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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Christians want Belgian opera’s naked Joan of Arc banned
BRUSSELS (AP) — A Christian association is trying to prevent Brussels opera house La Monnaie from staging a production of Arthur Honegger’s oratorio “Jeanne d’Arc au bûcher,” or “Joan of Arc at the Stake,” in which the heroine appears dressed in men’s clothes and, at one point, naked. The Pro Europa Christiana Federation wants the show orchestrated by Italian director ...
Honor Día de Los Muertos in Chicago With These 6 Celebrations
Celebrated from October 31 to November 2, the holiday honors loved ones who have died and is an intergenerational coming together of families. Find some of the many offerings Chicago has to offer to celebrate these days of remembrance.
Exploring Chords: “Appalachian Spring”
From its premiere more than 75 years ago, this music and ballet continue to speak to the American soul. Dive into the score of Appalachian Spring with Bill McGlaughlin.
Get Into the Halloween Swing With This Jazzy, Vocalese Tune by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross
From the 1961 album High Flying, enjoy “Halloween Spooks,” Dave Lambert’s whimsical, bebop-infused tune delivered with the characteristic vocalese and giddily blended harmonies of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross.
Still in Search of a Halloween Costume? Here are 10 Easy, Classical Music-Themed DIY Ideas
Halloween is almost here, which means that it might time to start thinking about a costume. If you've been putting off that task, here are some easy, clever classical music-themed costume ideas to get you in the spooky spirit!
Get in the Halloween Spirit With These 7 Charming Classical Jack-O’-Lanterns!
Need some classical inspiration for your pumpkin carving this Halloween? Look no further, WFMT has found some of the most creative and spooky carvings across the internet!
The Film Score: Music for Halloween
Hosted by Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips, the program presents music from movies that explore the supernatural, the science-fictional, and the demonic (with a few laughs along the way).
Video: Weird Al Flexes His Classical Music Muscle
When beloved satirist and musician “Weird Al” Yankovic visited Ravinia, WFMT spoke with him about his tour... and then challenged him to a classical music speed round!
Choreographer Cathy Marston and the Joffrey Ballet Take ‘Jane Eyre’ From Page To Stage
To conceal that the book’s author was a woman, Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre was first published in 1847 under a pen name. Choreographer Cathy Marston feels the book was revolutionary: “It truly was groundbreaking for a woman to write about her emotions and station in life with such honesty.”
Syrian Artists Express Urgency and Celebrate Survival through Music
Born in Damascus, Syria, clarinetist Kinan Azmeh's home country has undergone years of political strife, violence, and a refugee crisis. Azmeh has looked to his own craft in order to draw attention to these ongoing struggles in the form of a concerto by Syrian composer Kareem Roustom.
