The Evolution of the Orchestra: Woodwinds

As we continue our series on the history of the orchestra, let's turn our focus to the woodwind section.

Don't Miss a Beat

‘Show must go on:’ Stranded in Europe, Boston Symphony Orchestra improvises

The renowned orchestra very nearly missed the last stop on its 12-concert, eight-city European tour when it got stuck in Paris en route to the Dutch capital.

Sound the Shofar!

The shofar, an instrument made from a ram's horn, is heard in synagogues all over the world during the Jewish High Holidays. It has also been heard outside those confines for ages, as a call to battle, or a way for shepherds to summon their flocks.

Poland’s Tomasz Ritter wins Chopin contest on period pianos

The announcement by the 11-member international jury came after each of the six finalists played a Chopin concerto accompanied by the Amsterdam-based Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century with conductor Grzegorz Nowak.

Russian orchestra hires conductor accused of sexual abuse

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — Russia’s oldest philharmonic orchestra says it has hired a Swiss conductor who has been the target of accusations of sexual misconduct. The St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra said in a statement Thursday that it has hired Charles Dutoit as its new principal guest conductor and he will start in May next year. Three opera singers and ...

Learn to play harpsichord repertoire on piano with Jory Vinikour

Grammy-nominated Jory Vinikour shares his advice for how to capture the magic of the harpsichord on the piano.

Hear the Symphony Mohammed Fairouz Composed as a Response to the 9/11 Attacks

When composer Mohammed Fairouz isn’t busy writing symphonies or operas, he’s likely writing about international politics for the Huffington Post, On Being, or Foreign Policy.

The Surprising True Origins of Gershwin’s Classic ‘Summertime’

“Summertime” from George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess is one of the one most popular songs in the Great American Songbook. But did you know that neither the tune to “Summertime” nor the lyrics are by George Gershwin?

Hear music inspired by some of Chicago’s most extraordinary buildings

Chicago is world-renowned for its architecture. Take a walk around the city, and chances are that you’ll encounter at least a few fantastic buildings. But did you know that Chicago’s architectural legacy has inspired music, too?

How Chicago Cubs Organist Gary Pressy Made It to the Big Leagues

Gary Pressy, an organist and lifelong Cubs fan, has been a signature part of games at Wrigley Field for over 30 years.

Meet Organist Lori Moreland, One of the Chicago White Sox’s Most Valuable Players

When organist Lori Moreland grew up rooting for the White Sox, she never thought that one day she would be one of the team's most valuable players.

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