Hear a diverse group of works, including a Chicago premiere, in this concert and conversation recorded live at WFMT.
Placido Domingo resigns as general director of LA Opera
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Opera star Placido Domingo resigned Wednesday as general director of the Los Angeles Opera and withdrew from all future performances, following multiple allegations from women who say the legendary tenor sexually harassed them there and at opera companies around the country over a period of decades. Domingo’s departure from LA Opera raises questions about his future ...
Chicago Latino Music Festival celebrates its 14th year
The festival's artistic director Elbio Barilari, who also hosts WFMT’s Fiesta, remarked of the festival that "just the idea that a Latin American classical music festival exists in the US and has already been going on for 14 years is very exciting!”
Pianist Hélène Tysman plays works by Debussy, Bach, Chopin, and Ravel [Video]
On an overcast, early fall day, pianist Hélène Tysman shared a sensitive, illuminating performance of piano works by Bach, Debussy, Chopin, and Ravel for this Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert broadcast.
From 2014: Jessye Norman visits WFMT
WFMT is deeply saddened to learn that soprano Jessye Norman has died at age 74. As a tribute to her inspiring life and career, we are re-sharing this story from May 19, 2014, when Ms. Norman herself visited WFMT, treating audiences to an hour of music and conversation with host Kerry Frumkin and even reading an excerpt from her memoir.
Program Director David Polk shares his favorite musical memories from his 14 years at WFMT
After nearly 14 years at WFMT, David Polk has decided to move on. During his time, he's amassed a huge collection of music that he will always associate with the station. On his last day at WFMT, he wants to share with you just a few of the musical gems that he'll be taking with him in spirit.
Jessye Norman, the international opera star, dead at 74
NEW YORK (AP) — Jessye Norman, the renowned international opera star whose passionate soprano voice won her four Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts, has died, according to family spokesperson Gwendolyn Quinn. She was 74. A statement released to The Associated Press on Monday said Norman died at 7:54 a.m. EDT from septic shock and multi-organ failure secondary ...
The sights and soundbites of Lyric Opera’s glamorous opening night
With the red carpet adorning Wacker Drive and the Art Deco opera house buzzing with excitement, Lyric Opera of Chicago celebrated its opening night on Saturday, September 28. Rossini’s Barber of Seville, the bubbly opera buffa, was an appropriate toast to the beginning of Lyric’s 65th season. Lyric patrons, whether first-time opera-goers or seasoned subscribers, talked with WFMT about the ...
Classical Music for an Abundant Autumn, Selected by WFMT [Playlist]
In the gap between a languid summer and a long winter, there's just enough room left for fall. It's a season for transformation, comfort, reflection, and growth. In other words, it's the perfect time to grab some cider, take in that brilliant fall foliage, and enjoy this playlist created for you by WFMT staff and hosts!
Pianist Paul Badura-Skoda dies at age 91
Badura-Skoda enjoyed a career that spanned more than seven decades, during which time, he was celebrated as a pianist, conductor, chamber musician, composer, and teacher. He performed into his nineties.
Esteban Batallán Named CSO Principal Trumpet
On September 26, 2019, Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director Riccardo Muti announced that Esteban Batallán will be the Adolph Herseth Principal Trumpet Chair, filling a seat that has been vacant since the departure of Christopher Martin who left the CSO in 2017 to become principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic. Since his first CSO performances in June 2018, Batallán ...
