Saturdays at 4:00 pm
Discover or rediscover your love for the art of singing: an hour for newcomers and connoisseurs alike
Have you ever wondered why people become obsessed with opera? Do you know the difference between an art song and an aria? Is there a singer whose voice goes right to your heart, but you can’t put your finger on why? Each week, Oliver Camacho shares his passion for vocal performance across many genres with highly personal analysis and anecdotes. Learn about the technical aspects of singing, the qualities that make certain artists beloved, opera highlights to help you prepare for upcoming Chicago-area performances, and more.
Maria Callas: The Enduring Icon
December 2, 2023, 4:00 pm
A special program to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of "La Divina."
An Interview with Ferruccio Furlanetto
July 8, 2023
The Italian bass looks back at his legendary career. Furlanetto is currently performing in Opera Festival of Chicago's 2023 season.
Karina Gauvin, Canadian primadonna
July 1, 2023
An interview with the distinguished soprano featuring her various collaborations with fellow Canadian artists.
Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson
June 24, 2023
The world premiere recording of Craig Hella Johnson's work exploring the life, death, and legacy of Matthew Shepard.
An Interview with Nicole Cabell
June 17, 2023
A conversation with the winner of the 2005 BBC Singer of the World Competition and one of the most sought-after lyric sopranos of today.
Opera Rara: Lost and Forgotten Operas Restored
June 10, 2023
The renowned musicologist Roger Parker surveys some of the neglected works restored and recorded by Opera Rara.
Sasha Cooke sings Mahler and Contemporary Art Song
June 3, 2023
The two-time Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano discusses her career as a versatile career as an opera singer, recitalist, collaborator, and teacher.
Memorial in Song with John Brancy and Peter Dugan
May 27, 2023, 4:00 pm
A program for Memorial Day to honor those whose lives have been forever changed by war, including songs written by composers and poets who were soldiers themselves.
The Distinct Artistry of Karim Sulayman
May 20, 2023
The Grammy award-winning tenor share selections from his new album with guitarist Sean Shibe.
An Interview with Ferruccio Furlanetto
May 13, 2023
The Italian bass looks back at his legendary career in advance of his performance this summer with Opera Festival of Chicago.
Laura Strickling on American Art Song and the 40@40 Project
May 6, 2023
The Chicago-native soprano presents a program of song in advance of her upcoming recital with pianist Shannon McGinnis for Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago.
On Spanish Art Song with Isabel Leonard
April 29, 2023
An encore interview broadcast with acclaimed the mezzo-soprano in advance of her recital with Pablo Sáinz-Villegas next month.
No Listening to Singers | Spring Membership Drive
April 22, 2023
Donate to Classical WFMT so we can keep bringing you Listening to Singers and other great programming. Call (773) 279-2100 or visit wfmt.com/donate.
No Listening to Singers | Preempted by Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier
April 15, 2023
Due to the length of the live broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera, there will be no Listening to Singers this week.
Nathan Gunn, an American Baritone
April 8, 2023
An interview with Nathan Gunn in advance of his performance with New Philharmonic later this month.
An Interview with Eric Whitacre
April 1, 2023
The iconic composer and conductor discusses the importance of accessibility in classical music and previews a new album of his works recorded by Voces8.
Roderick Williams – English Orpheus
March 25, 2023
An interview with the artist in advance of his performances with Music of the Baroque next month.
No Listening to Singers | Preempted by Wagner’s Lohengrin
March 18, 2023
Due to the length of the live broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera, there will be no Listening to Singers this week.
The Impeccable Thomas Dunford
March 11, 2023
The superb lutenist discusses his love of collaboration and previews his ensemble Jupiter's upcoming performance in Chicago.
Golda Schultz on Songs by Female Composers
March 4, 2023
The South African soprano shares songs by Clara Schumann, Rebecca Clarke, Emilie Mayer, Nadia Boulanger, and Kathleen Tagg.
Introducing Jesse Blumberg
February 25, 2023
An interview with the stylish baritone in advance of his recital with Martin Katz next month.
