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

Rhapsody in Black - 20250220

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

Gil Scott-Heron was a self-described ‘bluesologist’ and a bold voice of social activism in music in the 1970s and ‘80s. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


Provided

Gil Scott-Heron's message for the 1970s — and today

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - 20260204

New Classical Tracks - 20260204

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,’ conductor Joel Rinsema and choral ensemble Kantorei present their latest album, featuring a commissioned piece by composer Christopher Tin about holding space for joy in times of darkness. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Daniel Herman

Kantorei and Joel Rinsema commission Christopher Tin for new recording

Minnesota Orchestra - January 30, 2026

Minnesota Orchestra - January 16, 2026

Minnesota Orchestra - January  9, 2026

Guest conductor Fabien Gabel led the Minnesota Orchestra in music by Debussy, Dukas, Shin and Roussel, with an appearance by Principal Violist Rebecca Albers. Listen to the concert now.


Courtesy of the Artist

Listen: Gabel and Albers perform a U.S. premiere with the Minnesota Orchestra

Extra Eclectic - Feb. 2, 2026

As ‘Extra Eclectic’ moves to its new Monday evening time slot, host Steve Seel centers the show’s first hour on themes of “a new day,” including works by John Adams, Thomas Ades and Dobrinka Tabakova. Listen now!


A new day

Saturday Cinema - Jan. 31, 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,’ host Lynne Warfel pairs a great Italian film composer with a great American composer: Nino Rota and James Horner in the show’s first hour, and Ennio Morricone and John Williams in the second. Listen now!


Public Domain via Houston Public Media

January listener requests

An ecstatic exploration of classical music that’s aesthetically and uncompromisingly Black.

Rhapsody in Black - Moses Hogan

Choir director Moses Hogan, who died at 45 in 2003, built community through worship and song. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.


Wikipedia

Moses Hogan created community through worship 

Extra Eclectic - Jan. 28, 2026

On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, we’re looking skyward, toward both the sun and the stars. Selections include music by Meredith Monk, Max Richter, Terry Riley and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel! 


Christine Alicino

Night and day

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - January 28, 2026

New Classical Tracks (Extended Interview) - Leif Ove Andsnes

New Classical Tracks - Leif Ove Andsnes

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ French pianist Bertrand Chamayou and Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes collaborate on an album featuring four-hand piano music from the final year of Franz Schubert’s life. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


Paul Marc Mitchell

Bertrand Chamayou and Leif Ove Andsnes perform Schubert

Kaddish: Reflections on the Holocaust in Music and Words

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

Classical music host Mindy Ratner has gathered a collection of conversations with some of those touched directly by the Holocaust. Listen now to 'Kaddish: Reflections on the Holocaust in Music and Words.'


Listen

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