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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Baltimore Symphony musicians hit management with complaint
BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians have filed a complaint with a federal agency accusing orchestra management of unfair labor practices. News outlets report the charge was filed Tuesday with the National Labor Relations Board. The musicians say the orchestra hasn’t bargained in good faith regarding wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment. A bargaining session between ...
Playlist: 12 Clara Schumann Pieces You Should Know
Clara Schumann was one of the 19th century's most celebrated composers and performers for the piano. Ahead of the 200th anniversary of her birth, celebrate her with a playlist of some of her greatest compositions.
Meet the Conductor Who’s Resurrecting Maria Callas (in Hologram Form)
With a laugh, Irish conductor and composer Eímear Noone describes herself: “My background is very traditional classical, and my love of all things shiny and new and technological brought me to this world where the orchestra meets technology.” By her description, she seems like a logical candidate to conduct a cutting-edge orchestral recital featuring a hologram Maria Callas.
‘He groped me’: Singer Says Opera’s Domingo Grabbed Breast
The glittering production was a high point of the Washington Opera’s 1999-2000 season: Jules Massenet’s Le Cid, about a legendary Spanish conqueror, starring a tenor legendary in his own right — Plácido Domingo, then the company’s artistic director. The opera, also being filmed for broadcast on public television, was unquestionably a career break for a 28-year-old singer named Angela Turner ...
Celebrate Art Song and Living Composers in Chicago and Beyond at this Three-Day Festival
In the eyes of tenor Nicholas Phan, living composers and the classical music genre of art song both face a similar obstacle: they’re often overlooked when it comes to programming and promoting classical music.
Working for a Living: 5 Studs Terkel Conversations for Labor Day
Over his almost 50-year career at WFMT, Studs Terkel continually amplified the voices of working people — the nurses, teachers, factory workers, cab drivers, custodians, air traffic controllers, and countless others.
Video: Watch Pianist George X. Fu Perform Works by Debussy and Beethoven
Audience members, listeners, and viewers alike were treated to a sensitive, dynamic Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert when pianist George Xiaoyuan Fu took the stage at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Playlist: Piano Études for Your Back to School Studies
Since there is a type of musical composition named for studying — études, for you non French-speakers — we have the perfect musical accompaniment while you hit the books.
“Kerry, it’s Norm!” — Remembering Norman Pellegrini
When this particular phone call came, it was usually trouble. What often followed was something like “I don't believe there’s a ‘cough’ in Prokofiev. Love you madly! Goodnight.” Norman Pellegrini, WFMT’s illustrious program director of 43 years, was always listening — vigilant, protective of the station’s values, always blunt in his criticism, and usually right.
Cecilia Bartoli talks, again, of US return
"Mostly when you sing in the opera house you have this wall of sound in front of you and the only thing is to go and sing as loud as you can, and this is not making music," she said. "It's 80 against one, and you will never win."
