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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Opera, orchestra team up to tell story of deadly 1913 flood
"There's an element within this work that I think people can take away on a personal level," said Janet Chen, ProMusica's executive director.
Joffrey Ballet Announces 2019/20 Season
The season features four Chicago premieres and the return of two reimagined staples.
Video | Soprano Tamara Wilson Sings Music Inspired by Female Astronauts
With pianist Justina Lee, Wilson shared a selection from Strauss's Ariadne auf Naxos and Weightless Dreams, a song cycle composed for Wilson based on the writings and experiences of women astronauts.
Why the Chinese Pipa is One of the Coolest Instruments You’ve Never Heard
Alright, so maybe you’ve heard the pipa before. Perhaps, though, you don’t know it by name. Grammy-nominated pipa player Wu Man recounts the projects that have helped her introduce ancient sounds to modern audiences.
Opera singer Daniels, husband arrested on sex assault charge
DALLAS (AP) — A renowned opera singer and University of Michigan professor is in police custody on allegations that he and his husband in 2010 sexually assaulted a singer in Houston. Countertenor David Daniels and his spouse William A. Scott Walters were arrested Tuesday in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Texas warrants charging each of them with sexual assault of an ...
Philadelphia Orchestra to tour China to celebrate diplomacy
The Philadelphia Orchestra is celebrating 40 years of official U.S.-China diplomatic ties with a new tour.
Dutoit to conduct French orchestra after sexual abuse claims
PARIS (AP) — Swiss conductor Charles Dutoit, who has faced multiple accusations of sexual assault, will conduct a concert for the National Orchestra of France on Sunday, his highest profile performance since the allegations were first revealed by The Associated Press. The orchestra said in a statement Wednesday to The Associated Press that Dutoit was chosen to conduct Berlioz’ “The ...
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Announces ’19-20 Season
It will mark Muti’s tenth-anniversary season as music director as well as the 250th birthday of Beethoven. Muti conducts all of Beethoven’s symphonies over the course of the season, culminating in the triumphant Symphony No. 9 in June 2020.
Lyric Opera of Chicago Announces 2019-2020 Season, With Wagner’s ‘Ring’ Cycle, ‘Don Giovanni’, ‘Madama Butterfly’
Lyric's 2019-2020 season will include seven mainstage operas (three of which are company premieres), three full performances of Lyric’s new Ring cycle, and the Broadway at Lyric premiere of 42nd Street.
Playlist: WFMT Selects Classical Music to Help You Brave the Winter
Winter can be grueling, but music can warm and soothe. Here's the music that helps WFMT get through the season.
