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Steve Staruch can be heard on Classical Minnesota Public Radio from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays, including hosting Music with Minnesotans, Regional Spotlight and Friday Favorites. Prior to joining the staff of MPR in 2004, Steve presented a variety of radio programs on WCAL in Northfield, Minn., where he created an immensely popular call-in program, and on WXXI in Rochester, N.Y. Outside radio, Steve also enjoys work as a freelance tenor and violist. Steve and his wife, Naomi, enjoy traveling, gardening and hosting dinner parties.


Steve Staruch

Perched atop the mountains near Barcelona, the choir of the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious boy choirs. For the first time in their 800-year history, the choir made its Midwest premiere. Bringing with them a message of peace, the choristers will use music to transcend borders and speak directly to your heart.


The Monserrat Boy Choir Escolania de Monserrat

Anticipation and Celebration

Throw another log on the fire and revel in the spirit of Christmas past, Dale Warland style. Join host Steve Staruch and Warland himself for an Echoes of Christmas Encore! Listen now!


Echoes of Christmas

Holiday

Greg Helgeson

Jeffrey Yelverton is a digital producer of classical music for Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media. He supports the digital portfolio of MPR/APM by creating original content and providing production support for YourClassical Storytime, New Classical Tracks and various seasonal events.


Digital Producer, Classical

Jeffrey Yelverton

During Kwanzaa, which runs Dec. 26-Jan. 1, we celebrate African-American culture with composers that have imbued the essence of the Seven Principles in their timeless and joyous music hosted by Jeffrey Yelverton.


We Stand On Top of the Mountain

Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

We Stand on Top of the Mountain: A Kwanzaa Celebration

John Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.


John Birge

'Giving Thanks,' hosted by John Birge, is celebrating its 25th year on public radio! This year’s show presents the best moments of a quarter century of great guests amid the perfect atmosphere for Thanksgiving: the warmth of great music and truly memorable words.


Giving Thanks: 25th Anniversary Special, with John Birge - 2023

Giving Thanks: 25th Anniversary Special

'Giving Thanks' - 25th anniversary special

Lynne Warfel, host of Saturday Cinema, takes you on a one-hour musical retrospective of some of Hollywood's most cherished Christmas-themed movies. Including scores from ‘Scrooge, the Musical,’ ‘A Muppet Christmas Carol,’ ‘The Polar Express,’ ‘It's A Wonderful Life’ and many more. Listen now to an encore of ‘Hollywood Holiday’ from 2021!


Hollywood Holiday 2021

Hollywood Holiday

The sounds of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square floated into many homes during the holidays in the 1960s and '70s on Goodyear and Firestone albums, bringing lush renditions of favorite Christmas carols. Those warm memories and feelings come right back in this holiday special from 2021.


Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square 2021

Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir & Orchestra

Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

Join host Elena See as she plays a mix of wintry and nostalgic classical pieces designed to accompany listeners as they enjoy cozy wintertime activities.


Hygge Holiday

Toa Heftiba/Unsplash

Valerie Kahler grew up in a musical family and started playing cello and piano in 3rd grade.  She began her radio career in 1989 as a volunteer at KNAU (now Arizona Public Radio) in Flagstaff, Arizona.  She worked there as a classical host and music director for more than a decade before moving to Minnesota to work for MPR.   In addition to classical music, other passions include sewing, singing and cooking.  She shares her life with her partner, John, an artist.


Valerie Kahler

‘Christmas With Cantus’ is a beloved holiday tradition for YourClassical MPR listeners featuring the eight voices of the male vocal ensemble live in concert. 


Christmas with Cantus

Courtesy of artist

Christmas With Cantus

An original member of Imani Winds, oboist Toyin Spellman-Diaz has built her career as a champion of contemporary chamber music. She teaches at NYU Steinhardt School of Music, Brooklyn College and Mannes School of Music. She also serves on the board of the American Composers Orchestra.


Toyin Spellman-Diaz

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!


Carols as Home with Imani Winds

Carols as Home with the Imani Winds

Lynne has been at this radio thing since 1984 when she fell into an historic job at KFAC AM and FM, the commercial classical station in Los Angeles.  She was the first woman staff announcer in the station's history, and it was such big news back then, it made the LA newspapers and national radio publications.  She is thrilled women in radio is no longer newsworthy.


Lynne Warfel

'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.


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