Former Minnesota Public Radio music host Mark Sheldon loses battle with cancer
December 09, 2003

Remembering Mark Sheldon
Saturday, January 10, 10 am.
Central Presbyterian Church (500 Cedar Street, Saint Paul)
Reception at Minnesota Public Radio immediately following the service. (45 E. 7th Street, Saint Paul)

	Mark Sheldon

Mark Sheldon—singer, choral conductor and nationally recognized radio announcer and producer—died on Tuesday, December 9 at his home in Denver after a long and heroic battle with cancer. He was 43 years old.

Mark achieved national recognition for his personable and knowledgeable style, and for his love of choral music. He worked at Minnesota Public Radio from 1992-1998—as a classical music host, and as the host of national broadcasts of the Minnesota Orchestra and annual Dale Warland "Echoes of Christmas." Mark also sang as part of the Dale Warland Singers.

In 1999, Mark joined the Classical Public Radio Network as a syndicated host of classical music broadcasts heard in Colorado, Southern California, and several cities nationwide. He also sang and guest-conducted with St. Martin's Chamber Choir in Denver.

Of his work in radio, Mark said, "I've always felt as though being an announcer and producer for a classical music station allowed me to fulfill my lifelong desire to teach and share my passion for music with as many people as possible."

Mark spoke of his struggle with cancer during an interview on Colorado Public Radio, and later wrote, "We have so much knowledge and research about the effect of great music on our emotion, our physiology, our psychology, and even our ability to learn. But, in the end, we don't really understand it at all. In a way, its very mystery and its ability to get past our intellect and defenses makes music one of our most powerful allies as we embrace joy or battle adversity."

Listen to the Colorado Matters interview from Colorado Public Radio
Visit Mark Sheldon's personal site