New Releases Sept. 2: Ancient Letters and Songs
A through line of native roots weaves through many of this week's releases, from African instruments in Latin America, to works inspired by 1,700 year-old letters from the Silk Road. Plus, the long-awaited debut concerto by Abel Selaocoe.
Don't Miss a Beat
Ivry Gitlis, a violinist who spanned genres, dies at 98
The acclaimed violinist played with famed conductors, rock stars, and jazz bands around the world.
KAIA String Quartet Wishes You a Happy Holiday
Chicago’s own KAIA String Quartet plays an original medley to wish you happy holidays. Wearing masks, the ensemble recorded the performance — especially for WFMT — from the Fulton Street Collective.
Video: Avalon String Quartet Honors Beethoven 250 with a Dynamic Performance
On the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven's birth, the Avalon String Quartet gave a deft and passionate performance of one of Beethoven's finest chamber works.
Beethoven’s Top 10 Works
WFMT looks back on the eminent composer's most important works. Here is our ranking of Beethoven's top 10 most important compositions.
Celebrate Beethoven 250 with a Beautiful Biographical Film
As the world celebrates the 250th birth anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven, stream the film that traces the young Ludwig, known to family and friends as “Louis,” in his journey from a musical prodigy to an eminent composer.
What Are Shape Notes? Jeannette Sorrell of Apollo’s Fire Explains
Although shape notes were introduced in 18th-century England, this unique musical notation found popularity in the United States: first in New England and later in the American South. It’s recently experienced a renaissance of sorts...
Video: Ascendant Violinist Joshua Brown Plays Debussy, Wieniawski, and Clara Schumann
With collaborative pianist Milana Pavchinskaya, Brown gave a sensitive, engrossing performance to an empty audience in the Chicago Cultural Center.
National Museum of African American Music to open next month
News outlets report the National Museum of African American Music will host a socially distanced ribbon cutting on Jan. 18 when it formally opens.
2020’s 8 Best Classical Christmas Albums
Every year, the holiday season brings a new assortment of fabulous and festive Christmas albums.
NY Philharmonic musicians agree to 4 years of wage cuts
The New York Philharmonic, silenced from performances at Lincoln Center since March by the novel coronavirus pandemic, has agreed to a four-year labor contract with its musicians through Sept. 20, 2024...
