Arts & Culture from Minnesota Public Radio

New book documents Osmo Vanska's career

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Osmo Vanska is the subject of a new book. The pictures are a feast for the eyes, tracing the Maestro's story from his early years playing clarinet to leading (and building) one of the finest orchestras in the world.

Novel explores the legacy of Indian boarding schools

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:45:00 -0600

Bemidji-based writer Kent Nerburn writes fictional narratives based on the real stories of people he has met on reservations in Minnesota and the Dakotas. Nerburn's latest book, "The Wolf at Twilight," explores the sad legacy of the Indian Boarding schools.

Dawn is back at the SPCO with a world premiere

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Dawn Upshaw returns in her role as Artistic Partner of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. She sings some signature music by Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov and a world premiere by film composer Alberto Iglesias.

Regional Spotlight - Summer Singers

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:47 -0600

Tune in to Classical Minnesota Public Radio Thursday afternoon for Regional Spotlight. Host Steve Staruch will highlight Minnesota choir The Summer Singers.

Environmental group produces film on sulfide mining

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:53:44 -0600

A Minnesota environmental group plans to release a film next week about a new type of mining that organizers said could threaten the state's lakes and rivers.

Peace puppets get to the heart of theater's mission

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:30:00 -0600

The story of a simple monk trying to promote peace during the Vietnam war might seem an unlikely subject for a puppet show. Yet the performers in "A Path Home" at the In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater say in many ways their show gets to the very roots of what they do as an organization.

Concordia's annual salute to top writers

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Kerri Miller talked with authors Maxine Hong Kingston and Annette Gordon-Reed, the featured speakers at the National Book Awards at Concordia College in Moorhead. Kingston is the author of "The Woman Warrior." And Gordon-Reed is the author of "The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family." The event was recorded Friday, Oct. 30.

John Gorka on Radio Heartland

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Singer-songwriter John Gorka performs on Radio Heartland.

Willie Murphy on Radio Heartland

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Twin Cities music legend Willie Murphy talks about his new album, "A Shot of Love in a Time of Need"

How to find the right piano teacher

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Choosing a piano teacher can be a bit like finding the right lawyer, plumber or hairdresser -- professional experience is important, as well as a good fit. North Dakota Piano Teacher of the Year, Sharon Westbrook, shares her thoughts on finding that best "fit."

New Classical Tracks: Star Power

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:42:51 -0600

A trio of star soloists brings out the passion and beauty in two Russian chamber works.

State Sen. Dick Cohen put on presidential arts panel

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:37:17 -0600

A Minnesota state senator is being sworn in as a new member of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

'The Man Who Loved Books Too Much'

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

A journalist tracks the mind and motivation of a notorious book thief who regularly eludes capture, one of many thieves making rare books the art form most sought after by criminals.

SPCO names new Principal Timpanist

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:49:37 -0600

Twenty-something Michael Israelievitch has just been named Principal Timpani of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. It was a grueling (but thorough!) audition and he feels ready to take on his new role.

Joe Dowling returns to stage with Faith Healer

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Guthrie Theater artistic director Joe Dowling makes his American acting debut in a play he has directed in the past and by a playwright he knows well. Dowling talks about the challenge of both directing and acting in a play that has tested previous actors and directors.