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Steve Staruch Feature Archive

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The alternative pianist

Christopher O'Riley made his name with recordings of classical music by Stravinsky, Beethoven, Ravel and Busoni. But lately he's become better known for his solo piano interpretations of music by alternative rock acts like Radiohead and the late Elliot Smith. (01/12/2008)

Frankly helping young musicians

Many of great classical music performers give master classes as a part of their concert tours. During these sessions aspiring musicians take turns playing for the "master," often in front of a small audience. Acclaimed violinist Pamela Frank doesn't much care for the term "master class." (01/10/2008)

Look ma, no valves

David Kjar's 18th century "natural" trumpet has no valves to help him find the notes. He changes the pitch and volume by his lips. The Minnesota native is back home for performances with Lyra Baroque. He stopped by Minnesota Public Radio for a chat with host Steve Staruch and gave some some examples of virtuosity on this challenging instrument. (12/19/2007)

Violinist Chloe Hanslip celebrates her 20th birthday in Minnesota

Acclaimed English Violinist Chloe Hanslip is marking her 20th birthday with a recital in St. Cloud. She talks with Minnesota Public Radio's Steve Staruch about growing up with the violin. (09/28/2007)

Orchestra Hall spotlight reveals bass motives

Bassist William Schrickel is usually stuck in the back row of the Minnesota Orchestra. But this week he gets a rare chance to stand out front and show off his virtuosity. (07/20/2007)

Touring choir follows the path of Swedish immigrants

One of Sweden's oldest church choirs is on a concert tour of Minnesota this month. The Uppsala Cathedral Choir stopped by Minnesota Public Radio for a chat with host Steve Staruch and a performance of a few selections from the concert program. (06/18/2007)

From the subway to the concert hall

When they started out, the members of Trio Voronezh played their Russian folk instruments on the streets and in the subways in Germany, France and the Netherlands. Today they're more at home in concert halls across Europe and U.S. (04/20/2007)

Scottish pianist faces the demands of Brahms

Two years ago when Scottish pianist Steven Osborne was last in the Twin Cities, he played an enormous 20th-century work. On Sunday he's playing a more traditional program, but he says the Brahms will still be physically demanding. (03/09/2007)

Meant for the Met?

For aspiring young singers, the Metropolitan Opera auditions are an important step in building a career. Minnesota Opera resident artist Jamie-Rose Guarrine hopes this weekend's regional auditions in St. Paul will work that way for her. (02/16/2007)

Dona nobis pickin'

The Twin Cities choral group VocalEssence is mixing mountain and classical music in what may be the first bluegrass mass. Minnesota composer Carol Barnett took on the challenge of blending disparate styles to create a cohesive composition. (01/18/2007)

English conductor leads Minnesota Orchestra tradition

Christopher Warren-Green gave up the violin for the podium, which has given him the chance to conduct what he describes as one of the greatest pieces of music ever written: Handel's "Messiah." (12/08/2006)

Richard Troxell tells tales of a tenor

Tenor Richard Troxell sings the title role in the Minnesota Opera's production of "The Tales of Hoffman." He talks with Minnesota Public Radio's Steve Staruch about the joy of being a tenor and eliminating the fear factor some people have about opera. (10/30/2006)

Arnold Steinhardt lives his violin dreams

Arnold Steinhardt has had a complicated, 63-year-long relationship with the violin. The longtime member of the renowned Guarneri String Quartet talks with Minnesota Public Radio's Steve Staruch. (10/20/2006)