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
October 21, 1974 - During on-air intermission of the Dedication Concert of the new Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis, MPR’s Dennis Rooney presents a recorded interview with Cyril M. Harris, the acoustic engineer involved in the design of hall. Harris discusses the importance of acoustics and avoiding the multi-use concept. Despite it’s contemporary feeling, he states Orchestra Hall is quite traditional.
November 6, 1974 - The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra returns to Minnesota from a four-week tour of Europe. In a brief interview at airport, Conductor Dennis Russell Davies said audiences were very receptive.
April 1, 1977 - MPR’s Michael Barone interviews 20-year-old classical guitarist Sharon Isbin. Topics include guitar sound, touring, competitions, and contemporary compositions. Isbin also discusses expanding her repertoire.
September 26, 1977 - MPR’s Dennis Rooney talks with The Delphi Quartet about their year-long tour of the state through the Minnesota String Quartet Residency Project.
March 23, 1978 - On this Midday program, a panel discussion, held at the Walker Art Center, of the Minnesota Opera Company production of “Claudia Legare.” Panelists include librettist Bernard Stambler; composer Robert Ward; Paul Hume, Washington Post music critic; Roy Close, Minneapolis Star music critic; and J. Wesley Balk, Minnesota Opera Company stage director. The group talk on how to get the most out of an opera.
April 7, 1978 - During intermission of an Minnesota Orchestra performance with Neville Marriner as guest conductor, MPR’s Dennis Rooney interviews the esteemed English orchestra conductor. Marriner discusses his future plans, including potentially becoming music director of the Minnesota Orchestra.
May 16, 1978 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan reports on the resignation of Stephen Sell, general manager of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Sell has decided to become the Executive Vice President of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
May 16, 1978 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan reports on a shake-up in The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra's leadership. This includes James Halland's contract to be general manager not being renewed and Dennis Russell Davies leaving after the 1979-1980 season to conduct in Europe. Report includes phone interview with Davies.
August 26, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a segment of guitarist Sharon Isbin giving lecture on guitar playing and performance. Topics include confidence, technique, and music memory.
August 28, 1978 - MPR’s Don Manildi interviews Charles Rosen, visiting Minnesota Orchestra pianist, who discusses his work as an artist. Rosen performs Beethoven prior to interview.