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

Rhapsody in Black - Julia Perry

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

Composer Julia Perry for years existed only in the margins. But her works are finally getting renewed attention. Find out more about this amazing composer’s legacy in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast. 


Public Domain

Celebrating Julia Perry

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra - Alina Ibragimova

On Tuesday, March 24, YourClassical MPR broadcasted the January performance of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra featuring its newest Artistic Partner: award-winning violinist Alina Ibragimova. Listen to the concert now!


SPCO

Listen: Violinist Alina Ibragimova and the SPCO perform Mozart and Haydn

Minnesota Orchestra - March 20, 2026

Minnesota Orchestra - March  6, 2026

Guest conductor Anna Sułkowska-Migoń and pianist Inon Barnatan join the Minnesota Orchestra for a program featuring Rachmaninoff’s take on a violin caprice by Niccolò Paganini and epic storytelling from the well-read and clever Scheherazade. Listen to the live broadcast with host Melissa Ousley at 8 p.m. Friday, March 27, on YourClassical MPR.


Marco Borggreve

Inon Barnatan and the Minnesota Orchestra perform Rachmaninoff 

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - 20260325

New Classical Tracks - 20260325

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 Neave Trio highlights the music of three women composers who were also performers: Dora Pejačević, Clara Schumann and Cécile Chaminade. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Titilayo Ayangade

Neave Trio highlights the music of Pejacevic, Chaminade and Schumann

Bach's Birthday Bash Broadcast 2026

Building upon a curiosity which began in his teens, Michael Barone has been involved with the pipe organ for more than 40 years. As host and senior executive producer of Pipedreams, produced and distributed by American Public Media, he is recognized nationally for his outstanding contributions to the world of organ music.  Pipedreams began in 1982 and remains the only nationally distributed weekly radio program exploring the art of the pipe organ. Michael's talent and commitment have been recognized with numerous awards, including the American Guild of Organists President's Award in 1996, the Distinguished Service Award of the Organ Historical Society in 1997 and the 2001 ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award. In November 2002 he was selected for induction to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.  He also hosts broadcasts of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and The New Releases on Minnesota Public Radio.


Michael Barone

Did you miss Bach's Birthday Bash on Saturday with ‘Pipedreams’ host Michael Barone? This year's celebration included five free, hourlong concerts at venues in St. Paul. Listen to the first concert now!


Listen: Bach's Birthday Bash in St. Paul

Distinguished Rebels: Jessie Montgomery

Distinguished Rebels: Sharon Isbin

Distinguished Rebels: Simone Dinnerstein

Distinguished Rebels: Hildegard von Bingen

Distinguished Rebels: Gabriela Lena Frank

Distinguished Rebels: Hazel Scott

Distinguished Rebels: Jeannette Sorrell

Distinguished Rebels: Joanne Polk

Distinguished Rebels: Marin Alsop

Distinguished Rebels: Valerie Coleman

Distinguished Rebels: Maud Powell

Distinguished Rebels: Florence Price

Distinguished Rebels: Fanny Mendelssohn

Distinguished Rebels: Gabriela Montero

Distinguished Rebels: Chiquinha Gonzaga

Distinguished Rebels: Lara St. John

Distinguished Rebels: Tine Thing Helseth

Distinguished Rebels: Lara Downes

Distinguished Rebels: JoAnn Falletta

Distinguished Rebels: Ethel Smyth

Distinguished Rebels: Germaine Tailleferre

Distinguished Rebels: Caroline Shaw

For Women's History Month, we're sharing the stories of women who have changed the face of classical music. Learn more in ‘Distinguished Rebels,’ featuring voices from behind the microphone and behind the scenes at YourClassical.


Brooke Knoll/APM

'Distinguished Rebels': Women who have changed the face of classical music

Distinguished Rebels

Jillene Khan works for Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media as an overnight classical host.


Classical Host

Jillene Khan

Join host Jillene Khan for ‘Distinguished Rebels,’ a one-hour radio special that celebrates women who have changed the face of classical music, including violinist Lara St. John and conductor Mei-Ann Chen, Grammy-winning performers Michelle Cann and Sharon Isbin, and many others.


'Distinguished Rebels'

Extra Eclectic - March 23, 2026

Music of nocturnal calm and parental comfort, with soothing melodies by Dobrinka Tabakova, Eric Whitacre, Anna Clyne and more.


Mark Royce

Lullabies for everyone

Saturday Cinema - March 21, 2026

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

On the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ join guest host Ward Jacobsen for a program full of the most celebrated film scores of all time. Selections include music from ‘Citizen Kane,’ ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ ‘The Godfather’ and more. Listen now!


Best of the best

Rhapsody in Black - Jessie Montgomery

On the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast, we learn about Jessie Montgomery, a composer, violinist and educator whose music helps her connect with the world. Listen now.


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