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Radio Heartland

You can now listen to Classical and Choral Music on your iOS (iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad) or Android device.

Top Score

Top Score

In this podcast, host Emily Reese takes an in-depth listen to video game music and talks with the people who make it.

Latest Episode

Lennie Moore and Red Orchestra 2: Rising Storm on Top Score
With so many World War II games on the market, it can be difficult to come up with a unique sound for the score. Lennie Moore talks about his music for Red Orchestra 2: Rising Storm on Top Score.
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Top Score Episode Archive

School Spotlight

School Spotlight

Do you -- or does a teacher you know -- have a great recording of a high school ensemble or choir that would sound terrific on Classical MPR? Send us a copy and we'll consider it for broadcast.

Submit Your Recording

MPR Classical Tshirt

  • Show your support for Classical Minnesota Public Radio by wearing our new Music for Living shirt design. The T-shirt is 100% cotton and features the recently updated classical MPR logo imprinted across the front.
Kelly Carter and Tricia Morgan-Brist

Music with Minnesotans: Kelly Carter and Tricia Morgan-Brist

Kelly Carter and Tricia Morgan-Brist have started an "El Sistema" - the Venezuelan music education system that produced Gustavo Dudamel - right here in North Minneapolis. They bring inspiration and great music to share.

  • Deborah Voigt as BrunnhildeDeborah Voigt talks Wagner
    Classical MPR asked soprano Deborah Voigt about her history performing Wagner's work, what she thinks makes the composer a special figure, how she reconciles the ugly history of his politics with the importance of his music, and much more.
  • Author Will BergerAuthor Will Berger? He talks Wagner, too
    Will Berger is an author and radio host whose books include Wagner Without Fear. On the occasion of Richard Wagner's 200th birthday on May 22, take a moment to enjoy a few of Berger's thoughts on what makes Wagner's music so interesting and important.
  • 10,000 Lakes Concourse d'EleganceGiveaway: VIP passes to the inaugural 10,000 Lakes Concourse d"Elegance
    On June 2, Excelsior, Minn. will be overrun with an array of vintage cars. Classical MPR hosts John Birge and Michael Barone will emcee a parade of the most pristine of these. Enter to win your pass to experience the 10,000 Lakes Concourse d'Elegance in style.
  • Stravinsky: Le Sacre du printemps (Rite of Spring)New Classical Tracks: Music that changed the world
    It's been 100 years since the famous premiere of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps). Simon Rattle talks about its historic opening night, and the music that still packs a punch.
  • Bruce CoppockEager, humble Bruce Coppock to reassume SPCO leadership
    The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra board today is expected to re-appoint Bruce Coppock as president and CEO. Coppock previously held the spot, but left five years ago due to health issues. Now back and in good health, Coppock is challenged with repairing the damage incurred by a bitter contract dispute.
  • The Anoka-Ramsey Guitar EnsembleSchool Spotlight: Anoka-Ramsey Guitar Ensemble
    For this week's school spotlight, get to know the Anoka-Ramsey Community College's Guitar Ensemble and hear an incredible performance of Libertango by Astor Piazzolla.
More Classical Music features

Classical Notes - Classical Minnesota Public Radio's Blog

On the Air This Week

Rex Levang

Posted May 21, by Rex Levang

Highlights from May 21 to 28 Wednesday, noon hour: Music with Minnesotans: Kelly Carter and Tricia Morgan-Brist of ACME (Advocates of Community through Musical Excellence). Thursday, 3 pm hour: Regional Spotlight: The NDSU Concert Choir and Wind Symphony in Jocelyn...

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Beethoven for iPad or iPhone

Emily Reese

Posted May 21, by Emily Reese

This intriguing new app from Touch Press allows you to explore Beethoven's 9th Symphony like never before.

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Classical Music and Video Game Music

Emily Reese

Posted May 16, by Emily Reese

My first love has always been classical music. Maybe cats. But probably classical music. A runner-up would be video games. I feel like I got pretty lucky once games started recording orchestral soundtracks. I remember the first time I heard...

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On the Air This Week

On the Air This Week

Showering with Beethoven, Headstands with Stravinsky

Complete Archive »

2013 Minnesota Varsity

Introducing the 2013 Minnesota Varsity Showcase

Congratulations to the five Minnesota Varsity Showcase Artists who have been chosen to perform, and the two Showcase Composers who have been selected to have their works premiered, in a live broadcast concert at the Fitzgerald Theater!

Arts & Culture

'What Maisie Knew' finds modern truths in Victorian satire

The directorial team behind the indie hit "Bee Season" and "The Deep End" return with an updated version of the Henry James satire on bad parenting. Scott McGehee and David Siegel co-direct a number of films. For the critically acclaimed adaptation they have not only succeeded in telling a very modern story, they may have unearthed a new child star.

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State of the Arts

SPCO announces 2013-2014 season - and starts playing catch-up

SPCO staff working to make up time lost to lock out

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Radio Highlights

  • Friday Favorites

    Each week host Steve Staruch presents four hours of classical music based on listener requests. Do you have a favorite work you'd like to share?
    Send a request
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  • Programming Highlights

    Highlights from May 21 to 28


    Wednesday, noon hour: Music with Minnesotans: Kelly Carter and Tricia Morgan-Brist of ACME (Advocates of Community through Musical Excellence).
    Thursday, 3 pm hour: Regional Spotlight: The NDSU Concert Choir and Wind Symphony in Jocelyn Hagen's Swimming into Winter.
    Friday, 8 pm: Minnesota Orchestra: Appalachian Spring and Carmina Burana, with the Minnesota Chorale, Minnesota Boychoir, and soloists.
    Sunday, 6 am: Pipedreams: Pipedreams Live! Rochester, Part 1 (encore).
    Sunday, noon: From the Top.
    Sunday, 1 pm: SymphonyCast: The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra plays Shostakovich, Prokofiev,and Korngold.
    Monday, 8 pm: Café Europa: Dan Chouinard and guests, in stories and songs of a trip through Europe which follows the path of American troops in WWII.


Mormon Tabernacle Choir

June 20, 2013
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Classical Music Events

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Music for Living

  • You may have heard us exploring our new tagline "Music for Living" on air. The playful vignettes, produced by our own John Birge, feature everyday tasks and events… and how Classical MPR can connect with you during those times.

Music and Movies

  • Many 21st-century listeners' first — and sometimes — main exposure to classical composition is through movie scores. With this in mind, Classical MPR has developed programming that celebrates and explores the relationship between music and movies today and throughout the history of film.

Writers Almanac

  • Each day, The Writer's Almanac features Garrison Keillor recounting the highlights of this day in history and reading a short poem or two. The Writer's Almanac is produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented by American Public Media.
May. 23, 2013: The Writer's Almanac
Poem: "Anniversary" by Davi Walders, and the literary and historical notes for Thursday, May 23, 2013.
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