Third Coast, Twentieth Year: Percussion Group Celebrates Anniversary with Rhythm Fest
From a household object to a marimba, a percussion instrument can take many forms. And so can a percussion ensemble. Third Coast Percussion is one of the most enterprising and creative ensembles working today. The first percussion group to win a Grammy in chamber music for 2017’s Third Coast Percussion | Steve Reich, the ensemble has made recordings with over 100 ...
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Get kids excited about classical music with these 11 Chicago area schools and organizations
The school year is officially underway, and the sleepover requests and homework complaints have likely already started. Don’t fret, there are plenty of after-school options across the city that will keep students of all ages and interests engaged in music and off their phones … at least for an hour or two a week.
Plácido Domingo Resigns as General Director of LA Opera
Following the emergence of multiple allegations of sexual harassment, opera star Plácido Domingo resigned Wednesday as general director of the Los Angeles Opera and withdrew from all future performances with that company.
Chicago Latino Music Festival Celebrates Its 14th Year
The festival's artistic director Elbio Barilari, who also hosts WFMT’s Fiesta, remarked of the festival that "just the idea that a Latin American classical music festival exists in the US and has already been going on for 14 years is very exciting!”
Video: Pianist Hélène Tysman Plays Debussy, Bach, Chopin, Ravel
On an overcast, early fall day, pianist Hélène Tysman shared a sensitive, illuminating performance of piano works by Bach, Debussy, Chopin, and Ravel for this Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert broadcast. Watch the full program here!
From 2014: Jessye Norman Visits WFMT
WFMT is deeply saddened to learn that soprano Jessye Norman has died at age 74. As a tribute to her inspiring life and career, we are re-sharing this story from when Ms. Norman herself visited WFMT.
Program Director David Polk shares his favorite musical memories from his 14 years at WFMT
After nearly 14 years at WFMT, David Polk has decided to move on. During his time, he's amassed a huge collection of music that he will always associate with the station. On his last day at WFMT, he wants to share with you just a few of the musical gems that he'll be taking with him in spirit.
Jessye Norman, the international opera star, dead at 74
The renowned international opera star, whose passionate soprano voice won her four Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts, has died.
The Sights and Soundbites of Lyric Opera’s Glamorous Opening Night
With the red carpet adorning Wacker Drive and the Art Deco opera house buzzing with excitement, Lyric Opera of Chicago celebrated its opening night on Saturday, September 28. Rossini’s Barber of Seville, the bubbly opera buffa, was an appropriate toast to the beginning of Lyric’s 65th season.
Playlist: Classical Music for an Abundant Autumn, Selected by WFMT
In the gap between a languid summer and a long winter, there's just enough room left for fall. It's a season for transformation, comfort, reflection, and growth. In other words, it's the perfect time to grab some cider, take in that brilliant fall foliage, and enjoy this playlist created for you by WFMT staff and hosts!
Pianist Paul Badura-Skoda dies at age 91
Badura-Skoda enjoyed a career that spanned more than seven decades, during which time, he was celebrated as a pianist, conductor, chamber musician, composer, and teacher. He performed into his nineties.
