You'll soon be hearing a new voice for Classical MPR's live broadcasts of the Minnesota Orchestra.
Melissa Ousley is stepping into her new role as host starting Sept. 20, after becoming a more frequent substitute host last season. She'll appear at 8 p.m. Fridays.
Ousley knows she has big shoes to fill after Brian Newhouse's departure from the role, which he held for more than 25 years.
"I have tremendous respect for the orchestra and the work that Brian has done — not only as host of the live broadcasts, but also as an ambassador for the orchestra," she says. "You have a responsibility to both musicians and audience."
Ousley started her career in radio in Kansas, as host and eventually music director of what is now Radio Kansas. From there, she moved to Northfield, Minn., and worked at WCAL for 15 years.
When WCAL was sold to MPR in 2004 to become the Current, Ousley joined Classical MPR as assistant music director and hosted the Friday afternoon request program. Now, she devotes most of her time to daytime hosting and live broadcasts.
One of her favorite recent memories was in July as host of the finals of the e-Piano Junior Competition. This is when five teenage soloists from all over the world have the chance to play a concerto with the Minnesota Orchestra.
"You hear these young pianists perform difficult music at a very high level," she says. "Somehow the judges, sitting in the audience, will decide who is the best."
Ousley loves this uncertainty of a live competition, but also the support and energy that the Minnesota Orchestra musicians give to the contestants.
"I'm sure many of them can relate to the pressure and exhilaration of participating in a competition," she says.
Hosting a live broadcast is different from a regular radio show, Ousley says. It's exciting but also terrifying, due to its unpredictability. There's a greater amount of flexibility required to roll with the punches of a live broadcast.
Outside of music, Ousley likes to run, read and spend time with friends. She and her husband recently moved from Northfield to St. Paul, and are enjoying the things to do, see and eat.
"I'm also pretty nuts about my kids," she says. "Both are in their 20s, and they've helped me to gain a fresh perspective on what's happening around me."
Ousley says she's eager for the Minnesota Orchestra's upcoming season, appreciating how more familiar music is accompanied by lesser-known works.
"The season opener includes two pieces I love and have heard many times (the Grieg Piano Concerto and Elgar's Enigma Variations), as well as two that are unfamiliar (Rautavaara's Requiem in Our Time and Carter's Three Illusions for Orchestra)."
The soloists featured this season also intrigue her.
"This will be the first time I'm hearing pianist Juho Pohjonen," she says. "If his recordings are any indication, this is going to be a great concert."
Overall, the opportunity to be the voice of the Minnesota Orchestra live broadcasts is something Ousley takes to heart.
"I'm excited to continue to help the listener connect with what's such a vibrant part of the music community in the Twin Cities," she says. "It's a unique experience, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it."
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
