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

Rhapsody in Black - The String Queens

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

The String Queens are a woman-powered string trio based out of Washington, D.C., who have made a difference in their community and in the classical music arena through their nontraditional programming and performances. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.


Provided 

Woman-powered trio String Queens making a difference in the world

Extra Eclectic - March 27, 2024

As we wrap up Women's History Month, it feels impossible to fit in everything we want to feature by today’s women composers. Steve Seel brings us pieces by Caroline Shaw, Raminta Serksnyte, Mahdis Golzar Kashani and Gity Razaz.




Provided

Women's history, women's present

'Portraits of Women in Music' with the Duo Avila

Ines Guanchez is an assistant digital producer for classical. An accomplished pianist, she founded Dúo Ávila with fellow Venezuelan violinist Sofia Schutte. The ensemble focuses on music by composers outside of the classical canon and has performed in venues in Minnesota and Costa Rica. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with master’s degrees in mass communications and piano performance. She previously interned for Minnesota Public Radio in 2018.


Ines Guanchez

In 2023, the Venezuelan Dúo Ávila performed a concert in the UBS Forum at Minnesota Public Radio’s headquarters in celebration of Women’s History Month. Listen to music from the concert and learn more about the composers featured on it in ‘Portraits of Women in Music.’


Venezuelan Duo Avila presents 'Portraits of Women in Music'

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Michel Martin

Olivia Hampton

Ana Perez

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Alicia Graf Mack about how she's reshaping Juilliard's prestigious Dance Division to make it more relevant than ever.


Tsering Bista/NPR

West African dance and hip-hop play a key role in a revamped Juilliard track

Jodi Gustafson

This Easter, as always, the 'Messiah' oratorio is in full play. But do you want to venture beyond Handel's masterpiece? Then check out our picks for 10 other great works for Holy Week.


Wikimedia Commons

10 great works for Holy Week besides Handel's 'Messiah'

Saturday Cinema - March 23, 2024

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

Join host Lynne Warfel on the latest episode of ‘Saturday Cinema,’ celebrating the famous film folks born in March! Hear music from films featuring David Niven, Ron Howard, Liza Minelli, Shirley Jones and more. 


March birthdays

Buxtehude Festival Chorale and Orchestra: Psalm 103

Steve Staruch can be heard on Classical Minnesota Public Radio from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays, including hosting Music with Minnesotans, Regional Spotlight and Friday Favorites. 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, N.Y. 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

Celebrate Holy Week with the North American premiere of a choral and orchestra setting of ‘Psalm 103,’ by Johann Schelle, recorded by the Buxtehude Festival Chorale and Orchestra, led by Brian A. Schmidt. Listen now.


Celebrate Holy Week with the premiere of Johann Schelle's 'Psalm 103'

There was a full diapason of joyful sounds on this week’s ‘Friday Favorites.’ To mark both the first Friday of spring and the 339th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday, YourClassical listeners pulled out the stops!


James Napoli/APM

Celebrating spring and Bach

Rhapsody in Black - Julia Perry

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 composer Julia Perry's 100th birthday

Extra Eclectic - March 20, 2024

Women’s History Month is an opportunity to women who are creating our musical present and future! On this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ host Steve Seel brings another program of female composers, including Gabriela Montero, Andrea Tarrodi and Allison Loggins-Hull.




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