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Twin Cities couple draws on rich choral music scene to help composers distribute new works

Twin Cities couple draws on rich choral music scene to help composers distribute new works

Twin Cities composers Tim Takach and Jocelyn Hagen set out to help connect creators writing new choral pieces with ensembles looking for new works to perform. Their company Graphite Publishing is celebrating 20 years.
by Nina Moini and Ellen Finn

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Making classical music more accessible: Meet Minnesota Orchestra CEO Isaac Thompson

Making classical music more accessible: Meet Minnesota Orchestra CEO Isaac Thompson

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Isaac Thompson, the president and CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra. He grew up inspired by the orchestra — now he’s leading it. They talk about his career, classical music and the orchestra’s future.
by Angela Davis and Nikhil Kumaran

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Ed Sheeran's tour in trouble after opening acts drop out in solidarity with rapper Macklemore

Ed Sheeran's tour in trouble after opening acts drop out in solidarity with rapper Macklemore

Ed Sheeran's tour of North and South America was plunged into chaos when four of his supporting acts quit in solidarity with the rapper Macklemore, who was dropped for making pro-Palestinian comments.
by The Associated Press

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Rising musician Sophie Hiroko getting ready to record her debut album

Rising musician Sophie Hiroko getting ready to record her debut album

Duluth native Sophie Hiroko started 2026 by releasing a new single. And she shared at the MPR State Fair Stage that she has secured studio space to record her first album.
by Nina Moini and Ellen Finn

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Local actor reflects on Dolly Parton's passion for spreading joy

Local actor reflects on Dolly Parton's passion for spreading joy

Ruthie Baker landed a role in playing the country singer in a Christmas musical in 2018 where she met the entire cast before the performance. “She wanted us to shine as brightly as we could on that stage.”
by Clay Masters and Matthew Alvarez

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Dolly Parton, music star, actor and beloved figure who spanned generations has died at 80

Dolly Parton, music star, actor and beloved figure who spanned generations has died at 80

Dolly Parton, the beloved music and film star known for her vibrant personality and poignant songwriting, has died. She was 80 years old. Her career spanned decades, with hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
by The Associated Press and MPR News Staff

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Frank Beard, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer of boogie-rock trio ZZ Top, dies at 77

Frank Beard, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer of boogie-rock trio ZZ Top, dies at 77

Frank Beard, the drummer for ZZ Top, has died at 77. He passed away Tuesday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family by his side. ZZ Top sold over 50 million records and had six No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.
by The Associated Press

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Fargo-based country musician Zach Thomas to make debut at giant Detroit Lakes festival

Fargo-based country musician Zach Thomas to make debut at giant Detroit Lakes festival

WE Fest starts Wednesday outside Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Zach Thomas is from nearby Wendell, Minnesota and will play a set at the festival for the first time Thursday.
by Kelly Gordon and Alanna Elder

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