The Evolution of the Orchestra: Percussion
Humans across cultures have played percussion instruments to accompany music and dance or for ritual, religious, or military purposes. But percussion’s rise in prominence within the context of the Western symphony orchestra only really began in the 20th century.
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Royal Opera, The Met remove tenor Vittorio Grigolo
The Royal Opera in London and The Met in New York have removed tenor Vittorio Grigolo after an investigation found inappropriate and aggressive behavior at a curtain call.
Shed Your Stage Fright With These 3 Warm-up Tips From Violinist Ray Chen
While building a successful career as a musician, (and amassing a mighty social media following), rising violinist Ray Chen has had to stay sharp. And while visiting Chicago for a series of performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chen showed WFMT audiences that being stage-ready is as easy as 1,2,3!
The Diva Gets Her Way: Larry Johnson Recalls a Signature Jessye Norman Recital
On a sweltering summer evening in the early 1990s, Jessye Norman visited the Chicago area for an intimate recital at Ravinia. Host Larry Johnson recalls the singular concert experience.
Sondra Radvanovsky on the Acrobatic Bel Canto, Spectacular Couture of ‘The Three Queens’
Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky’s renowned vocal prowess is on impressive display at Lyric Opera of Chicago in The Three Queens. Also on display are three stunning gowns by designer Rubin Singer, who's designed for stars like Beyoncé and Renée Fleming.
NY Philharmonic to cut 500 seats in $550 million renovation
The capacity of NY Phil's much-maligned concert hall at Lincoln Center will be reduced by more than 500 seats as part of a $550 million renovation.
Conductor Mariss Jansons dies at 76; led top orchestras
Mariss Jansons, conductor of top classical ensembles including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, has died in Russia.
Gelb’s contract as Met Opera head extended through 2026-27
A former recording executive and television producer, Gelb was hired by then-Met Chairwoman Beverly Sills in October 2004 to take over two seasons later.
Mister Rogers Remembered by His Former Music Director [Video]
For many of us, just hearing the lyrics "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood," is enough to transport us back to our childhoods.
Opera Explores the Brink of Humanity: ‘Dog Days’ Gets Chicago-Area Premiere
“It has been said that a society can be judged by the way it treats its animals,” composer David T. Little says in the program notes for his chamber opera, Dog Days. Based on a short story by Judy Budnitz, the opera is set in a war-torn future that’s not too far away from our own time.
Discover the versatility of Jan Peerce in 3 powerful recordings
In a career of more than sixty years, Jan Peerce reigned as a Met favorite, sang popular music, and performed Jewish cantorial repertoire.
