John Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.
Classical MPR's John Birge spoke with Sally Wingert and Jocelyn Hagen ahead of VocalEssence's Oct. 18 virtual concert, 'Rightfully Hers,' which celebrates the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote in the U.S.
Joel Revzen, a staff conductor at the Metropolitan Opera for the past 20 years and the previous director of the Minnesota Chorale, died Monday due to complications from COVID-19. He was 74.
Listen at 7 p.m. Thursday as Classical MPR presents an encore broadcast of the Minnesota Opera production of Richard Wagner's timeless 'Das Rheingold.' But first, learn more about the performance in John Birge's 2016 interview with singers Greer Grimsley, Katharine Goeldner and conductor Michael Christie.
Social distancing doesn't mean you can't enjoy weekend picks from John Birge! This weekend, celebrate the birthdays of Stephen Sondheim and Werner Klemperer, all from the comfort of your couch.
Catch the Broadway revival of 'My Fair Lady' this weekend in Minneapolis! Also happening this weekend, here John Birge's picks on concerts from the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra.
This weekend, the Sphinx Virtuosi return to St. Paul with their new program, 'For Justice and Peace.' Read more about classical host John Birge's picks for this weekend, including concerts from the South Dakota Symphony and Wayzata Symphony.
Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in classical music, movies, and dance for this weekend. Be sure to check out the ballet 'Jewels' at Northrop Auditorium this weekend.
Listen to John Birge's interview with composer Sartje Pickett, who wrote the music for the Guthrie Theater's new production of Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night.'
It's Valentine's Day weekend, and there's plenty of great events happening for that perfect date night or a night with friends. Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in classical music, theater and more for the Twin Cities and beyond.
Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in classical music for the weekend of Feb. 7, including a must-hear SPCO concert of Mozart concertos and music celebrating Beethoven's 250th birthday.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Twin Cities or elsewhere in the region? Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks for the weekend of Jan. 24.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Twin Cities or elsewhere in the region? Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in classical music, theater and more for the weekend of Jan. 17.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Twin Cities or elsewhere in the region? Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in music, theater and more around the Twin Cities and beyond.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Twin Cities or elsewhere in the region? Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in classical music, theater and more for the weekend of Nov. 15, including Trumpet Day at the University of Minnesota.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Twin Cities or elsewhere in the region? Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in classical music, theater and more for the weekend of Nov. 8.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Twin Cities or elsewhere in the region? Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in classical music, theater and more.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Twin Cities or elsewhere in the region? Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in classical music, theater and more.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Twin Cities or elsewhere in the region? Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in classical music, theater and more.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Twin Cities or elsewhere in the region? Classical MPR host John Birge offers his picks in classical music, theater and more.
Classical MPR host John Birge caught up with the Arianna Quartet after its 17th summer at Madeline Island.