Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Music

Working for orchestral equality

Marin Alsop made history this summer when she became the first female music director of a major American orchestra. Her appointment reflects the changes in gender balance which have occurred in classical music over the past few decades, including in Minnesota.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Collecting compilations

There's a lot of local music compilations out right now. The "compilation" is an increasingly popular and practical way for musicians to get their music out. Observers say they demonstrate the vitality of Minnesota's music scene.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Miracle on 57th Street

On Nov. 13, 1943, 25 year-old Leonard Bernstein heard his song cycle "I Hate Music" premiered in New York. A fine title by a young man who, the very next day, would become the most famous musician in America. Open Air host Bill Morelock follows Leonard Bernstein on perhaps the most remarkable day in a remarkable life in music.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Minnesota musicians play to save the European folk (music)

Minnesota musicians play to save the European folk (music)

A Minnesota dance band is preserving the folk music fast disappearing from Europe. Four women and a man make up Orkestar Bez Ime, pronounced, 'ore-kehstar bezz-EE-may'.
by Dan Olson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Payola's prevalence in the music industry

How much does it cost to make a hit? The drummer of the former Minneapolis band Semisonic knows. He'll talk about that and give his perspective on payola.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Open Ears: Irv Williams

Irv Williams, 86, has been a fixture in the Twin Cities jazz scene for more than 50 years. His favorite classical piece comes from a composer known in jazz circles for his jazz sensibilities.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Opera by the ore docks?

You can bring opera to Duluth, but will anyone be listening?

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The Waltz King and the Land of Giants

When Johann Strauss, Jr. came to America in 1872, concert promoters in Boston went all out. They built a great wooden hall which held an audience of 100,000, not to mention an additional 20,000 singers and musicians. Strauss conducted his own music, communicating with the multitudes through 100 assistant conductors. A sincere expression of our love of Strauss' music (or celebrity?), or a megalomaniacal lust for spectacle? Strauss was pretty sure he knew. Bill Morelock looks at the American sojourn of a reluctant Waltz King.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The perils of Penelope, Lady Rich

Minnesota native and internationnally accalimed early music singer Emily Van Evera has released a new CD focusing on Lady Penelope Rich, the tragic muse of the Elizabethan court.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Painting with sound

What do you do if one day you realize the job you've loved all your life isn't cutting it anymore? Here's the story of a man who changed his art, and how the art changed the man.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!