Regional Spotlight: Swimming Into Winter

To celebrate the opening of the School of Music at North Dakota State University a new piece was commissioned from Minnesota composer Jocelyn Hagen. The world premiere of Swimming Into Winter took place at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St Paul this past March.

• Wagner at 200: Listen to the Complete Ring Cycle
  Immerse yourself in over 14 hours of Richard Wagner's masterpiece, Der Ring des Nibelungen, courtesy of Allegro Music. Find out more about Wagner, the operas and enter our giveaway to win the complete Ring Cycle box set.
• 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 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 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.
• Giveaway: 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.
• 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.