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Music

50 years of 'West Side Story'

50 years of 'West Side Story'

West Side Story, starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno, hit theaters all over the globe in 1961, from Los Angeles to Japan to Brazil. NPR's Scott Simon explores the story of this musical in a documentary called, "A place for us: 50 years of 'West Side Story.'"

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Is everyone a critic?

Is everyone a critic?

Professional criticism in newspapers may be declining, but the need for someone to weed through the wealth of media available online may be increasing.

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The Beatles' one-night stand in Bloomington

The Beatles' one-night stand in Bloomington

Bill Carlson was 17 years old when he got a press pass to photograph the Beatles during their one and only show in Minnesota. Few of those photos saw the light of day until recently, when Carlson decided to publish them in a book called "The Beatles! A One-Night Stand in the Heartland."

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Family tradition in good hands

Family tradition in good hands

For the past seven years, Abbie Betinis has been carrying on the family tradition of composing Christmas carols as a holiday greeting. Her new carol is the jaunty "Run, Toboggan, Run." Since 2001 she's been writing carols and sending them out as her annual holiday greeting.
by John Birge

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All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

A new production retelling the true story of the Christmas Truce of 1914 reminds us of the power of music to make peace, even in wartime.
by Marianne Combs

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A brassy Christmas

A brassy Christmas

The Twin Cities' Summit Hill Brass Quintet has a new CD for the holidays, "Christmas up North." The group stopped by Minnesota Public Radio's studios for a chat with host John Birge, and to play new arrangements of Christmas music from the CD.
by John Birge

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Cantus & Theater Latte Da - All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Cantus & Theater Latte Da - All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Imagine putting your rifle down, climbing out of the safety of your trench, and walking across No Man's Land to deliver the gift of song -- to your enemy. Minneapolis-based men's choir, Cantus, and Theater Latte Da perform a new radio drama based on the Christmas truce of 1914.
by Brian Newhouse

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Look ma, no valves

Look ma, no valves

David Kjar's 18th century "natural" trumpet has no valves to help him find the notes. He changes the pitch and volume by his lips. The Minnesota native is back home for performances with Lyra Baroque. He stopped by Minnesota Public Radio for a chat with host Steve Staruch and gave some some examples of virtuosity on this challenging instrument.
by Steve Staruch

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New Classical Tracks: Chanticleer celebrates

New Classical Tracks: Chanticleer celebrates

The men's chorus Chanticleer has made several acclaimed Christmas recordings. Their newest, just released, tips the hat toward pop music, gospel, and jazz.
by Julie Amacher

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Classical music seeks new audiences

Classical music seeks new audiences

Classical music permeates the air at this time of year, with all those Messiahs and Nutcrackers. Some believe the classical music world isn't capable of creating new great works or attracting bigger audiences. Performance Today host Fred Child offers his perspective on the controversy.

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