YourClassical MPR

06/18/2026

Dave Wickerham performs his 'Out West Medley' at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, Wisconsin on the 1926 Wurlitzer theater organ. A colorful, cinematic ride that shows off the instrument’s full personality.

06/17/2026

Thank you, Cara, Sarah and Matt! YourClassical MPR is community-supported public media that is committed to staying accessible and free of paywalls. Your support is vital. Join Cara, Sarah, Matt and thousands of other YourClassical MPR members when you donate now!

https://on.mpr.org/yourclassicalmprfye26

06/16/2026

At the core of Hector Olivera’s music is something simple and consistent. From his early appearances on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to his performances today, his goal has remained bringing joy, connecting with audiences, and to leaving people feeling a little better than when they arrived. This short gets at the heart of that mission. Visit our page to see the entire interview with Olivera and Pipedreams host, Michael Barone.

This video includes archival footage featuring Mister Rogers, used with permission from Fred Rogers Productions.

06/15/2026

'Classically Training' host Aerin O’Malley asks three composers about the composers they like and admire the most. Learn more about how composers write classical music in a new full episode, coming soon on YouTube and YourClassical.org.

Watch full episodes:
https://www.yourclassical.org/classically-training

06/14/2026

06/12/2026

Introducing YourClassical’s American Composers Countdown: the top American composers, as ranked by you. From now until June 23, vote for your favorite American composers. We’ll take the results and count them down on-air on Friday, July 3, to kick off the 4th of July weekend.

Head over to yourclassical.org/composerscountdown today to vote!

From now until June 23, vote for your favorite American composers. We’ll take the results and count them down on Friday, July 3.

06/12/2026

Congratulations to Tina O'Malley, a soprano vocalist from New Brighton, Minnesota, who is the winner of the 2026 Karin Larson YourClassical Prize in the Preprofessional Musician category.

Visit the link below to learn more about O'Malley, and to watch video of her in performance.

O’Malley, a soprano vocalist from New Brighton, Minnesota, is the Preprofessional Musician category winner.

06/12/2026

Congratulations to Gaia Daniel, a pianist from Minneapolis, who is the Emerging Artist category winner for the 2026 Karin Larson YourClassical Prize.

Visit the link below to read more about Daniel and to watch video of her in performance.

Daniel, a pianist from Minneapolis, is the Emerging Artist category winner.

06/11/2026

Hector Olivera sits down with Michael Barone at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Minneapolis for a conversation that goes beyond the stage.

Known worldwide for his virtuosity, Olivera reveals a more personal side here: thoughtful, warm, and deeply grounded in purpose. He shares stories from his early beginnings at the organ, how he approaches programming concerts, and the philosophy that has guided him for decades. Along the way, even the small details like the frog that travels with him to performances add to a portrait of an artist whose mission has always been to connect with people and make their lives better through music.

This video includes archival footage featuring Mister Rogers, used with permission from Fred Rogers Productions.