MPR People

Alison Young

Host, Classical Music
Minnesota Public Radio
ayoung@mpr.org

Young, formerly of Houston Public Radio (KUHF), hosts regional classical music programming during weekend mornings on Classical Minnesota Public Radio and on Classical 24. Previously, Young had a long and successful career as an orchestral flutist, soloist and teacher. She performed as principal flutist with the Memphis, Toledo and Boston Symphonies, the Houston Ballet Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony, where she was hailed by the Atlanta Constitution and Journal as a "recitalist of great poise and technical security, dazzling precision and virtuosic flair." Young has been featured as a performer on public radio programs and has had several works for flute composed specifically for her. She has recorded several CDs and is sought after as a master class clinician and private teacher. Prize-winning American composer David Diamond praised her recording of his Concerto for Flute and Orchestra as "some of the finest flute playing I have heard." Young earned her bachelor's degree in music from the University of Southern California and a master's degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Alison Young Feature Archive

RSS

How to find the right piano teacher

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." (11/04/2009)

SPCO names new Principal Timpanist

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. (11/02/2009)

Leonidas Kavakos plays Bach

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. (10/22/2009)

In search of Beethoven

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. (10/17/2009)

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

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. (10/16/2009)

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

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. (10/16/2009)

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

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. (10/16/2009)

Orpheus live from Carnegie for first broadcast of new classical public radio station

The newest public classical radio station - New York City's WQXR began their new life with a live broadcast of Orpheus Chamber Orchestra from Carnegie Hall. (10/08/2009)

Aranjuez comes to Bemidji

He had to practice in hide-outs during the war, but now Serbian guitarist Petar Jankovic enjoys a varied career of teaching and playing in the United States, including a performance of one of the most beloved guitar concertos this Sunday in Bemidji: Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez.' (10/08/2009)

Steven Epp doesn't miss a beat in Stravinsky's Soldier's Tale

It's the story of Faust in the hands of Stravinsky - a soldier trading his violin for wealth and power. Steven Epp plays all of the roles with violinist Stephanie Arado as the soldiers' "soul" in this unique theater performance. (10/07/2009)

Kirill Gerstein on Bach, Rach and jazz

Russian pianist Kirill Gerstein plays Shostakovich this weekend with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. His musical education included classical studies as well as jazz at the Berklee School, and his music is infused with both a Russian sensibility and a jazz spontaneity. (10/07/2009)

Oslo Chamber Choir Tours Minnesota

When the Oslo Chamber Choir tours Minnesota this weekend, they will have an action-packed four days with nary a break. Friday in Moorhead, Saturday in Minneapolis, Sunday in St. Cloud and Monday in Northfield. (09/23/2009)

Trio con Brio brings a little Copenhagen to Saint Cloud

Their name means "three with spirit" and Trio Con Brio Copenhagen lives up to their name by giving their very life to their music. You can listen to them play Ravel and Smetana in MPR's Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser studio and Beethoven's "Ghost" Trio from last season's Music in the Park Series as they make their way to St. Cloud for a mini-residency. (09/18/2009)

'The Turnaround King' helps regional arts groups

Michael Kaiser is president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He's on an "Arts in Crisis" tour of all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Listen to his Q&A with Minnesota arts groups. (09/17/2009)

Mahler letters

Earlier this year at the Twin Cities airport, representatives of the Schubert Club and the New York Philharmonic met for a brief moment to exchange a packet of letters written by Gustav Mahler to his handpicked concertmaster, when Mahler served as the Philharmonic's director in the early 1900s. (09/05/2009)