Seasonal specials are presented on Classical Minnesota Public Radio stations and stream unless noted otherwise.

• Chanukah
• Christmas
• New Year's

Chanukah

A Classical Chanukah with Mindy Ratner and Bill Morelock
Saturday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.

The traditions of Chanukah derive from a test of faith. Over twenty-one hundred years ago, in the days of the Temple in Jerusalem, the principles and practices of the Jews came under assault by the ruling Greeks. But rather than assimilate, a band of Jews who practiced their faith in secret returned and rededicated the Temple. Their courageous act and its aftermath form the focus of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Mindy Ratner and Bill Morelock offer music and stories for the devotional and delectable aspects of Chanukah: from the significance of the lighting of candles, to the essential ritual of preparing (and eating!) latkes.

Christmas

St. Olaf College Christmas Festival live broadcast
A joyous celebration of the Nativity featuring more than 500 student musicians
Sunday, Dec. 6, 3:30 p.m.

Read more from Classical MPR

Cantus: All is Calm
This radio-drama style program tells the story of the Christmas truce of 1914 through words and music. Get More Cantus
Monday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

Minnesota Holiday Sampler, Part I

This special features holiday concerts and recordings from ensembles from our region.
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.

Open Air: Carols from Around the World
Bill Morelock explores the international tradition of Christmas carols.
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.

Welcome Christmas with VocalEssence
A choral celebration of Christmastime. Buy Now
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.

Holiday Opera: Gian-Carlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors
This family favorite opera gets everyone in the holiday mood.
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 8 p.m.

Christmas with the Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs
The choirs of two of the most prestigious historically black institutions in the nation join together to present a spine-tingling concert.
Saturday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.

Saint Paul Sunday: Renaissance Holiday
Sunday, Dec. 20, noon

St. Olaf College Christmas Festival (repeat)
Sunday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.

Cantus: All is Calm
Sunday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m.

Minnesota Holiday Sampler, part 2

This special features holiday concerts and recordings from ensembles from our region.
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m.

A Harpist's Christmas with Yolanda Kondonassis
America's premier harpist celebrates the season with a variety of musical selections
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 9 p.m.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols live broadcast
The Christmas Eve spoken-word-and-music celebration live from King's College, Cambridge. Thursday, Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 9 a.m.

New Year's Day

A Classical Countdown to 2010
Thursday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.

New Year's Day from Vienna live broadcast
A sparkling celebration live from the Musikverein where the Vienna Philharmonic presents its annual celebration in waltzes, polkas and symphonic works.
Friday, New Years Day, Jan. 1, 10 a.m.

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony performed by the Minnesota Orchestra
Friday, New Years Day, Jan. 1, Noon

Musical Firsts
Friday, New Years Day, Jan. 1, 1:30 p.m.

On The Current

Top 89 of 2009
Vote for your favorite albums of 2009 and we'll count them down on New Year's Day. Check back here in December to start picking your albums.