Since MPR was founded in 1967, our studios have been a regular stop for the world's master musicians, composers, and conductors. Additionally, in partnership with Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, MPR has recorded interviews and performances with many incredible visiting musicians and leaders in the classical music world, such as Bobby McFerrin, Osmo Vänskä, and Neville Marriner, to name a few. The Archive at MPR has preserved these interviews to make them accessible to you. Enjoy this collection which includes unique conversations occasionally combined with performance highlights and excerpts, as well as reports on the local classical scene.
Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary or created after 2005 can be found on our main content pages of YourClassical MPR and MPR News
November 16, 2001 - MPR's Stephanie Hemphill visits a rehearsal of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra as they are led by Markand Thakar, their new conductor. Thakar has his feet in two musical worlds. He'll keep his job as an assistant conductor at the New York Philharmonic while commuting to Duluth for the monthly concerts with the DSSO. The Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 70th season under the baton of a Thakar.
November 19, 2001 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews Minnesota Orchestra Concertmaster Jorja Fleezanis about anger local musicians have over a new aviation security bill, with calls to members of Minnesota's congressional delegation to express their concerns.
November 28, 2001 - MPR's Music Director Rex Levang has phone interview with famed Italian operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti. They spoke about the fundraising concerts the singer has played over the years.
November 29, 2001 - MPR’s Euan Kerr interviews Osmo Vänskä, Minnesota Orchestra’s new music director. Vänskä discusses his approach in building relationship with musicians as he raised his baton to conduct the Minnesota Orchestra for the first time since being named music director. While he doesn't officially assume the post until 2003, it's apparent he and the orchestra are keen to get working.
January 10, 2002 - MPR’s Tom Crann talks with composer Daniel Schnyder about The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra world premiere of "Krisis," a symphony honoring the victims of the September 11th attacks. The piece has three movements reflecting stages in human reactions to tragedy.
January 16, 2002 - Minnesota Public Radio music host, Mindy Ratner talks with conductor Yakov Kreizberg about the renowned conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein. Kreizberg leads the Minnesota Orchestra in the second part of the Bernstein Festival, a two-week event exploring Leonard Bernstein's legacy as a conductor, composer, pianist and educator.
January 17, 2002 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham interviews conductor Nicholas McGegan as he prepares The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra for their performance of George Frideric Handel's "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," a piece that had been lost and wasn't performed for more than 300 years.
January 21, 2002 - As a young boy growing up in Duluth, Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Director Rex Levang listened to broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera and dreamed of being a contestant on the Opera's Quiz. Well, his dream came true, as Rex was part of a panel of opera fans who answered questions sent in by listeners and crafted by the Quiz Master. He recounts his experience with MPR’s Greta Cunningham.
January 25, 2002 - MPR Classical Music Host John Birge interviews Bruce Ford, a tenor playing the title role of the Emperor Titus of Mozart's "La clemenza di Tito." The Minnesota Opera production is Ford's first appearance in the part.
February 6, 2002 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews Chinese American composer and conductor Tan Dun. He is in the Twin Cities to conduct The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in two performances of the Crouching Tiger Concerto.