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.
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.
November 15, 1976 - An exploration of the American burial ritual, including conversations with writers, funeral directors, ministers, sociologists, and anthropologists. Topics include problematic dichotomy of funeral industry as a business vs. providing a social service and the ceremonial nature behind burial or cremation.
May 10, 1976 - Author of “Our Two Lives,” Madame Halina Rodzinski talks about her love and marriage to her husband, the conductor Artur Rodzinksi.
December 15, 1974 - MPR’s Greg Barron produces “In Search of a Better Life,” a documentary which explores the origin, life and challenges of Mexican American community in Minnesota. The community of St. Paul’s West Side neighborhood is highlighted.
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.
August 28, 1974 - MER’s Connie Goldman interviews MER Classical host Dennis Rooney about his interest in covering the food at Minnesota State Fair. Rooney promotes the various traits of food fair.
October 23, 1973 - MER’s Dennis Rooney interviews Joseph Roche, a member of Minnesota Orchestra, about the death and legacy of Pablo Casals. Roche shares experience of being a part of Casals Festival.
June 17, 1972 - Tony Russo, a key figure in the Pentagon Papers case, talks with Paul Gruchow and Marvin Granger about social justice under the Nixon administration. Russo describes his personal experience in jail. (Please note - This is a "raw" interview, with audio prior to start of proper interview, and fluctuations in audio quality)