Legend of Zelda and the (re)birth of the Ocarina
How video games repopularized an obscure wind instrument!
Don't Miss a Beat
E-Thereal: Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir Performs ‘Lux Aurumque’
While isolating ourselves in our homes, many of us have been keeping our social connections through technology. Though the deep need for this technology may feel new, the popular choral composer Eric Whitacre pioneered the concept of a “virtual choir” over a decade ago.
WFMT and CSO Partner for New Broadcast and Streaming Series Amidst COVID-19 Crisis
Today, WFMT and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra announce the launch of an exciting new broadcast and streaming series: From the CSO’s Archives: Maestro’s Choice—For All Music Lovers in These Difficult Times.
With Opera Houses Closed, Soprano Sings for Her Alpacas
An audience is an audience, no matter who (or what species) is in it. Case in point: Erin G. McCarthy recently gave a quick recital in her barn to an audience of three alpacas.
Son: Jazz great Ellis Marsalis Jr. dead at 85; fought virus
Marsalis was born in New Orleans, son of the operator of a hotel where he met touring Black musicians who couldn't stay at the segregated downtown hotels where they performed.
WFMT Hosts and Staff Share Their Favorite Poems
April is National Poetry Month, so there's no better time to share, revisit, or discover wonderful poetry. Here are our picks.
Soothe Your Soul with the Chicago Harp Quartet [Video]
There's nothing quite like harp music. Now more than ever, the Chicago Harp Quartet's lush, dulcet tones offer an opportunity to slow down, close your eyes, and take a deep breath.
Polish composer, conductor Krzysztof Penderecki dies at 86
One of the world’s most popular contemporary classical music composers, whose works have featured in Hollywood films like The Shining and Shutter Island, has died.
Update: Singer John Prine is in stable condition, his wife says
News that Prine's health was in jeopardy provoked an outpouring of affection for the legendary singer-songwriter.
Happy World Piano Day!
Today is World Piano Day! That's because it is the 88th day of the year, a neat tie-in with the number of keys on a standard keyboard (on non-Leap Years, the holiday customarily takes place on March 29.) In celebration of the versatile, ubiquitous instrument, we're sharing some of the finest piano performances and articles on the internet!
Discover Illinois’ Newest Opera Company — Opera Edwardsville
A four-hour drive southwest from Chicago and just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis sits Edwardsville, Illinois. The small city — founder Chase Hopkins' hometown — is the site of the state's newest opera company.
