Listening to Singers: Strauss at 200

4:00 pm – A playlist of favorite vocal waltzes and operetta arias and ensembles.

Folkstage: Abbie Gardner

8:00 pm – Abbie Gardner of Red Molly makes her long-awaited return to WFMT for a solo show, Dobro in hand.

Midnight Special: Historic Match-Ups

9:00 pm – The anniversary of the 1960 Nixon/Kennedy debate in Chicago prompts a show centered on unusual pairings.


Apollo’s Fire Celebrates 35th Anniversary with 2026-27 Chicago Season

The ensemble’s 2026-27 season coincides with two anniversaries: the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 300th anniversary of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion.

Don't Miss a Beat

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Dramatic History

Phillip Huscher's new book "Passing the Baton" tells the story from the orchestra's founding 135 years ago to the appointment of its youngest music director ever, who officially takes over in 2027.

New Releases September 22: I Fagiolini, Sol Gabetta, and more

Ensembles specializing in historical performance practice, plus two albums featuring premiere recordings by living composers.

Composers from A to Z

Whether you’re just beginning to explore classical music or have spent years immersed in the repertoire, there’s someone here to discover – or rediscover.

New Releases September 15: Joshua Bell, Lise Davidsen, and more

Undisputed masters release albums of signature repertoire, plus a 16-year-old prodigy’s debut album.

New Releases September 8: Stars of the String World

Four star violinists debut very personal and specialized repertoire, plus a world premiere by a father and son duo.

New Releases September 1: Icons and Emerging Artists

Rising stars appear alongside great musical paragons on this week's musical roundup.

New Releases August 25: Maria Stratigou, Cantus, and more

A wide variety of music, from explorations of the Italian baroque to choral groups performing music composed for their ensembles.

New Releases August 18: Laura Strickling, Jocelyn Hagen, and more

American women composers dominate this week’s releases and are even included in Bruce Liu’s latest solo piano recital, plus cellist Nicolas Alstaedt spotlights Finnish composer Olli Mustonen.

New Releases August 11: Musical Discoveries

Selections focused almost entirely on “new” music, be it discoveries of the 18th century, rarities from Finland, or premiere recordings of contemporary composers.

New Releases August 4: VOCES8, Mitsuko Uchida, and more

New works featuring “uncommon” instruments, such as brass ensemble, horn, and harp, plus audience favorites in crowd-pleasing, signature repertoire.

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