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Extra Eclectic - Feb. 12, 2025

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ guest host Vernon Neal spotlights composer John Adams’ new piano concerto, ‘After the Fall.’ Listen now!


Extra Eclectic

Guest host Vernon Neal features John Adams' ‘After the Fall’

Lost songs from Alvin Ailey's 'Revelations' find voice in new piece

Olivia Hampton

Alvin Ailey's seminal Revelations is considered the most widely viewed modern dance work in the world. Lost songs from the 1960 premiere are featured in a new work and an album this season.


New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Christian-Pierre La Marca

New Classical Tracks - Christian-Pierre La Marca

Julie Amacher's desire to introduce others to great music is what led her to radio. She began her professional broadcast career at a station in Sun Prairie, Wis. She went from rock 'n' roll to the Rocky Mountains, where she found her niche in public radio at KUNC in Greeley, Colo. Julie spent 13 years at KUNC, where she managed the announcers and their eclectic music format. During that time, she earned four national awards for best announcer. She joined Minnesota Public Radio in 1997 as an on-air host and also produces New Classical Tracks, a weekly podcast sharing behind-the-scenes stories about a new release each week. It airs locally at 7:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. on Saturdays.


Julie Amacher

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ with host Julie Amacher, French cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca pays tribute to Clara and Robert Schumann on a new album inspired by their love letters. Listen now!


New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Christian-Pierre La Marca

Adagio and Allegro in A-Flat Major, Op. 70: I. Langsam mit innigem Ausdruck (Version with Cello)

New Classical Tracks® 

Christian-Pierre La Marca highlights love through the Schumanns' music

The Kennedy Center's history was, until now, marked by cooperation and independence

Bob Mondello

Proposed in 1955 by President Dwight Eisenhower and championed by the arts enthusiast whose name it would ultimately bear, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has a storied history.


A program in Chicago lends rare musical instruments to young, gifted musicians

Ayesha Rascoe

Ryan Benk

Melissa Gray

Promising violinists can get their hands on a Stradivarius and other 18th century instruments through a lending program out of Chicago.


Saturday Cinema - Feb. 8, 2025

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

This week on ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel highlights John Williams’ best scores and stories, celebrating his 93 years. Selections include music from ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Jaws,’ ‘Home Alone’ and more. Listen now!


Saturday Cinema

A birthday Valentine for John

Friday Favorites - Feb. 7, 2025

Steve Staruch can be heard on Classical Minnesota Public Radio on Monday mornings and at other times during the week. 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, New York. 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

The piano is center stage for this week’s episode of ‘Friday Favorites.’ Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition,’ Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, with other heroic piano gems, made this a monster of a piano show! Listen now with host Steve Staruch!


Theme & Variations

Friday Favorites: a piano-filled selection of listener requests

Extra Eclectic - Feb. 5, 2025

We begin our celebration of Black History Month on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ with two hours devoted to the music of Black 20th- and 21st-century composers, including Carlos Simon, Jessie Montomery and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


A Black History Month celebration

James Doubek

Stradivarius violins often sell for millions. There's a long history behind them, and violinists who swear they sound better than modern ones.


A Stradivarius violin could sell for a record sum at auction. Is it worth the hype?

Minnesota Opera stage director Daniel Ellis and principal conductor Christopher Franklin speak to host Bonnie North about the  latest production, 'The Elixir of Love'

Minnesota Opera - The Elixir of Love Conductor/Director Interview

Vanessa Becerra and Andrew Stenson speak to host Bonnie North about the Minnesota Opera's latest production, 'The Elixir of Love'

Minnesota Opera - The Elixir of Love Cast Interview

Join YourClassical MPR as we present an encore broadcast of Minnesota Opera’s production of ‘The Elixir of Love.’ As a bonus, host Bonnie North speaks to members of the cast and crew about Gaetano Donizetti’s much-loved opera. Listen now!


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