish music ‘session’ is the piano, but Irish music is increasingly championed and performed by classical pianists. Join Andrea Blain for “Irish Music and the Piano: From Shebeen to Stage,” an entertaining and ear-warming special filled with Irish folk and traditional tunes transcribed, arranged and composed for piano.
As we celebrate Presidents Day, the presidential anthem, “Hail to the Chief,” might come to mind. But how did this little ditty come to be associated with the "leader of the free world" — and how American is it?
YourClassical MPR’s live broadcast of 'A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols' from King's College, Cambridge, with host Michael Barone, has ended. You may download the Order of Service for the 2022 program.
After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the world came together to pay tribute to his legacy and continue the fight for equal rights that still exists today. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is Monday, please reflect on these six musical pieces that commemorate his life and work.
Here is a day-by-day guide to all of our special holiday programming for the 2022 season, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
We have a variety of classical specials for the holiday season, from Christmas to New Year's Day. Listen to them any time that's convenient using this comprehensive listing.
This year celebrate the ending of 2022 and the welcoming of 2023 with two live-streamed performances by the Minnesota Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic.
The St. Olaf Christmas Festival has become one of the nation's most cherished holiday celebrations. Listen now as the Northfield-based college presents its 2022 program, “Promise of Peace,” from Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, with host Valerie Kahler, in this one-hour special.
Over three days in mid-November, the Voces8 Scholars, the U.S.-based training ensemble for the U.K.’s esteemed Voces8, recorded two Christmas songs prepared exclusively for YourClassical MPR listeners as part of our Carol Countdown. Watch now!
Julie Amacher and Tesfa Wondemagegnehu host this uplifting Christmas special from 2021 that features Black music and composers. A 'Soulful Christmas' celebrates classical music by Black artists, while exploring spirituals, gospel music, jazz and other Black musical traditions.
