Pianist Soojung Hong performs a varied program live from the Chicago Cultural Center. Wednesday at 12:15 pm.
Meet the youth orchestra that’s bridging the gap between Cuba and the US through music
In May 2015, the Minnesota Orchestra made history with its performance at the Teatro Nacional in Havana, Cuba. The ensemble was the first American orchestra in decades to perform on the island, and the concert was broadcast around the country, including on WFMT. Rena Kraut, a Highland Park native and professional clarinetist who toured with the orchestra, was inspired not ...
Sound the Shofar!
The shofar, an instrument made from a ram's horn, is heard in synagogues all over the world during the Jewish High Holidays. It has also been heard outside those confines for ages, as a call to battle, or a way for shepherds to summon their flocks.
Poland’s Tomasz Ritter wins Chopin contest on period pianos
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Tomasz Ritter of Poland was announced the winner Thursday of the world’s first Frederic Chopin piano competition performed on instruments from the composer’s era. Japan’s Naruhiko Kawaguci and Poland’s Aleksandar Swigut both won second place. Third place went to Krzysztof Ksiazek of Poland. Dmitry Ablogin of Russia and France’s Antoine de Grolee won honorable mentions. The ...
Russian orchestra hires conductor accused of sexual abuse
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — Russia’s oldest philharmonic orchestra says it has hired a Swiss conductor who has been the target of accusations of sexual misconduct. The St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra said in a statement Thursday that it has hired Charles Dutoit as its new principal guest conductor and he will start in May next year. Three opera singers and ...
VIDEO | How to play harpsichord repertoire on piano with Jory Vinikour
Grammy-nominated Jory Vinikour shares his advice for how to capture the magic of the harpsichord on the piano.
Hear the symphony Mohammed Fairouz composed as a response to the 9/11 attacks
When composer Mohammed Fairouz isn’t busy writing symphonies or operas, he’s likely writing about international politics for the Huffington Post, On Being, or Foreign Policy.
The true origins of Gershwin’s “Summertime”
“Summertime” from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess is doubtless one of the one most popular songs in the Great American Songbook. But did you know that neither the tune to “Summertime” nor the lyrics are by George Gershwin?
QUIZ | Can We Guess What Broadway Show You Should Star In?
Have you ever dreamed of seeing your name in lights on the Big White Way? Take this quiz to see if we can guess what Tony Award winning Broadway musical YOU should star in.
Hear music inspired by some of Chicago’s most extraordinary buildings
Chicago is world-renowned for its architecture. Take a walk around the city, and chances are that you’ll encounter at least a few fantastic buildings. But did you know that Chicago’s architectural legacy has inspired music, too?
How Chicago Cubs organist Gary Pressy made it to the big leagues
Gary Pressy, an organist and lifelong Cubs fan, has been a signature part of games at Wrigley Field for over 30 years.
