Opera Fest of Chicago Returns for Summertime Italian Opera

The festival, which is dedicated to presenting seldom-performed Italian opera titles, shares a two-program slate in June and July.

Jamie Barton on Growing as an Artist and Verdi’s Timeless Juggernaut

“This is a tra-ge-dy. It’s not going to go right in the end. And that’s hard.”

CSO Cellist David Sanders to retire after nearly 50 years

Sanders was the last active member of the legendary Frank Miller-helmed CSO cello section.

Chicago Holiday Arts Calendar: Enchanting Concerts, Events, Spectacles, and more!

As we look forward to the festivities, we have compiled some of Chicago’s most enticing holiday offerings!

Apollo’s Fire Returns for 4 Chicago Programs in ’23-24

The Cleveland-based Baroque orchestra made its Chicago debut in 2016 and has since established a strong presence in the city.

Third Coast Percussion 2023-24 Season Released

One of Chicago’s most notable and dynamic ensembles has announced its upcoming season.

Northwestern’s Music Series Returns with Chamber Music, Piano, Guitar Luminaries

Including an all-women lineup of respected pianists.

Tony-winning lyricist Sheldon Harnick ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ creator, dies at 99

Harnick was born and raised in Chicago and earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the Northwestern University School of Music after serving in the army during World War II.

Grace Bumbry, 1st Black singer at Bayreuth, dies at 86

Bumbry was among the winners of the 1958 Met National Council Auditions. She had a recital debut in Paris that same year and made her Paris Opéra debut in 1960.

First Planned for 2020, Opera Festival of Chicago Finally Opens Inaugural Season

The new company launches with fully staged works by Puccini and Wolf-Ferrari, plus a concert inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy.

Inside Chicago Composer Stacy Garrop’s Rousing Eco-Oratorio ‘Terra Nostra’

WFMT observes the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day with a fitting broadcast: Chicago composer Stacy Garrop’s oratorio Terra Nostra, which celebrates our planet and explores the relationship between humankind and the natural world.

Discover Illinois’ Newest Opera Company — Opera Edwardsville

A four-hour drive southwest from Chicago and just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis sits Edwardsville, Illinois. The small city — founder Chase Hopkins’ hometown — is the site of the state’s newest opera company.

Playlist: 14 Marching Band Videos You Have to See to Believe

Marching bands are art in motion. But you have to see the intricate formations – moving images, clever phrases, and more – to truly believe their artistic capabilities.

Opera Explores the Brink of Humanity: ‘Dog Days’ Gets Chicago-Area Premiere

“It has been said that a society can be judged by the way it treats its animals,” composer David T. Little says in the program notes for his chamber opera, Dog Days. Based on a short story by Judy Budnitz, the opera is set in a war-torn future that’s not too far away from our own time.

Strike Up the Wind Band: Celebrating 50 Years of the Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Though Northwestern’s band program dates back to 1911, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble began in 1969.

Video: Dover Quartet Plays Tchaikovsky and Dvořák at Northwestern’s Galvin Recital Hall

One of the world’s leading classical ensembles, joined WFMT for a Facebook Live at Northwestern University’s Galvin Recital Hall and shared their experience as classical musicians in the digital age.

At Northwestern University, soprano Renée Fleming tells graduates to “find your voice,” “get out there and use it”

In her commencement address, “the people’s diva” focused on an overarching theme: use your voice. “Find your voice, develop and care for it, and make it heard for years to come.”