'Carols, Customs and Candlelight: A Celtic Christmas Celebration'

Longtime music host and performer Andrea Blain presents classical music programming including national specials, opera and other live broadcasts and holiday programs. She also is part of a team that works on content and scripting for ‘Rhapsody in Black’ and has voiced several episodes of YourClassical Storytime.


Andrea Blain

The Celtic lands of Northwestern Europe have an especially rich musical heritage, and many Christmas songs and carols come from Celtic nations. Listen as host Andrea Blain explores music and customs that have roots in ancient winter celebrations and traditional Christmas festivals. 


Carols, Customs and Candlelight: A Celtic Christmas Celebration

'Every Good Thing'

'Songs of Thanks' with Cantus

'Welcome Christmas'

Christmas at Luther

A Chanticleer Christmas

'The Sound of Cinnamon'

St. Olaf Christmas Festival - Our Hope for Years to Come

'Candles Burning Brightly'

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.


Jamie Street/Unsplash

Listen to our 2025 winter holiday specials on demand

Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Rhapsody in Black - Mary Lou Williams

Vernon Neal is the host of the podcast ‘Rhapsody in Black,’ where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music.


Host/Producer

Vernon Neal

Mary Lou Williams’ artistic vision and her ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive and unique composition are perfect for concert halls and jazz clubs. Find out more on the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast. 


William P. Gottlieb

Mary Lou Williams is perfect for concert halls and jazz clubs

Extra Eclectic - Dec. 3, 2025

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ guest host Jake Armerding shares recent recordings by Marc-Andre Hamelin, Hania Rani and Georgijs Osokins. Selections include compositions by Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, Radiohead and more. Listen now!


Jack Mitchell/Getty Images

New music for piano with guest host Jake Armerding

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - December 3, 2025

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Joshua Gindele_Miro Quartet

New Classical Tracks - Joshua Gindele_Miro Quartet

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,’ the renowned Miró Quartet continues its 30th-anniversary celebration with its latest album, a holiday-themed recording featuring arrangements by 15 contemporary composers. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Jeff Wilson

The Miro Quartet celebrates 30 years with a holiday recording

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. Enjoy the 2024 program, ‘Seeking Refuge for a Weary World.’


Christmas at Luther: 'Seeking Refuge for a Weary World'

Minnesota Orchestra - November 21, 2025

Minnesota Orchestra - November 14, 2025

Find out what makes the Minnesota Orchestra sound so great in this concert featuring Joseph Haydn’s ‘Sinfonia concertante,’ Caroline Shaw’s ‘Entr'acte,’ and Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9. Listen to the live broadcast with host Melissa Ousley at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, on YourClassical MPR.


Marco Borggreve

Minnesota Orchestra performs Dvorak's 'New World Symphony'

The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra - Sept. 12, 2025

Celebrate the holidays with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra annual performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ featuring an all-star roster of vocal soloists, vocal ensemble The Singers, and conductor Dinis Sousa. Listen to the live broadcast with host Melissa Ousley at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, on YourClassical MPR.


Provided

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra performs Handel's 'Messiah'

Mindy Ratner is a host and producer on the Classical Music Service of Minnesota Public Radio, where she is heard on weekends. She began her career in public broadcasting following her graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, working first for the local public television station and then for Wisconsin Public Radio. She moved on to stations in Cincinnati and Philadelphia before joining Minnesota Public Radio in 1983. In 1998 and '99, Ratner took a leave of absence to work as a music host and producer for China Radio International in Beijing. Her spare time is devoted to international travel; folk, ballroom and contradancing; singing in the Minnesota Chorale; her two cats, and trying to stay ahead of the weeds in her garden.


Mindy Ratner

A delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights! Hosted by Mindy Ratner, ‘Candles Burning Brightly’ features lots of music from Jewish communities worldwide, a hilarious lesson on preparing a classic Hanukkah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home.


The St. Olaf Christmas Festival has become one of the nation's most cherished holiday celebrations. This year's presentation, ‘Our Hope for Years to Come,’ features more than 500 student musicians. Listen now. 


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