We asked 13 WFMT staff members to select music that helps them get through the winter. Whether you’re cozying up indoors or braving the elements, this playlist is for you!
VIDEO | See Maggie Clennon Reberg’s dramatic transformation for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Elektra
Go behind the scenes at Lyric Opera of Chicago as Maggie Clennon Reberg, WFMT host and cast member in Lyric's production of Elektra, completely transforms transforms in hair and makeup!
Hear a preview of Joffrey’s Anna Karenina, the first commissioned full-length orchestral score in the company’s history
“I believe that Karenina is a magical moment of looking at our beautiful art form and taking it a step forward,” says Ashley Wheater, Joffrey Ballet’s artistic director. One of the cornerstones of the production is 35-year-old composer Ilya Demutsky’s brand new, full-length orchestral score, the first such commission in Joffrey’s 62-year history.
Finding James Baldwin — Chicago-based composer Renée Baker on creating a new opera inspired by the great 20th century writer
James Baldwin, the multifaceted 20th century novelist, playwright, essayist, and activist, is the subject of a new opera from Chicago composer Renée Baker. Befitting her subject, whose influence spanned fields, Baker herself is an artist of many disciplines. She sat as the principal violist of the Chicago Sinfonietta, and is the founder and conductor of the Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. She describes herself ...
Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians authorize strike for March 10 over new contract
Today, the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra voted to authorize a strike if they cannot reach an agreement on a new contract with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association by March 10. In September 2018, CSO musicians agreed to a half-year extension when the previous three-year contract term ended. This extension period, which ends on March 10, was meant to give more ...
A hilarious country song about atonal music? We’re as impressed as we are surprised!
We never thought we'd be writing this, but a new comedy sketch and song from Merle Hazard has atonal music at its center. The song, called "(Gimme Some of That) Ol' Atonal Music," riffs on staples of the country and bluegrass traditions, but with lyrics like "his music always made you think; it never made you smile," some very discordant banjo soloing, and an interlude inspired by John Cage.
Grandmaster Flash, Mutter win 2019 Polar Music Prize
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — American rapper and DJ Grandmaster Flash, German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and international music charity Playing for Change Foundation on Wednesday won Sweden’s Polar Music Prizes for 2019. The award panel said Grandmaster Flash, born Joseph Saddler, is “rightly heralded as a hip-hop virtuoso,” and “one of the first to manipulate music by placing his fingers on ...
Hate Valentine’s Day? This is the classical playlist for you!
We can't blame you if you wish you could just skip Valentine's Day. As an antidote for the overpowering saccharine sentimentality of every February 14, we made this playlist of angry, downcast, and downright anti-romantic music.
Love Valentine’s Day? This is the classical playlist for you!
A holiday celebrating love and romance? Sign us up! Valentine's Day only comes around once a year, so now's your chance to get swept away by this playlist of breathtakingly romantic classical music.
“My dream is for Chicago to be at the forefront of new opera” — Meet Ashley Magnus, Chicago Opera Theater’s New General Director
A new leader has taken the reins at Chicago Opera Theater. On January 18, COT’s board of directors appointed Ashley Magnus as the new Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson General Director. With the trio of Magnus, music director Lidiya Yankovskaya, and board president Susan Irion, COT represents one of the first major opera companies led by women at the executive, ...
Watch first teaser trailer for upcoming Pavarotti documentary
The 2019 Grammy Awards provided an unexpected treat for opera-lovers everywhere. Amidst performances by living legends like Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, and Janelle Monae, viewers also received a first look at the upcoming documentary Pavarotti. Spearheaded by Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard, the documentary will provide an intimate look into the life of Luciano Pavarotti, the legendary Italian tenor who ...
