Michael Tilson Thomas Passes at Age 81
The acclaimed conductor, composer, and pianist was a leading figure in classical music, known for championing the art form through performance, education, and broadcasting.
Don't Miss a Beat
New Releases Mar. 24: A Kanneh-Mason Debut, Ravel x2, Rare Birds, and More Composers
Composer-specific recordings are front-and-center this week, with two foregrounding works by Maurice Ravel, as well as album-length explorations dedicated to Telemann, Franz Schubert, and Georges Bizet. And two debut recordings: by Jeneba Kanneh-Mason and idiosyncratic chamber collective Owls.
6 Epic, Over-the-Top Opera Mad Scenes
The mad scene: one of opera's most thrilling institutions.
Playlist: Architecture & Music
Frank Lloyd Wright recognized the connection between music and architecture, going so far as to claim, “They are practically one.”
New Releases Mar. 18: Gut Strings, Marsalis, Sondheim, and Selaocoe
An ambitious and inventive take on Tchaikovsky’s chamber music, a Wynton Marsalis symphony, piano reimaginings of music of Sondheim, and the multifaceted Abel Selaocoe. Plus, selections from contemporary operas without singing, and a vocal exploration on the theme of light.
Making History as a Black Woman Luthier
How a collaboration between Anne Harris and Amanda Ewing is shining light on the history of Black luthiers in the United States.
5 Classic Bagpipe Tunes for St. Patrick’s Day
With St. Patrick’s Day upon us, here are the stories behind just a few bagpipe standards.
Playlist: 12 Irish Composers You Should Know
From folk and traditional to punk, rock, and pop, Ireland is the source of much incredible music. But the Emerald Isle has played host to no shortage of classical music ranging from the 16th century to today.
Classical Voyages: Rome
Travel with us to the Eternal City with this wide-ranging playlist of music dedicated to, inspired by, and hailing from Rome.
Amadeus, Parks Headline Steppenwolf’s 50th Season
A 20th century classic, plus a world premiere and a new-to-Chicago work by leading contemporary playwrights.
Ravinia ’25: Kanneh-Mason, Lang Lang, Erivo Feature
Guest artists making their festival debuts with the CSO will include pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, musical theater royalty Sutton Foster, violinist Himari, and cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason.
