Minnesota has claim to a wealth of creativity; music is no exception. Almost every genre can be heard within our state’s borders. The results range from a simple act of joy, to an influence that reverberates far beyond (the “Minneapolis Sound” is a prime example). The collection below is an introduction to the diverse and talented artists who have called Minnesota home, and the art they share with all of us.
July 16, 1972 - MPR Classical Host Michael Barone interviews Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, music director of the Minnesota Orchestra. They discuss various composers, classical pieces, and Skrowaczewski’s own compositions.
June 22, 1973 - MPR’s Lawrence Dulcie reports on groundbreaking for Orchestra Hall. Segment features Minneapolis Mayor Charles Stenvig, Councilman John S. Pillsbury Jr., former Governor Elmer L. Andersen and Maestro Stanislaw Skrowaczewski.
August 6, 1973 - MPR’s Connie Goldman reports on steel drum concert of pop music as part of a summer enrichment program. It allows junior high students to play the drum without much music training; they play on parts of the drum marked by numbers.
August 8, 1973 - MPR’s Connie Goldman interviews Eric Stokes, Minnesota composer and assistant music professor at University of Minnesota, as he prepares the performance of his composition "Fireflies."
April 12, 1977 - MPR’s Rachel Krantz talks with makers of ‘bone’ instruments for use in theater and dance. Segment includes examples of sounds created by the various instruments.
August 26, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a segment of guitarist Sharon Isbin providing a demonstration on playing the instrument. Isbin shares some views on performance.
August 26, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a segment of guitarist Sharon Isbin giving lecture on guitar playing and performance. Topics include confidence, technique, and music memory.
August 30, 1978 - MPR’s Roger Gomoll interviews guitarist Cliff Fredrickson about his profession as a lounge musician. Segment includes music audio clips of Fredrickson performing at a local hotel in Fargo, North Dakota.
September 5, 1978 - MPR’s Jennifer O'Neill profiles the Chatfield Brass Band in Chatfield, MN, which is known as “Band Town USA.” O’Neill interviews members of band about their experiences playing and the preservation efforts of Chatfield Brass Band Music Library.
November 1, 1978 - MPR’s Pat Kessler reports on calm at Bob Dylan concert held at St. Paul Civic Center, which has new security measures in place after prior incident at Rolling Stones show.