Music

Some 45 years after the predominantly black St. Paul neighborhood of Rondo was bulldozed to make way for Interstate 94, the community's history is celebrated in a new composition, "The Rondo Oratorio."
The Minnesota Orchestra opens its new season this weekend. It's a special concert series for one musician in particular, double bass player David Anderson, who is a member of the Louisiana Philharmonic in New Orleans. When Hurricane Katrina hit, Anderson was out of town. Now he's found a temporary home in Minnesota.
After living in Europe for the past five years, former St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Music Director Hugh Wolff returns to the Twin Cities, the place his family considers home.
West St. Paul jazz saxophonist Irv Williams is 86-years-old, and as busy as ever. In just over a year, Williams, who some say is a living legend, has released two cds. He also has a standing Friday afternoon gig at the Dakota in Minneapolis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.