Chicago Holiday Performances Guide 2025: Concerts, Nutcrackers, Jazz, and more

From all corners of the city and beyond, take part in holiday cheer with music to suit every palate.

Don't Miss a Beat

12 pianists in final stage of prestigious Chopin competition

Twelve pianists from around the world have been admitted to the final stage of the 18th edition of the prestigious Frederic Chopin piano competition, reputed for launching world careers for its winners and finalists.

Quiz: How Spine-Tingling Is Your Taste in Classical Music?

Is your taste in classical music scary enough for the upcoming holiday? Find out with our quick, 13-question quiz.

Can’t Carry a Tune? Regardless of Skill, Singing Has Surprising Benefits

Musicality aside, all of us (instrumentalists and vocalists alike) derive pleasure from singing along to our favorite tunes, even if it’s only done entirely alone…

From 2013: Legendary Chicagoan Timuel Black Reflects on Studs Terkel

Timuel Black, who died on October 13, 2021 at age 102, lived a truly extraordinary life. Hear an excerpt of a 2013 WFMT interview with the influential historian, activist, veteran, and teacher.

Stutzmann to follow Spano as Atlanta Symphony music director

Nathalie Stutzmann becomes the second woman to lead a major American orchestra.

CSO Announces Winter/Spring 2022 Concerts

Music director Riccardo Muti will conduct music by Beethoven, Price, Glass, and Montgomery while welcoming guest artists like Anne-Sophie Mutter, Leif Ove Andsnes, and Mitsuko Uchida.

Cuba’s danzón genre: ‘150 years later, it’s still alive.’

The danzón was scandalous in some circles but it eventually became the national dance of Cuba and spread to other countries in the region.

Video: Two Unsung Quartets Played by Fischoff-Winning Risus Quartet

Hearing music by Schubert and Mendelssohn, WFMT audiences enjoyed some rarified music-making by the Risus Quartet, the Grand Prize winner of the prestigious 2021 Fishoff Competition.

WFMT Welcomes Next Music Director

Oliver Camacho's expertise in classical music comes at all levels: a vocal performer with experience in broadcasting, arts administration, and programming.

Playlist: Classical Fire and Flames

The Great Chicago Fire began on October 8, 1871. Here's some music that takes inspiration from flames.

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