Hear an outright glorious Bach concert by the Waterloo-Cedar Falls SO & Jason Weinberger Sunday@noon or Monday @7PM. Titled "The Heavens Laugh, the Earth Rejoices," it features the Brandenburg 1, various Sinfonias, and the beautiful Cantata 104 with the UNI Cantorei, Jeffrey Brich, & John Hines. Pictured: the Brandenburg manuscript opening pages.

Our Lyric Opera of Chicago season starts Saturday at noon with a Verdi masterpiece, Simon Boccanegra ("essentially a heartwarming story about a compassionate political leader who is reunited with his lost daughter and makes peace with two political enemies," as the New York Times sums it up). The amazing Thomas Hampson, pictured, sings the title role.

Wind energy is our topic on River to River today during the noon hour. MidAmerican Energy has announced plans for a big expansion to their wind turbine numbers in Iowa. Tell us your questions or concerns about wind energy. Do you have your own small-scale wind generator? How did the installation go? How's it working for you? Any advice for others?http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/images/windmaps/ia_80m.jpgwww.windpoweringamerica.gov

Last year's drought has made Iowa's evergreens not-so-green. We're talking trees with Mark Vitosh today on Hort Day. Post your questions here!Why Ever is My Evergreen Brown?www.extension.iastate.eduEvery fall, foresters and plant pathologists get flooded with calls from distraught tree-lovers. “My pine tree has looked great all summer, and now it’s dying! What’s wrong?” With a little probing, we usually find out that, indeed, many of the inner needles are turning yellow or brown and falling…

Last year's drought has made Iowa's evergreens not-so-green. We're talking trees with Mark Vitosh today on Hort Day. Tweet us your questions!Why Ever is My Evergreen Brown?www.extension.iastate.eduEvery fall, foresters and plant pathologists get flooded with calls from distraught tree-lovers. “My pine tree has looked great all summer, and now it’s dying! What’s wrong?” With a little probing, we usually find out that, indeed, many of the inner needles are turning yellow or brown and falling…

The Des Moines Register is moving to a new headquarters after many decades. IPR's Rick Fredericksen digs through the archives (literally!) in this Iowa Archives special report.For Sale: Historic Register Buildingiowapublicradio.orgOne of Iowa's most strategic pieces of of real estate is up for sale; The Des Moines Register is preparing to vacate its long time headquarters next month.

Tune in tonight at 7 as the New York Philharmonic begins its "Bach Variations" Festival. The awesome keyboardist/ conductor Masaaki Suzuki leads the orchestra, joined by the chorus he founded 33 years ago, the Bach Collegium Japan. On the program: the Magnificat (Bach's setting and also Mendelssohn's) and the motet "Sing to the Lord a New Song." Suzuki, who is recording Bach's complete keyboard, orchestral, and choral works for the Swedish BIS label, is a winner of the prestigious Bach Prize from the Royal Academy of Music.

It's the last day to vote for your favorite band in the IPR 80/35 Play In! Go to iowapublicradio.org/play to listen and watch them all, then get your vote in by midnight tonight!Play Iniowapublicradio.orgEnlarge image Semi-Final Round It begins! Thanks to the more than 60

Today on Talk of Iowa we talk with Grinnell College commencement speaker and spoken word poet Sarah Kay, as well as St. Ambrose University commencement speaker Sister Barbara Moore who went to Selma, AL in 1965 to protest the Jim Crow-era South. Do you have a piece of advice for this year's graduates? Tell us in one sentence.Sunscreen Songwww.youtube.comEverybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) Speech: Baz Luhrmann Edited: Carlos O. Garza

Are you a "beer snob"? What's your favorite local Iowa brew?Growing a local beer, farm to glassiowapublicradio.orgHow does a new craft brewer stand apart from the pack? A few have hitched their brewery onto the local food bandwagon, sourcing the ingredients that form

Ongoing investigations into the IRS, Department of Justice and the handling of the U.S. embassy attack in Benghazi have had the Obama administration on the defensive in recent weeks. How will these issues impact the agenda for an Obama second term? Has your thinking about the administration changed as a result of these controversies?Goodbye, Again, To Obama's Most Audacious Hope : NPRwww.npr.orgThe sudden eruption of second-term scandals in his administration will have many costs for President Obama, but surely the most grievous will be the lost opportunity to transcend the partisan wars of Washington, his fondest dream for his second term, much as it was for his first. Now it seems destin...

Today on Talk of Iowa, we'll discuss job training programs for the homeless by exploring Iowa City's Shelter House "Culinary Starts" program, that teaches its clients how to prepare food, as well as Goodwill of the Heartland's employment program. What do you think is the best way to help Iowa's homeless find employment and residence?http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20130430/NEWS01/304300102/New-chefs-have-big-plans-for-Culinarywww.press-citizen.com

Great news - children with congenital heart conditions and other health problems from birth are getting better treatment. But that means new challenges for doctors treating what once were primarily pediatric conditions, in adults.Longer Lifespans For Children with Congenital Disorders Mean New Challenges for Pediatric Doctorsiowapublicradio.orgAs medicine advances, babies who used to die from congenital conditions early in life are living longer. That’s the good news. But doctors used to treating

Today on River to River at noon, we will be hearing from Chris Merrill, Director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa. One of his recent trips was to Turkey for a conference on the 13th century mystic poet Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī. Has your own reading of Rumi or any other Middle Eastern author influenced your understanding of that region? (Here's a Rumi sample: bit.ly/12s9KEe)THE SAME GATE: Poets gather in Turkey for creative exchange celebrating Rumi | @ Shambaugh Houseiwp.uiowa.eduLast Friday, 17 poets and writers from the U.S., Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran arrived in Konya, in central Turkey, to participate in The Same Gate, a six-day conference centered around the life and work of celebrated poet Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi. Beirut-based documentary filmmak...

Today on Talk of Iowa wildlife biologist Jim Pease joins the program to discuss the mammals of Iowa's wetlands.Eagle steals fish from river ottersA bald eagle dives at river otters feasting on fish in a icy channel of the Snake River on a spring day in the Tetons, and manages to steal a fish.

We're on-air right now talking about life at the capitol. Have you worked at the Iowa State Capitol as a page, intern, lobbyist, or service provider? Share an interesting, funny, or outlandish moment with us, and tell us about your experience.

It's "Legislative Monday" today on River To River, and we're discussing a bill that would require DNA testing for those convicted of aggravated misdemeanors. If the bill ends up signed by Gov. Branstad, would you feel more safe knowing that DNA was being recorded, or would you be concerned about your rights as a citizen?Senate approves expanded DNA profilingsiouxcityjournal.comDES MOINES | The Iowa Senate voted Wednesday to give law enforcement expanded authority to take DNA samples from people convicted of less-serious crimes classified as aggravated misdemeanors over objections

Women have always been partners on the farm, but they haven’t always been equal partners. Today on "Talk of Iowa" Jenny Barker-Devine, author of “On Behalf of the Family Farm: Iowa Farm Women’s Activism since 1945,” and other Iowa women farmers discuss the role of women on the farm today.Breaking the 'grass ceiling': More women are farmingwww.usatoday.comFor decades, women were viewed as the supportive behind-the-scene sidekicks to their husbands and sons who were planting seed, fixing equipment and feeding livestock. But that's all changing.

Were you a supporter of Texas Congressman Ron Paul in 2012? What do you think of his son, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul?Paul Name Could Be Asset, or Liability, for Rand Pauliowapublicradio.orgSen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) says he’s considering a run for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. He headlined a fundraiser for Iowa Republicans Friday night

Join us Sunday at noon or Monday at 7 PM as the Des Moines Symphony and Joseph Giunta perform Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony - preceded by a special "Beyond the Score" presentation taking us into the work's inspirations from Beethoven to ballet to Russian folk song (you can sample it at)CSO Beyond The Score - Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4. - pt. 1Part One of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's critically acclaimed Beyond The Score presentation of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4. Chicago Symphony Orchestra A...

Many are remembering where they were when they heard that one of the nation's largest immigration raids was taking place in Postville at Agri-Processors.Postville, Iowa then and nowiowapublicradio.orgFive years ago, on May 12, 2008, Postville's kosher meat packing plant was the site the largest immigration raid in Iowa history. Iowa Public Radio's Pat

It's "curtains" for Valhalla:) as the Met brings Wagner's Ring Cycle to its powerful conclusion, the "Gotterdammerung." Hear it live starting at 10 AM Saturday. Deborah Voigt is Brünnhilde - "a role she has made her own," says the NYTimes, which also praised conductor Fabio Luisi for drawing "a muscular, passionate, but never hurried performance from the orchestra."

For 25 years, CareerCast.com has ranked the best and worst jobs. It's based on physical demands, work environment, income, stress, and hiring outlook. Is your job on the list? Should it be? Rated 2013: Ranking 200 Jobs From Best To Worst | CareerCast.comwww.careercast.comCareerCast helps job seekers find a job, create a resume, get email job alerts, read career news and best job rankings. Employers post jobs to multiple sites.

What a great Semi Final round for the IPR 80/35 Play In! We heard from Two Peace, Dylan Sires and Neighbors, Fire Sale and The Uniphonics this week. NOW ... GO VOTE! Remember your vote helps determine who advances to the Finals, June 6 at Wooly's in Des Moines. You have until May 16 at midnight. Iniowapublicradio.orgEnlarge image Semi-Final Round It begins! Thanks to the more than 60

The Uniphonics perform in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

The Uniphonics perform in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

The Uniphonics perform in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

It's horticulture day on Talk of Iowa. We're talking with Entomologist Donald Lewis about mothering in the insect world. Donald says insect moms get a bad rap. Have you seen an instance of insect mothering? Tell us about it.Insects: 'good mothers' after all - University of Oxfordwww.ox.ac.ukInsects aren't necessarily renowned for their maternal instincts but new research suggests that we may be unfairly maligning many of our six-legged friends.

Iowa Public Radio Board Reaches Settlement with Former CEOiowapublicradio.orgThe Board of Directors of Iowa Public Radio has reached a financial settlement with former Chief Executive Officer Mary Grace Herrington. Herrington was

On River to River today, we talk with some Cedar Rapids Kernels fans that have also spent years volunteering a place in their homes for Kernels players to stay during the season. If you are a minor league baseball fan, what do like about going to your favorite team's games? Does the team affiliation matter?Cedar Rapids Kernels find success with new Minnesota Twins parent club - The Daily Iowanwww.dailyiowan.comThe Cedar Rapids Kernels have undergone a change in identity. They haven’t changed their moniker or revamped their colors, but they have traded in their halos.

FireSale performs in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

FireSale performs in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

FireSale performs in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

Are you or someone you know a veteran who has used writing or other creativity to express their military experience? Today's Talk of Iowa 10-11 a.m. features three veterans who share their creative work and writing.The Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans | The Iowa Reviewiowareview.uiowa.eduThis creative writing contest for U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel is hosted by The Iowa Review and made possible by a gift from the family of Jeff Sharlet (1942–69), a Vietnam veteran and antiwar writer and activist. The contest is open to veterans and active duty personnel writing…

"Maybe just the old cookie cutter model of who we've been running isn't it. Maybe a businessman or woman, maybe a Hispanic Republican, maybe a black Republican." "Maybe we need to think outside the box." - U.S. Senator Rand Paul on who his party should field to run for retiring Sen. Tom Harkin's seat. Listen to the entire interview from River to River.U. S. Senator Rand Paul and other Politicsiowapublicradio.orgRecent polls indicate freshman Kentucky Senator Rand Paul is a favorite among GOP hopefuls for the White House in 2016. Paul is coming to Iowa later this

Ever wonder what Bach looked like without his wig? Here's a recent digital forensic reconstruction! And on afternoons right now, you can hear a reconstruction of a lost work of Bach each day on Barney Sherman's show. Barney's on IPR Classical weekdays from 1-5 PM with a wide range of great classical music.

River to River today includes our conversation with Rand Paul. Anything that got your attention? Did you support Rand Paul’s father in 2008 or 2012? Would you back Rand Paul for president if he decides to be a candidate in 2016?Watch Rand Paul's FULL SPEECH at CPAC | Sen. Rand Paul | Fox Nationnation.foxnews.com SEN. RAND PAUL (R-KY): The GOP of old has grown stale and moss-covered. I don't think we need to name any names, do we? Our party is encumbered by an

Take a look at guest Brian Duffy's watercolors of rural Iowa.Brian Duffy Watercolors – Simpson Collegesimpson.eduOur smaller class sizes ensure that you will be taught by a professor — not a teaching assistant — who knows you personally, understands your goals and can help you reach your full potential.

Dylan Sires and Neighbors perform in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

Dylan Sires and Neighbors perform in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

Dylan Sires and Neighbors perform in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

Today on Talk of Iowa we talk about Iowa's birds of prey with Jon Stravers and Dean Roosa. Both Stravers and Roosa contributed on the new book "The Raptors of Iowa." Also former Des Moines Register cartoonist Brian Duffy visits to discuss his paintings of rural Iowa.Brian Duffy Watercolors – Simpson Collegesimpson.eduOur smaller class sizes ensure that you will be taught by a professor — not a teaching assistant — who knows you personally, understands your goals and can help you reach your full potential.

Today on Talk of Iowa we talk about Iowa's birds of prey with Jon Stravers and Dean Roosa who are both contributors on the new book "The Raptors of Iowa." Also veteran Des Moines Register cartoonist Brian Duffy visits to discuss his paintings of rural Iowa.Brian Duffy Watercolors – Simpson Collegesimpson.eduOur smaller class sizes ensure that you will be taught by a professor — not a teaching assistant — who knows you personally, understands your goals and can help you reach your full potential.

Hear Beethoven's 2nd and 9th Symphonies tonight at 7 on IPR Classical, in a concert by Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra - the Arab and Israeli youth orchestra he co-founded. (Photo credit: TheFutureIsUnwritten on Flickr.com)

Listen to today's Talk of Iowa for some laughs and to find out more about the state's up-and-coming comedy scene.Iowa's Growing Comedy Scenenews.iowapublicradio.orgHost Charity Nebbe talks comedy all hour today on Talk of Iowa. Sketch, improvisation, standup...comedians in Iowa are working to foster more home-grown

It's been almost five years since I.C.E. raided Agriprocessors, the kosher meat processing plant in Postville. As a result of that raid over 300 people were deported and the economy of Postville has greatly suffered. What have we learned from this episode in the last half decade and what is the future of comprehensive immigration reform in the U.S.?Ex-Postville slaughterhouse manager appears in Iowa courtblogs.desmoinesregister.comCEDAR RAPIDS, Ia. — After fleeing to Israel following an immigration raid in 2008, a former manager at a kosher slaughterhouse in Iowa finally appeared in a U.S. courtroom Friday ...

Two Peace performs in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

Two Peace performs in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

Two Peace performs in IPR's Studio One as part of the 80/35 Play In semi final round.Iowa Public Radio's 80/35 Play In - Semi-Finals 2013

We're talking comedy all hour today on Talk of Iowa! Sketch, improv, standup...comedians in Iowa are working to foster more home-grown performances in the state. Tune in for some laughs, and to find out more about Iowa's growing comedy scene.http://news-stream.iowapublicradio.org:8000/listen.plsnews-stream.iowapublicradio.org