Poster Anna Thorvaldsdottir
This episode of 'Extra Eclectic' features music by Anna Thorvaldsdottir.
Hrafn Asgeirsson
Extra Eclectic

Women composers define the moment

Extra Eclectic - March 5, 2025

This week on Extra Eclectic, we kick off our observation of Women’s History Month with a celebration of how women composers are at the forefront of the present in classical music. Host Steve Seel brings us two hours of outstanding music from the likes of Missy Mazzoli, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Tania Leon and more — as well as a showcase for Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, whose astounding Altar de Cuerda comes from her quadruple-Grammy-nominated CD, Revolucion Diamantina (which won three awards at the recent 2025 ceremony). Listen now!

Playlist

Smash
Jennifer Higdon
Third Sound Ensemble
Innova 990

These Worlds in Us
Missy Mazzoli
Tim Weiss
Arctic Philharmonic
Bis 2572

Carols after a Plague: Resolve
Shara Nova
Donald Nally, conductor
The Crossing
New Focus 357

Altar de Cuerda: Canto Abierto
Gabriela Ortiz
Gustavo Dudamel, conductor
Los Angeles Phiharmonic Orchestra
Maria Duenas, violin

Esencia: Agua de Rosas
Tania Leon
Bergamot Quartet
New Focus 316

Black Iris
Reena Esmail
Mei-Ann Chen, conductor
Chicago Sinfonietta

Nocturne
Kaija Saariaho
Jennifer Koh, violin
Cedille 134

Spectra
Anna Thorvaldsdottir
International Contemporary Ensemble
Dorian 92227

De Profundis
Raminta Serksnyte
Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, conductor
Kremerata Baltica
DG 4837761

The Unquestioned Answer
Laurie Spiegel
James McVinnie, organ
Pentatone 7404

Dark Night, Bright Stars, Vast Universe
Kelly-Marie Murphy
Alexander Shelley, conductor
National Arts Centre Orchestra
Analekta 8891

Postscriptum
Lera Auerbach
Boulanger Trio
Berlin 303298

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

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.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Extra Eclectic Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Extra Eclectic Episodes

Women composers define the moment

Women composers define the moment

This week on ‘Extra Eclectic,’ we kick off Women’s History Month with a celebration of how women composers are at the forefront of the present in classical music. Steve Seel brings us two hours of music from Missy Mazzoli, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Tania Leon and more. Listen now!

1:58:58
Feeling plucky

Feeling plucky

This week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ showcases a host of modern classical works featuring instruments picked, plucked and strummed — including the guitar, harp, theorbo (a kind of giant bass lute) and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Across the globe with guest host Bonnie North
1:58:59
Guest host Vernon Neal features John Adams' ‘After the Fall’
1:58:59
A Black History Month celebration

A Black History Month celebration

We begin our celebration of Black History Month on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ with two hours devoted to the music of Black 20th- and 21st-century composers, including Carlos Simon, Jessie Montomery and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:58
2025 Grammy nominees

2025 Grammy nominees

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ the 2025 Grammy nominations for classical recordings have been announced — and they are filled with modern classical music. Host Steve Seel shares two hours of thrilling samples. Listen now!

1:58:58
Nature out of balance

Nature out of balance

As we mourn the continuing devastation of the fires in Los Angeles, we’ll hear music that acknowledges the precarious state of our environment on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
An evocation of memories

An evocation of memories

This week’s episode of Extra Eclectic examines memory through music. Host Steve Seel features works by Esa-Pekka Salonen, Christopher Tignor, Meredith Monk and Steven Mackey’s ‘Mnemosyne’s Pool,’ honoring the Greek goddess of memory. Listen now!

1:58:58
The music of anime

The music of anime

Steve Seel presents a unique installment on this week’s episode of Extra Eclectic, with the help of Your Classical MPR Fellow (and anime enthusiast) Akshaj Turebylu: two hours of music from the world of anime. Listen now!

1:58:57
Modern sounds of the season

Modern sounds of the season

It’s an annual tradition: the Winter Solstice episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ with modern classical sounds to compliment the longest nights of the year and the traditions and rituals of warmth that accompany them. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
VIEW ALL EPISODES
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00