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 28, 1982 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews German-born conductor Max Rudolf, who claims he can teach almost anybody to lead a fine orchestra in as little as four weeks. His rules are simple: keep to the score and stay out of the way of the musicians. Hardly the expected advice of a world-renown conductor…but Max Rudolf, at age 80, is not a believer in the cliched image of the pompous maestro.
May 17, 1982 - Nancy Fushan interviews Richard Killmer, oboist at The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, who is leaving the Orchestra to teach at the Eastern School in New York. Killmer discusses teaching, talent of students, and “voice” of oboe.
January 6, 1984 - During intermission of a Minnesota Orchestra performance with guest solo pianist Emanuel Ax, MPR’s Don Manildi interviews the prize-winning musician. Ax discusses his evolution of playing Brahms, appreciation of Arthur Rubinstein, favorite composers, and his musical discipline.
March 20, 1984 - During intermission of Festival of American Orchestras Concert, the first collaborative performance between Minnesota Orchestra and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, MPR’s Brian Newhouse presents a historical overview of the two orchestras and interviews members the both organizations.
April 9, 1984 - On this Midday program, Metropolitan Opera soprano Benita Valenti talks with MPR hosts Dan Olson & Bill Parker. Valenti also answers listener questions about her art and training.
January 21, 1985 - Midday’s Paula Schroeder talks with Neville Marriner, music director of the Minnesota Orchestra; and Luella Goldberg, cultural liaison for British Festival of Minnesota, about the upcoming festival and music. Marriner and Goldberg also answer listener questions.
October 18, 1985 - During intermission of a Minnesota Orchestra performance with guest violinist Nigel Kennedy, MPR’s Don Manildi interviews the English musician. Kennedy discusses his classical background and shares his love for other genres of music, including the improvisation form of jazz.
December 7, 1985 - MPR’s Mark Heistad interviews Dale Warland, American conductor, composer, educator, and founder of the Dale Warland Singers. Warland talks about his choirs and choral music.
January 16, 1986 - On this Midday call-in program, MPR’s Beth Friend talks with Edo de Waart, the Dutch conductor who was the music director of the Minnesota Orchestra. De Waart discusses his classical career, programming, and interest in coming to Minnesota.
September 8, 1986 - On this MPR Journal program, a collection of reports, interviews, and a news rundown hosted by Gary Eichten.