Listen Stories

Cissy Houston, who died Oct. 7, started out on the gospel circuit as a child, sang backup for Aretha Franklin and later guided her daughter, Whitney, to superstardom.

Jazz pianist and harpist Alice Coltrane studied classical and gospel early on. Jazz, on the other hand, helped her develop her own creativity, improvisation and expression. Find out more on the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

After the “12-tone” school obliterated traditional ideas of harmony during the 20th century, a younger generation of composers brought conventional harmonic notions back. Host Steve Seel features music by Philip Glass, Julie Mandel and more on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Listen now!

Enjoy classic music this Thanksgiving! Perfect for both music lovers and newcomers, these compositions will create an enjoyable ambiance for your holiday feast.

On this week’s episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ violinist Joshua Bell helps revive the music of Thomas De Hartmann with his new recording of the Ukrainian composer’s Violin Concerto, featuring conductor Dalia Stasevska and the Lviv Symphony Orchestra. Listen now!

More young people are attracted to musical theater because of popular shows like “Hamilton” and “Hadestown.” Students who want to be part of the performances may turn to a vocal coach for help.

This week on ‘Saturday Cinema,’ join host Lynne Warfel for a show dedicated to the music of Maurice Jarre, at the request of a listener from the Minnesota State Fair. Selections include music from ‘Doctor Zhivago,’ ‘Dead Poets Society’ and more. Listen now!

On the latest episode of ‘Friday Favorites,’ Cassandra Tandeski from Lakeville South High School, and Oliver Gerger from Hastings High School joined Steve Staruch as Project DJ co-hosts for Friday Favorites. Listen now!

Composer Errollyn Wallen has had teachers tell her that classical music is ‘not her sort of music’ and has had to deal with being underestimated her whole life. Now she is one of the United Kingdom’s leading composers. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ Toru Takemitsu’s ‘A String Around Autumn’ is the centerpiece of an hour that sets the tone for the coming of fall, with additional music by Xavi Torres and Michael Harrison. Listen now with host Steve Seel!