How do you feel about classical music?

When I’m doing tasks like cooking, exercising or cleaning.

When I’m reading or studying, for example.

When I’m relaxing, sleeping or just “hanging out.

When I’m paying attention solely to the music

When does listening to music bring you the most joy?

I attend a few shows a year, but it’s not a large part of my life.

I regularly attend live shows and can’t get enough of them.

Do you enjoy live music?

I know what I like and rarely stray from my favorites.

I’m open to new things, but there are classics for a reason.

I relish discovering the new and unfamiliar.

When it comes to listening to music …

I like folk, bluegrass and more traditional forms.

If it’s improvised and cool, I’m there.

If I’m not listening to classical music, I’m listening to …

Rooted in Black music history in the Americas and worldwide.

Going beyond Western Europe traditions, often influenced by folk music.

Drawing from traditional music of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and more.

Delving into traditional music of Native Americans and other First Nations.

Surveying traditional music of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Exploring traditional music cultures from around the world.

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Roderick Cox, the associate conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra, has gotten some well-deserved national attention, thanks to an extensive profile by NBC News.

, Cox was well into his master’s program at Northwestern when it was suggested to him that a career in orchestral conducting was even possible.

Cox was 29 when he made his subscription concert debut for the Orchestra this year.

African-American Conductor Making Noise in White-Dominated Field | NBC BLK | NBC News

Minnesota Orchestra’s Roderick Cox describes what inspires him 

This story was first published in MPR News' 

Minnesota Orchestra

Roderick Cox - official site

Bob Collins writes the News Cut blog for MPR News.  He joined MPR in 1992. He served as broadcast editor and coordinated MPR's political coverage until 1999, when he was asked to direct MPR's foray into online journalism.

He previously was vice president of programming for Berkshire Broadcasting Company in Massachusetts, and national desk editor at the RKO Radio Network in New York. He also was editor at WHDH in Boston, where he received the Edward R. Murrow Award for his investigation into the Boston mob scene.

Bob is a private pilot and is building his own airplane.


Bob Collins

Roderick Cox, the associate conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra, has gotten some well-deserved national attention, thanks to an extensive profile by NBC News.


Roderick Cox making mark in classical orchestra conducting

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