If you love music, there's one genre that's cool to hate: holiday music. 'Nutcrackers' are derided. 'Sleigh Ride' is harrumphed at. In the classical music world, conductors abandon Mozart and Mahler in favor of Santa hats and simple sing-a-longs. But this writer refuses to give in to the musical Scrooges. Here's why.


Why do we love and hate holiday music so much?

When he makes his Minnesota Orchestra debut this weekend, violinist Benjamin Beilman will be bringing his 1709 Stradivari, a rapidly burgeoning professional reputation, and the score to a fiery concerto that has somehow fallen out of favor. Listen live at 8 p.m. Friday to Classical MPR's broadcast.


Violinist Benjamin Beilman makes the case for Saint-Saens with Minnesota Orchestra

Minnesota-based soprano Andrea Leap, along with the Leap Ensemble, will be performing works by Marianna Martines and Maria Teresa Agnesi Pinottini, two female classical composers, throughout September.


Leap Ensemble highlights female composers for September concerts

Bearing Witness is a project by St. Paul-based cellist Kirsten Whitson. Focusing on stories of injustice and human rights, the program includes video transitions and narration to accompany Whitson's cello. Performances go through June 10.


Bearing Witness encourages musicians to be catalysts for societal change

Who will replace Osmo Vanska when he steps down as the music director of the Minnesota Orchestra in 2022? Here are 10 qualities that one longtime fan would love to see in the next person on the podium.


What do we want in the Minnesota Orchestra's next music director?

Minnesota Orchestra clarinetist Tim Zavadil will be giving the North American premiere of 'Prometheus,' a work featuring bass clarinet, by Geoffrey Gorden. Hear it live at 8 p.m. Friday on Classical MPR.


Minnesota Orchestra's premiere of 'Prometheus' brings tortured mythological figure to life

Last year Twin Cities soprano Carrie Henneman Shaw and Minnesota Orchestra violist Sam Bergman cofounded a new concert series. They called it Outpost, bringing to mind a remote place where travelers might find unexpected refreshment, including nonmusical performers. Their second outing takes place Friday in Minneapolis.


Outpost concerts push boundaries with classical-driven 'variety show'

The Minnesota Orchestra's American Expressions Festival is featuring works by well-known men such as Barber, Bernstein and Gershwin. But the festival also includes a symphony by an African-American woman named Florence Price.


Composer Florence Price gets spotlight in Minnesota Orchestra's American music showcase

Trumpeter Charles Lazarus has been performing with the Minnesota Orchestra for nearly two decades. In that time, he has sought to bring as many musical styles as possible to his performances, including fresh renditions of holiday classics in his annual big band extravaganza, 'Merry and Bright.'


Trumpeter Charles Lazarus embraces the eclectic and diverse side of music

Listen Sunday as Classical MPR presents the Minnesota Orchestra and Chorale performing J.S. Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio.' This holiday spectacular begins at noon with a special encore broadcast of Cantata Nos. 1, 2 and 3 from 2017, followed at 2 p.m. by a live broadcast of Cantata Nos. 4, 5 and 6. Conductor Nicholas Kraemer shares his insights on the work.


Emily Hogstad

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