CSO music director Riccardo Muti has curated the six-program series, which begins April 7.
Quarantine Made Musical: Classical Livestream Planner
Even though in-person concerts have been suspended, many talented artists and ensembles are committed to sharing stunning music through the internet. Here’s a guide to some upcoming classical livestreams you should add to your calendar!
WFMT and CSO Partner for New Broadcast and Streaming Series Amidst COVID-19 Crisis
Today, WFMT and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra announce the launch of an exciting new broadcast and streaming series: Maestro’s Choice—For All Music Lovers in These Difficult Times. Created in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the program seeks to create a connection around classical music and the CSO while live performances have been suspended. The six-broadcast series — which will be ...
With Opera Houses Closed, Soprano Sings for Her Alpacas
An audience is an audience, no matter who (or what species) is in it. Case in point: Erin G. McCarthy recently gave a quick recital in her barn to an audience of three alpacas. Throughout the Portland area-based soprano and vocal instructor’s performance of “Vissi d’arte” from Tosca, alpacas Donatello, Grandma, and Ginger mill about mellowly. But after the final ...
Son: Jazz great Ellis Marsalis Jr. dead at 85; fought virus
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Ellis Marsalis Jr., the jazz pianist, teacher and patriarch of a New Orleans musical clan, died late Wednesday after battling pneumonia brought on by the new coronavirus, leaving six sons and a deep legacy. He was 85. “My dad was a giant of a musician and teacher, but an even greater father. He poured everything he ...
WFMT Hosts and Staff Share Their Favorite Poems
April is National Poetry Month, so there's no better time to share, revisit, or discover wonderful poetry. Here are our picks.
Soothe Your Soul with the Chicago Harp Quartet [Video]
There's nothing quite like harp music. Now more than ever, the Chicago Harp Quartet's lush, dulcet tones offer an opportunity to slow down, close your eyes, and take a deep breath.
Polish composer, conductor Krzysztof Penderecki dies at 86
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Krzysztof Penderecki, an award-winning conductor and one of the world’s most popular contemporary classical music composers whose works have featured in Hollywood films like “The Shining” and “Shutter Island,” has died. He was 86. The Ludwig van Beethoven Association said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press that Penderecki had a “long and serious illness.” ...
Update: Singer John Prine is in stable condition, his wife says
March 30 update: NEW YORK (AP) — John Prine is in stable condition after being placed on a ventilator while being treated for COVID-19-type symptoms, his wife, Fiona Whelan Prine said Monday. The singer-songwriter’s family said Sunday that Prine was critically ill. Fiona Prine’s message Monday on social media, suggested his condition had improved overnight. Prine remains hospitalized. News that ...
Happy World Piano Day!
Today is World Piano Day! That's because it is the 88th day of the year, a neat tie-in with the number of keys on a standard keyboard (on non-Leap Years, the holiday customarily takes place on March 29.) In celebration of the versatile, ubiquitous instrument, we're sharing some of the finest piano performances and articles on the internet!
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.
