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
January 17, 1979 - Interview with Eric Stokes, composer and professor of music. Stokes was one of five Minnesotans that won $10,000 grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board for annual fellowships.
January 29, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews William Bolcom and Joan Morris, musicians and members of the Guthrie Theater production of John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera." The ballad opera is a satirical glimpse at 18th century England.
February 10, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews members of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, and their director William Jones. They share their experiences of performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London, as part of a London School’s Promenade concert series sponsored by the London Times and the BBC.
April 10, 1979 - A profile of Leland Sateren, Augsburg College choir director and composer. Nancy Fushan interviews Sateren and they discuss the choir, writing, recording, touring, and his upcoming retirement.
May 16, 1980 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews Dennis Russell Davies, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra's principal conductor, as he completes his 1972-1980 tenure with organization. Davies reflects on his time at SPCO, why he programs more contemporary music than other conductors, what different factors make up a successful orchestral season, his experience conducting at Bayreuth for the Ring Cycle, and reflecting on his time at SPCO.
October 3, 1980 - MPR's Nancy Fushan interviews Pinchas Zukerman about his new career as The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra musical director and conductor. Zukerman shares his excitement on the potential of orchestra and transitioning from role as virtuoso violinist to conductor.
January 10, 1981 - Violinist Isaac Stern, while in residence with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, talks with MPR's Nancy Fushan about teaching your musicians, his own playing, and other matters.
March 22, 1981 - This is the premiere broadcast of Saint Paul Sunday Morning, a new series exploring the unique world of chamber music. This first program is a musical celebration in honor of Johann Sebastian Bach's birthday. Members of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra with the Dale Warland Chamber Singers join Host Bill McGlaughlin in the Studio M for lively conversation and music-making in a relaxed and informal studio setting.
April 19, 1981 - On this special Easter program, Layton "Skip" James and Philip Brunelle meet with Saint Paul Sunday Morning’s Bill McGlaughlin in the St. Paul Cathedral. Program includes commentary by host and interview segments. Organ music is highlighted.
May 17, 1981 - Dale Warland Chamber Singers & Stephen Paulus visit Saint Paul Sunday Morning in the studio. Program includes commentary by host Bill McGlaughlin and interview segments. There is a discussion on professional choirs.