Playlist: WFMT Listeners’ First Favorites
We all came to love classical music in different ways. Here are some of the musical first loves of our WFMT listeners, in their own words.
Don't Miss a Beat
‘Jaws’ and the two musical notes that changed Hollywood forever
The shark does not appear until the 81-minute mark of the 124-minute film. But its presence is felt through Williams’ theme, which some music scholars have theorized evoke the shark’s heartbeat.
Nova Linea Musica returns for second season
The announcement comes on the heels of the group’s sold-out inaugural 2024-25 season, which saw performances by the Dover Quartet, Nois Saxophone Quartet, and the Black Oak Ensemble.
Pianist Alfred Brendel Dies, Aged 94
The prolific pianist, writer, and composer leaves behind a profound recording catalog and legacy with hundreds of albums released between the 1950s and the 2000s.
New Releases Jun. 17: Clarinet, Richter, Mäkelä, Christie
A pair of albums showcase clarinetists Andreas and Daniel Ottensamer, we hear a lost recording from 20th century piano virtuoso Sviatoslav Richter, plus new recordings from conductors Klaus Mäkelä and William Christie.
Juneteenth Events and Performances 2025
Juneteenth celebrations in Chicago this year include parades, historic walks, music concerts and more!
The Evolution of the Orchestra: Brass
The oldest surviving metal trumpets, constructed of silver and copper, were discovered in the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. So how did we get to today's lineup?
Video: 5 Questions with Giancarlo Guerrero
The Nicaragua-born Costa Rican conductor visited WFMT to preview the upcoming Grant Park season, discuss his favorite summertime activities, and more.
LGBTQ+ Pride Events and Concerts in Chicago
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago and in the arts with this diverse lineup of concerts, events, shows, and more!
New Releases Jun. 10: Chopin, Shostakovich, Mayer, McKay
Two album-length surveys of music by Chopin, plus unsung Shostakovich, and rep by two lesser-known composers: Emilie Mayer and George Frederick McKay. And an album of double bass repertoire.
Tony Awards laud android rom-com ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ and history-making ‘Purpose’
“Maybe Happy Ending” had a definite happy ending at the Tony Awards. The android rom-com won the best new musical crown Sunday on a night when Kara Young made history as the first Black person to win two Tonys consecutively.
