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

Rhapsody in Black - Jessie Montgomery

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

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.


Jiyang Chen

Composer Jessie Montgomery uses music to connect with the world

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - January 14, 2026

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Old Post Road

New Classical Tracks - Old Post Road

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,’ cellist Dan Ryan and flutist Suzanne Stumpf, the music directors of Musicians of the Old Post Road, talk about the ensemble’s latest recording featuring music by Christoph Graupner and more. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Hannah Shields

Musicians of the Old Post Road bring Christoph Graupner's music to life

The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra has named Gramophone Award-winning violinist Alina Ibragimova as its newest Artistic Partner. Listen to YourClassical MPR’s broadcast of her latest performance with the SPCO with host Steve Seel at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24.


Eva Vermandel

Violinist Alina Ibragimova becomes the SPCO's newest Artistic Partner

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

You're invited to be a part of Bach's Birthday Bash on Saturday, March 21, with ‘Pipedreams’ host Michael Barone. This year's celebration includes five free, hourlong concerts at venues in St. Paul, as well as a live broadcast of the first concert at 9 a.m. Central that you can hear or watch online. 


Join us for Bach's Birthday Bash on March 21 in St. Paul

Extra Eclectic - March 16, 2026

On this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ contemporary composers explore themes of childhood. Selections include music by Angelica Negron, Thomas Ades, Shara Nova and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!


Catalina Kulczar

It's playtime!

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.


Brooke Knoll/APM

'Distinguished Rebels'

Saturday Cinema - March 14, 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 host Lynne Warfel for an early St. Patrick’s Day, celebrating Irish actors and filmmakers and films set or made in Ireland. Selections include music from ‘Far and Away,’ ‘Braveheart,’ ‘The Informer’ and more. Listen now!


Scott Neeson

Early St. Patrick's Day

Minnesota Orchestra - March  6, 2026

Minnesota Orchestra - February 26, 2026

Minnesota Orchestra - February 20, 2026

The Minnesota Orchestra welcomes conductor Earl Lee, the Minnesota Chorale, and a roster of star vocalists for a program featuring music by Gabriela Lena Frank and Ludwig van Beethoven. Listen to the live broadcast with host Melissa Ousley at 8 p.m. Friday, March 13, on YourClassical MPR.


Lim Hak Hyun

Minnesota Orchestra performs Lena Frank and Beethoven 

Rhapsody in Black - Sheku Kenneh-Mason

At 19, Sheku Kanneh-Mason became the first Black musician to win BBC Young Musician of the Year. He continues to focus on what is most important to him: the music, the cello and music education. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


Yoke Creative/Decca Classics

Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason is a young and promising classical music superstar 

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - March 11, 2026

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Joyce DiDonato and Time for Three

New Classical Tracks - Joyce DiDonato and Time for Three

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ the Time for Three ensemble and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato bring the poetry of Emily Dickinson to life with music by Kevin Puts. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


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