The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Dramatic History

Phillip Huscher's new book "Passing the Baton" tells the story from the orchestra's founding 135 years ago to the appointment of its youngest music director ever, who officially takes over in 2027.

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New Releases Feb 3: Music by the Sea

New music from a few countries by the water – Estonia, Latvia, and the British Isles – is added to WFMT’s music library. From elsewhere in Europe, Collegium 1704 and Collegium Vocale 1704 present new works of Jan Dismas Zelenka, a composer born in Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic). Plus, two celebrated pianists dedicate their latest recordings to women composers and ...

New Releases Jan 27: World Premieres

Pianist-composer Hayato Sumino, violinist Linda Hedlund, and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato with Time for Three present world premieres.

New Releases Jan 19: Great Pianists

Some of today's leading pianists present their signature works, and a tribute to a legendary jazz artist.

5 Questions with Sidney P. Jackson, Jr.

The new President of Chicago Sinfonietta reflects on his move to the city and his visions for the future.

Chicago Opera Theater Revives Banned Opera

Kurt Weill's final work in Germany was banned shortly after its premiere. Now, 93 years later, Chicago Opera Theater is bringing Der Silbersee: Ein Wintermärchen to Chicago audiences for the first time.

New Releases Jan 12: What’s Old is New

Shining new light on musical traditions, from the 400th anniversary of John Dowland’s death to the annual New Year's Day Concert in Vienna.

Grant Park Music Festival Announces 2026 Season

Chicago's annual, free classical music series will be celebrating multiple anniversaries throughout its 2026 season.

New Releases Jan 5: Formative Melodies

Highlighting the early works of a few composers, and musical explorations that continue to inspire.

New Releases Dec 30: Chamber Music

Albums for smaller ensembles that were released in the third quarter of 2025.

New Releases Dec 23: Paying Homage

The 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, two Jewish composers who all but vanished from history, and other musical homages.

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