Holiday

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.

There are many different versions of ‘The Snow Maiden,’ but this one reminds us to treasure winter as a special time of year instead of always wishing for warmer weather. Find out more in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring storytelling by Valerie Kahler, music by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'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 Cantus, Chanticleer, Cambridge Singers, Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, Jessye Norman, and a variety of choirs.

"Welcome Christmas" is a perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world's premier choral ensembles, conducted by Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz. Join host John Birge for an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries, including compositions and arrangements by Zanaida Robles, Daniel Kantor, Sarah Quartel and more.

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.

As part of a project to record more music by composers of color and women, we recently commissioned Navajo pianist Connor Chee to write ‘Unbroken: Music for the Navajo Code Talkers.’ Listen to this engaging piece now!

This episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ presents a cornucopia of works on themes of America, travel, autumn and the idea of home. Bill Morelock is the guest host.

Join host John Birge and special guest Ada Limón as they create a thoughtful, contemporary reflection on the meaning of Thanksgiving through music and poetry. This is ‘Giving Thanks.’

Thanksgiving is coming, but Lurkey the turkey is nowhere to be found. Can you help the farmer find the wayward bird? Grab paper and crayons and follow along as narrator Melanie Renate and artist Xee Reiter tell the story, with guitar music by Justin Holland, in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime.