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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A Chanticleer Christmas

Celebrate the season with song! Melissa Ousley hosts this one-hour program of holiday favorites, new and old, presented live in concert by Chanticleer, the two-time Grammy winning 12-man ensemble known as “an orchestra of voices.” Enjoy this encore of Chanticleer’s 2022 Christmas program.

Verbum Caro/Y la Virgen/A un Niño Llorando

• Traditional: Medley of Christmas Spirituals

Melissa Ousley stumbled into a career in broadcasting many years ago when she moved to Wichita, Kansas to be near her soon-to-be husband. The attraction (to radio work, that is) was immediate and the chance to be around great music without having to practice piano was irresistible. After establishing herself as a host and producer in Kansas, Melissa moved to Minnesota and continued her work at WCAL in Northfield and Minnesota Public Radio in St. Paul. Her morning classical show at WCAL was twice named "Best Classical Radio Program" by the Twin Cities paper City Pages. Melissa grew up near New York City. As a teenager, she attended the Preparatory Division of the Manhattan School of Music. Her bachelor's degree in music education is from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. When she's away from the airwaves, Melissa loves to run, read, and spend time with her family.


Nate Ryan/MPR

Melissa Ousley

Celebrate the season with song! Melissa Ousley hosts this one-hour program of holiday favorites, new and old, presented live in concert by Chanticleer, the two-time Grammy-winning 12-man ensemble known as ‘an orchestra of voices.’


'Chanticleer Christmas'

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