APM Presents - Classical Specials
The Magic of Joe Hisaishi
For forty years, Studio Ghibli’s world-class animated films have enchanted global audiences. In particular, Joe Hisaishi’s unforgettable soundtracks have made tangible the experiences of childlike wonder, high octane adventure, and the joy of companionship. Join us as we celebrate the legacy (and 75th birthday) of this legendary composer.
Two, one-hour episodes
Broadcast Window: July 1, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Every Good Thing
This Thanksgiving, host Andrea Blain and classical music fans from all around the country take time to give thanks and celebrate one of life's most meaningful gifts: music. It's Every Good Thing — an hour of stories and music to celebrate Thanksgiving. Encore from 2024
One hour
Broadcast Window: November 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Songs of Thanks
Join us for "Songs of Thanks," an innovative new production by Cantus, presented exclusively by Minnesota Public Radio. Through their signature narrative programming, the acclaimed octet will weave together stories and songs celebrating gratitude and community. Don't miss this special broadcast, designed to uplift the human spirit and honor the season.
One hour
Broadcast Window: November 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Shadowglow: Thanksgiving with the American Sound
This Thanksgiving enjoy an hour of music celebrating the special radiance of autumn and the richness of the holiday—music inspired by the uncanny fire of starlight, the hopeful warmth of luminaria, the lamps of gratitude we light within ourselves, even the golden glow of beloved Thanksgiving treats fresh from the oven. Michael Torke’s Appalachian-inspired Spoonbread is a scrumptious soundtrack for puttering in the kitchen, and Peter Boyer’s Radiance, the incandescent “Choose Something Like a Star” from Randall Thompson’s Frostiana, Michael Whalen’s nostalgic Shadows of October, Kenji Bunch’s contemplative Luminaria and Craig Hella Johnson’s affirming The Song That I Came to Sing fill the holiday with shimmering nuances of gratitude and hope.
One hour
Broadcast Window: November 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Carols, Customs and Candlelight: a Celtic Christmas Celebration
The Celtic lands of Northwestern Europe have an especially rich musical heritage, and many Christmas songs and carols come from places like Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and other Celtic nations. Listen as host Andrea Blain explores music and customs that have roots in ancient winter celebrations and traditional Christmas festivals. The music features classical ensembles and soloists like Apollo’s Fire and Bryn Terfel, as well as traditional instruments like harp, fiddle and mandolin. Lots of well-known Christmas music comes from the Celtic tradition, and some very beautiful but lesser-known festive music. Encore from 2024
One hour
Broadcast Window: November 11, 2025 - December 31, 2025
A Chanticleer Christmas
Grammy award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer is known as the “orchestra of voices” for its unparalleled range and abilities. This holiday season, the group brings its brand-new Christmas program including original arrangements of well-known tunes drawn from Classical, Jazz, and Popular traditions. They fluently weave between diverse musical styles to create an evening of wonder and joy.
One hour
Broadcast Window: November 11, 2025 - December 31, 2025
St. Olaf Christmas Festival
A service in song and word that has become one of the nation’s most cherished holiday celebrations. The festival includes hymns, carols, choral works, as well as orchestral selections celebrating the Nativity and featuring more than 500 student musicians in five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra.
Two hours
Broadcast Window: November 11, 2025 - December 31, 2025
In Winter’s Glow
A winter solstice program, with modern classical sounds for the longest night of the year, chosen especially to complement the chilly, starry nights of the season.
One hour
Broadcast Window: November 11, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Welcome Christmas
Welcome Christmas is a perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world's premier choral ensembles, conducted by Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz. Join host Bonnie North for an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries.
One hour
Broadcast Window: November 11, 2025 - December 31, 2025
The Sound of Cinnamon
What does hygge mean to you? Maybe it means friendship, laughter, or more concrete things like warmth, light, seasonal food and drink. It might make you think of sitting by the fire on a cold winter night, wearing your favorite oversized sweater, reading a book, and sipping cinnamon tea. In the special, "The Sound of Cinnamon," Jake Armerding invites you to experience coziness and contentment with a hygge soundtrack perfect for finding your favorite pair of slippers and putting your feet up.
One hour
Broadcast Window: December 1, 2025 - January 31, 2025
Candles Burning Brightly
A delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights! Lots of music from Jewish communities around the world, plus a hilarious lesson on how to prepare a classic Chanukah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home. Encore from 2024
One hour
Broadcast Window: November 11, 2025 - December 31, 2025
2025 Remembered from The Current
Join The Current in honoring the life, music, and legacy of artists we lost this year with 2025 Remembered from The Current. This two-hour musical tribute is a celebration of all sounds - from indie to influential - and the perfect way for music lovers to unite in paying homage to the artists who have shaped music history.
Two hours
Broadcast Window: December 10, 2025 - January 16, 2026
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Since 1918, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has offered listeners an opportunity to share in a live, worldwide Christmas Eve broadcast of a service of biblical readings, carols and related seasonal classical music. This special event is presented by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, one of the world’s foremost choirs of men and boys, and performed in an acoustically and architecturally renowned venue, the college’s 500-year-old chapel.
Two hours
Broadcast Window: December 24, 2025 - December 25, 2025