Collection
Theme & Variation - Classical interviews
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
218 Collection Items
- Thomas Sondergard talks about becoming Minnesota Orchestra new music director
The Minnesota Orchestra Thursday named Danish conductor Thomas Sondergard as its 11th music director. All Things Considered’s Tom Crann takes a moment to chat with Sondergard about his upcoming new role. Topics of interview include Minnesota Orchestra’s future model and diversity within the orchestra and performances.
- New Classical Tracks: Anna Shelest honors women composers in "Donna Voce"
On this episode of New Classical Tracks, Classical Host Julie Amacher talks with classical pianist Anna Shelest. The two discuss the release of “Donna Voce,” which in Italian, means 'woman's voice.' Shelest expresses a newfound freedom in playing serious work by a woman composer.
- New Classical Tracks: Itamar Zorman celebrates music of Paul Ben-Haim in "Evocation"
On this episode of New Classical Tracks, Classical Host Julie Amacher talks with Israeli violinist Itamar Zorman. The two discuss the release of “Evocation.” Two works recorded here for the first time, by Israeli composer Paul Ben-Haim, provide the framework for this release. They also demonstrate the evolution of Ben-Haim’s composing style.
- Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Minnesota Orchestra's conductor laureate, dies at 93
MPR’s Euan Kerr shares this profile of a Minnesota classical icon. Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Minnesota Orchestra Conductor Laureate, died at the age of 93 in St. Louis Park.
- Classical staff Brian Newhouse, Vaughn Ormseth, Mindy Ratner discuss the early days
Classical staff Brian Newhouse, Vaughn Ormseth, Mindy Ratner join Jack El-Hai to talk about the early days of MPR’s Classical station. In this MPR 50th anniversary interview, the staff talks about how the station started, how important the station is to the community, and the future of MPR Classical.
- New Classical Tracks: Leonidas Kavakos, 'Virtuoso'
On this episode of New Classical Tracks, Classical Host Julie Amacher talks with classical violinist Leonidas Kavakos. The two discuss his album recording “Virtuoso.”
- Minnesota Orchestra looks ahead after triumphant Cuban tour
As members of the Minnesota Orchestra returned tired and triumphant from their whirlwind tour of Cuba Sunday night, MPR’s Euan Kerr reflects on the significant concert performance.
- Songs of Sufi love from a Hindustani voice anchored in Minnesota
MPR’s Euan Kerr profiles Pooja Goswami Pavan, a Minneapolis-based, north Indian classical singer. A collection of ancient Sufi love songs re-imagined for a modern audience are highlighted.
- Minnesota Sounds and Voices: Dulcimer virtuoso Karen Mueller tunes up for a classical excursion
On this episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson profiles dulcimer player Karen Mueller. Mueller is one of the country's top dulcimer and autoharp players, classically trained, steeped in Appalachian, Celtic and folk music. The Minneapolis musician is trying something new: performing a rarely heard classical work with a chamber group.
- Minnesota Sounds and Voices: Salah Fattah and the Egyptian music of Amwaaj
On this episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson talks with Minneapolis resident Salah Fattah on how he stays connected to his Arabic culture. Fattah is founder of the 10-year-old Arabic classical music ensemble Amwaaj, which in English means "wave," as in waves of the sea.