Melissa Ousley

Minnesota Opera is wrapping up its season with a production of Verdi's 'La Traviata.' Listen as stage director Louisa Muller and sopranos Nicole Cabell and Cecilia Violetta Lopez discuss this popular opera.

Join Classical MPR at 7:30 p.m. Thursday for a live broadcast of Minnesota Opera's production of Puccini's rarely staged gem, 'La Rondine,' hosted by Melissa Ousley.

There are many times when opera plots seem far fetched -- stories that we can't possibly relate to in our everyday lives. But you might find a common thread or two in Minnesota Opera's production of 'Thais,' which runs through May 20. Check out our stunning photo gallery.

This week, we're looking back at past winners of the International Chopin Competition who are still going strong.

Melissa Ousley hosts the live broadcast of the finals of the International e-Piano Junior Competition, where five 12- to 16-year-olds will perform with the Minnesota Orchestra. 'You're probably wondering: Do the kids play with passion? Are they musical?' Melissa writes. 'I can assure you there is passion and musicality.' Listen Tuesday, June 16, starting at 7 p.m.

Each July, the Minneapolis Pops performs a set of free outdoor concerts at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Conductor Jere Lantz spoke to Classical MPR's Melissa Ousley about working with the group and why you ought to consider coming to one of its summer concerts.

The Alexandria Festival of the Lakes opens on Friday with a concert celebrating the 175th anniversary of Brahms' birth. A few of the participating musicians stopped by Minnesota Public Radio for a sampling.

If you have a fondness for piano music -- perhaps you play or once did, or maybe you're the parent of a budding young musician -- you might want to carve out some time this afternoon to catch the Semi-Final Round of the Minnesota International e-Piano Junior Competition. The first e-Comp took place in 2002 and has occurred every two years since, just like the Olympics. And, like this year's Olympic athletes, these musicians are from all over the world and playing at the top of their game.

This year one of Minnesota's most important cultural institutions, the Schubert Club, is celebrating its 125th anniversary. A vital component of the organization's activities, the Schubert Club Scholarship Competition, is also observing a major birthday.

This year one of Minnesota's most important cultural institutions, the Schubert Club, is celebrating its 125th anniversary. A vital component of the organization's activities, the Schubert Club Scholarship Competition, is also observing a major birthday.