Monday, February 21 — Denis Azabagic
Highly praised by the international press, guitarist Denis Azabagic performs concerts around the world, maintaining a balance between his solo recitals, chamber music with the Cavatina Duo and Fandango Quartet, as well as engagements as soloist with orchestras.
Music
Guitar Sonatina by Federico Moreno Torroba
Tuesday, February 22 — Doug Lofstrom
A Chicago native, Doug Lofstrom has been composing prolifically since the 1970s. His wide-ranging style reflects his ongoing involvement in dance, film, theater, and symphonic music. The album Concertino introduces three works by Lofstrom that were part of a commission initiated by conductor Kirk Muspratt and the New Philharmonic Orchestra.
Music
Harp Concertino by Doug Lofstrom
Wednesday, February 23 —Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert: Katherine Beck and Chris Reynolds
Mezzo soprano Katherine Beck is establishing herself as a force in the opera, concert, and chamber music realms across the United States. She is a current member of the Ryan Opera Center with Lyric Opera of Chicago. Pianist Chris Reynolds has made a name for himself as both a soloist and a collaborator. He is the ensemble pianist for the Ryan Opera Center.
Music
Music of Franz Joseph Haydn, Gioachino Rossini, H. Leslie Adams, Florence Price, and Stephen Sondheim
Thursday, February 24 — Chicago a cappella
This month, Chicago a cappella presented the program “Coming Out of the Dark,” sharing a collection of songs sourced directly from the singers’ pandemic playlists, along with personal stories of how they provided inspiration, consolation, escape, and joy. The ensemble also premiered two new works from the winners of the HerVoice Women Composers Competition.
Music of Thomas Tallis, Charles Villiers Stanford, and Jake Runestad
Friday, February 25 – Impromptu Encore: Marc-André Hamelin
In 2014, WFMT welcomed pianist Marc-André Hamelin, known worldwide for his unrivaled blend of consummate musicianship and brilliant technique in the great works of the established repertoire, as well as for his intrepid exploration. He was on tour with the Takács Quartet, and violinist Edward Dusinberre and violist Geraldine Walther visited the studio with him.
Music of Franz Joseph Haydn, Claude Debussy, Marc-André Hamelin, and Robert Schumann