Classical Music Features from Minnesota Public Radio

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.

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.

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.

New Classical Tracks: Dudamel Discoveries

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:36:25 -0500

On a new disc, classical music's newest superstar offers music by Beethoven, Mahler, and others-the kind of music, he says, that can change lives.

Leonidas Kavakos plays Bach

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:25:19 -0500

Leonidas Kavakos performed with the Minnesota Orchestra at Carnegie Hall last spring - depending on the kindness of Jorja Fleezanis and a loan of her violin when his instrument suddenly failed. He still managed to wow the audience receiving a standing ovation and he'll wow us tonight at the Ordway.

Conductor Simon Halsey joins VocalEssence for British Invasion

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

British conductor Simon Halsey joins VocalEssence for a British Invasion of the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 8 pm.

Andrew Altenbach begins his tenure with the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra calls its first concert of the 2009-2010 season "New Beginnings." It's the first concert of a new season, featuring the "New World" Symphony and the debut of the orchestra's new conductor, Andrew Altenbach.

New Classical Tracks: Beethoven for Cello

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:56:37 -0500

Two young Americans delve into the fun, and the fury, of Beethoven.

In search of Beethoven

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 05:42:44 -0500

If you were to list the 10 greatest things from all of humanity, on that list would probably be a piece or two by Beethoven. He was a god; he was a cranky and difficult man; he was an inveterate optimist. Who was the real Beethoven? A new film by Phil Grabsky aims to find out with the help of some of the greatest Beethoven artists.

Thomas Hampson's American Song; Part Four: To the Twentieth Century

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:16:22 -0500

Thomas Hampson is known as the Ambassador of American music. He began his 'Song of America' tour at Winona's Beethoven Festival in July of 2009. Listen to this captivating music with Thomas Hampson himself as host.

Thomas Hampson's American Song; Part Three: This Beautiful Land

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:11:03 -0500

Baritone Thomas Hampson began his Song of America tour at Winona's Beethoven Festival in July of 2009. Listen to this captivating music with Thomas Hampson himself as host.

Thomas Hampson's American Song; Part Two: War and the Spirit

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:23:08 -0500

Thomas Hampson sang at the Beethoven Festival in Winona, Minnesota to begin his 'Song of America' tour. Hear Part Two in the series with Hampson as host.

Courtney Lewis injects a bit of British polish into the Minnesota Orchestra

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:33:14 -0500

Courtney Lewis is getting ready for his first gigs in his new post as Assistant Conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra. He looks back and looks ahead in a conversation with John Birge.