Music

Interview with Minnesota Opera Artistic Director Dale Johnson; Interview with mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux and tenor Bruce Ford
Spanning nine centuries of history, the St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London, has established itself as one of the major forces in British church music today. The group visited the Twin Cities' own Cathedral of Saint Paul in October 2003, and we'll hear a broadcast of that performance. The program includes outstanding British repertoire, plus the world premiere of a new work by VocalEssence composer-in-residence Cary John Franklin, based on Psalm 8
Joshua Bell speaks about what it means to be an artistic partner with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.
A few years back, Twin Cities singer and songwriter Barbara Cohen was enjoying a promising career. She signed to Virgin Records and relocated to Los Angeles. Cohen is back in Minnesota for a performance this weekend at the Cedar Cultural Centre in Minneapolis. Her circumstances have changed, however. She returns with a new solo cd, but no record contract. Cohen's CD is called "California." Several of the songs reflect disillusionment and a longing for home.
Andreas Delfs is leaving the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. He will step down at the end of the 2003-2004 season. The move is in conjunction with the SPCO's adoption of a new model of creative leadership which places musicians at the center of the decision making.
A special holiday broadcast of Christmas Stocking with Glenn Mitchell. Mitchell has spent the past 30 years collecting interviews with musicologists, historians, writers, astronomers and theologians, as well as audio clippings covering the oddities of Christmas and musical selections from the sublime to the ridiculous - from Handel's Messiah to I Want a Goat for Christmas.
Veteran Twin Cities acoustic guitarist Billy McLaughlin has reached a turning point in his career. Health problems are forcing him to, for the most part, lay down his instrument. The five-time Minnesota Music Award winner has been diagnosed with focal dystonia, a neurological movement disorder.
Every Christmas season, VocalEssence and The American Composers Forum sponsor a competition for composers to write new carols. The winning entries are premiered in the annual Welcome Christmas! concert. Listen to the entire concert with host John Birge.
A Minneapolis musician is releasing his first recording in 25 years. Papa John Kolstad's roots go back to the beginning of the Minneapolis folk scene. Now at 61, he returns with a CD of up-tempo blues and swing songs and a renewed vigor for making music.