New Classical Tracks with Julie Amacher
American Public Media 59 episodes Nov 11, 2026
New Classical Tracks with Julie Amacher is a weekly classical music podcast from American Public Media. Each episode features host Julie Amacher taking an in-depth look at a new classical music release. She explores the recording, the performers, and the music through conversation and listening examples.
Episodes
Dobrinka Tabakova and Off the Beaten Path Festival reflect on 25 years with 'Stone Trail'
Classical host Vernon Neal speaks with renowned countertenor John Holiday about his debut solo recording. It’s an album which blends all of the genres that make up his true identity - including pop, jazz, R&B, opera and more.
Countertenor John Holiday blends pop, jazz, R&B and opera on new album
Classical host Vernon Neal speaks with renowned countertenor John Holiday about his debut solo recording. It’s an album which blends all of the genres that make up his true identity - including pop, jazz, R&B, opera and more.
Pianist Stephen Hough finds an 'element of fun' in his 'Piano Postcards'
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pianist Stephen Hough talks about his latest recording, featuring music from ‘Mary Poppins,’ along with other songs and melodies from places he’s traveled to over the years. Listen now with guest host Melissa Ousley.
Thomas Tallis meets 'Blade Runner' on Eric Whitacre's 'Eternity in an Hour'
Grammy-winning composer and conductor Eric Whitacre’s latest project is a result of his personal rediscovery of meditation and his ‘deep, deep love for synthesizers.’ Listen as he speaks to host Julie Amacher about a recording that he describes as “Thomas Tallis meets ‘Blade Runner.’”
Guitarist Jason Vieaux shares his deeply personal 'Gratitude' on latest recording
Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux started writing the music for his latest recording in 2020. The record is titled ‘Gratitude,’ and recently premiered at the Cleveland International Classical Guitar Festival. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.
Maria Dueñas and Gustavo Dudamel pay homage to Jascha Heifetz
Violinist María Dueñas’ latest recording pays homage to Jascha Heifetz, one of the greatest violinists of all time, and reunites her with Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.
Violinist Ariana Kim sews an (un)common thread on latest album
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ violinist Ariana Kim sews an ‘(un)common thread,’ connecting a collage of composers through the art of improvisation, on her latest album. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Alice Sara Ott returns to Iceland to reimagine Johann Johansson
Pianist Alice Sara Ott recently returned to Iceland to record the music of Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson. The resulting record features some of Jóhannsson’s orchestral works reimagined for solo piano, including some of his film scores. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.
Steven Copes, Stephen Prutsman and the SPCO reimagine Sergei Prokofiev
Concert Master Steven Copes and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra join pianist and composer Stephen Prutsman for a new project that takes works by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev and reimagines them for chamber orchestra. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.
Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra present Dvorak and Simon
Conductor Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra present their new release featuring music by Antonin Dvorak and Carlos Simon recorded live in the historic Heinz Hall. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.
Curtis Stewart captures the essence of a nation in his '24 American Caprices'
Violinist and composer Curtis Stewart recently released a two-CD recording featuring ‘24 American Caprices’ composed in the styles of the many genres he grew up listening to on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.
The Catalyst Quartet pays tribute to Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
The Catalyst Quartet recently released the fourth and final volume of its ‘Uncovered’ project. The album focuses on Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and features 18 of his string quartets. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.
Gil Shaham, Eric Jacobson and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra perform Coleridge-Taylor
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ violinist Gil Shaham performs Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Violin Concerto alongside conductor Eric Jacobson and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Jon Batiste expands his piano series with new recording, 'Black Mozart'
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks’: Jon Batiste’s latest recording, Black Mozart, is about commonality, improvisation, expression and innocence, in that spiritual realm where Mozart lives. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.
Recorder virtuoso Michala Petri performs Ole Buck's 'Concerto Rosignolo'
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ recorder virtuoso Michala Petri presents her latest recording featuring Danish composer Ole Buck’s ‘Concerto Rosignolo,’ a piece composed specifically for her. Listen now with guest host Melissa Ousley.
Pianist Min Kwon celebrates 'America the Beautiful' with the help of many friends
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ after six years in the making, pianist Min Kwon presents ‘America/Beautiful,’ a project featuring 82 new piano variations on ‘America the Beautiful’ by 76 commissioned composers. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.
Rock star Kip Winger drops new classical album with the Nashville Symphony
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ glam-rock artist and composer Kip Winger reveals his love for the classical music genre on his latest album, featuring conductor Giancarlo Guerrero and the Nashville Symphony. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.
Simone Dinnerstein and Baroklyn prepare for Philip Glass' 90th birthday
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pianist Simone Dinnerstein and the Baroklyn ensemble prepare for Philip Glass’ 90th birthday in 2027 with their latest album, featuring his ‘Tirol Concerto,’ selections from ‘The Hours’ film, and more. Listen now with host Julie Amacher.
Lara Downes celebrates the country's 250th with 'Hold These Truths'
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pianist Lara Downes describes how her project aimed at uniting American communities informed the music on her latest recording. Listen now with host Julie Amacher in anticipation of the country’s 20th anniversary.
Orli Shaham and members of the Pacific Symphony weave an 'American Tapestry'
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pianist Orli Shaham collaborates with members of the Pacific Symphony on her latest chamber music recording: ‘American Tapestry.’ Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Jan Lisiecki presents two Mozart piano concerti on latest recording
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pianist Jan Lisiecki presents two piano concerti by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on his latest recording with conductor Manfred Honeck and the Bamberg Symphony. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Yolanda Kondonassis and Reena Esmail reflect on Earth and the environment
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ harpist Yolanda Kondonassis releases her latest project, ‘Terra Infirma,’ featuring world premiere recordings of new works by composer Reena Esmail. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Time for Three, Joyce DiDinato and Kevin Puts bring Emily Dickinson's poetry to life
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ the Time for Three ensemble and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato bring the poetry of Emily Dickinson to life with music by Kevin Puts. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra tell 'Fairy Tales'
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ conductor JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra bring Igor Stravinsky’s ‘Fairy Tales’ to light on their latest album. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Leif Ove and Solveig Andsnes honor Norwegian composer Geirr Tveitt
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes pays tribute to Norwegian composer Geirr Tveitt on his latest project featuring the composer’s only piano sonata, as well as folk tunes and songs performed by Andsnes’ sister: vocalist Solveig Andsnes. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Bassoonist Frank Morelli's latest record reflects on his many life experiences
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ bassoonist Frank Morelli presents his latest album From the Soul; a record that reflects the many life experiences he’s had during his exceptional career. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Gautier Capucon shows gratitude for Mother Earth on new album
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ French cellist Gautier Capuçon invites composers from various genres to express their concern and gratitude for mother earth and the beauty of nature. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Jonathan Biss and Caroline Shaw respond to Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pianist Jonathan Biss delivers the final recording of his Beethoven Piano Concerti project: a recording featuring composer Caroline Shaw’s response to Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Sarah Kirkland Snider presents an album of only orchestral works
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ composer Sarah Kirkland Snider presents an album of only orchestral works. The recording features the Metropolis Ensemble and Artistic Director/conductor Andrew Cyr. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
JoAnn Falletta and the BPO present Behzad Ranjbaran’s Violin Concerto
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ conductor JoAnn Falleta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra present the premiere recording of Iranian-American composer Behzad Ranjbaran’s Violin Concerto. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Neave Trio highlights the music of Pejacevic, Chaminade and Schumann
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ the Neave Trio highlights the music of three women composers that were also performers: Dora Pejačević, Clara Schumann and Cécile Chaminade. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Musicians of the Old Post Road bring Christoph Graupner's music to life
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ cellist Dan Ryan and flutist Suzanne Stumpf, the Music Directors of Musicians of the Old Post Road, talk about the ensemble’s latest recording featuring music by Christoph Graupner and more. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Matt Haimovitz and Christopher O’Riley present 'The Bach Dialogues'
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ cellist Matt Haimovitz and pianist Christopher O’Riley collaborate on their lates album featuring period instruments and the music of J.S. Bach. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Gao Hong presents her four new concertos for pipa and orchestra
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pipa master Gao Hong teams up with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and ‘The President’s Own’ United States Marine Band to perform four original concertos she composed and orchestrated. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Kantorei and Joel Rinsema commission Christopher Tin for new recording
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ conductor Joel Rinsema and choral ensemble Kantorei present their latest album, featuring a commissioned piece by composer Christopher Tin about holding space for joy in times of darkness. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Bertrand Chamayou and Leif Ove Andsnes perform Schubert
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ French pianist Bertrand Chamayou and Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes collaborate on an album featuring four-hand piano music from the final year of Franz Schubert’s life. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
'From the Top' celebrates 25 years with new recording
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ the educational fellowship program, national radio show, and podcast ‘From the Top’ celebrates its silver anniversary with a new digital recording featuring performances by young musicians and guest artists. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Pianist Vikingur Olafsson “orbits around” Beethoven’s Opus 109 Piano Sonata
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson “orbits around” Beethoven’s Opus 109 Piano Sonata on his latest project. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Listen to New Classical Tracks' top episodes of 2025
We love sharing the most exciting new recordings on New Classical Tracks every year. Listen to this special end-of-year encore of the year’s most popular episode and find out which other albums made the top 10 list. Listen now!
Sarah Willis and the Sarahbanda dance the holidays away with 'Cuban Christmas'
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ horn player Sarah Willis talks about her latest project, a holiday album titled ‘Cuban Christmas’ featuring her band, the Sarahbanda. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy Takach honor family this holiday season
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ composers Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy C. Takach highlight the importance of family on their album featuring the VOCES8 Foundation Choir and Orchestra, as well as conductor Barnaby Smith. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Chanticleer brings joy to the holiday season with a new album
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ San Francisco-based vocal ensemble Chanticleer shares its latest Christmas recording, ‘Joy to the World,’ featuring original arrangements and newly commissioned pieces. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
The Miro Quartet celebrates 30 years with a holiday recording
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ the renowned Miró Quartet continues its 30th anniversary celebration with its latest album, a holiday-themed recording featuring arrangements by 15 contemporary composers. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Marc-Andre Hamelin presents music and sounds he’s unearthed over the years
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ Canadian pianist Marc-André Hamelin explores rare works he’s collected throughout his career on his latest recording. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Carolyn Surrick and the Ensemble Galilei explore hope on their latest recording
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ Ensemble Galilei’s viola da gambist Carolyn Surrick speaks about the group’s latest recording, which features 35 tracks celebrating 35 years of performing music together. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Evren Ozel becomes a 'Next Generation Mozart Soloist' on latest recording
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ American pianist and Cliburn bronze medalist Evren Ozel joins the Vienna Radio Symphony and conductor Howard Griffiths for a recording of two Mozart Piano Concerti. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Melanie DeMore and VocalEssence present songs of healing for these hard times
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ composer Melanie DeMore and ensemble VocalEssence release their latest album featuring music for healing and nourishment. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Minnesota Orchestra, Sondergard and Josefowicz premiere music by Ades
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ the Minnesota Orchestra, led by Thomas Søndergård and joined by violinist Leila Josefowicz, present the premiere recording of a new symphony and violin concerto by Thomas Adès. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani honors Bach on latest recording
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani brings the first book of J.S. Bach’s ‘The Well Tempered Clavier’ to life on his latest recording. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Paavo Jarvi and the Estonian Festival Orchestra celebrate Arvo Part
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ conductor Paavo Järvi leads the Estonian Festival Orchestra in music by Arvo Pärt in honor of the Estonian composer’s 90th birthday. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Angela Hewitt concludes her complete Mozart Piano Sonatas project
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ pianist Angela Hewitt releases the third volume of her complete recording of Mozart’s piano sonatas. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Cellist Tamar Sagiv explores the different facets of grief
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ cellist Tamar Sagiv explores the different facets of grief on her debut solo recording. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Composer Dawn Avery and cellist Wilhelmina Smith join forces on new album
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ composer Dawn Avery and cellist Wilhelmina Smith present their first collaborative recording, ‘Sweetgrass.’ Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Sharon Isbin performs music by LeFrak on new album
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ guitarist Sharon Isbin fulfills her dream of performing a Latin American-inspired guitar concert on her latest album, ‘Romántico,’ featuring music by Karen LeFrak. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Sarah Bassingthwaighte connects to nature through music
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ Canadian-American flutist and composer Sarah Bassingthwaighte premieres her latest project, an album with the London Symphony Orchestra centered around music connected to nature. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Jess Gillam explores the saxophone's many sounds on 'Prism'
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ young saxophonist Jess Gillam talks about her new project, a series of EPs titled ‘Prism’ that explore the different permutations of the saxophone’s sound. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Avi Avital and the Between Worlds Ensemble explore folk music through a modern lens
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ mandolinist Avi Avital talks about his latest project with the Between Worlds Ensemble: an album that explores how folk music can fuel new progressive concert music. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
John Jeter and the Malmo Symphony Orchestra perform Price and Grant Still
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ John Jeter leads the Malmo Symphony Orchestra, alongside soloists Han Chen and Fanny Clamagirand, in music by Florence Price and William Grant Still. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents Wynton Marsalis' 'Blues Symphony'
On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis talks about his ‘Blues Symphony,’ which was featured on latest recording by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!
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