The WFMT Opera Series

Saturdays at noon
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Radio Broadcast Series

Operas from the finest stages around the world

From Milan to New York, Barcelona to Chicago, WFMT gives you a front-row seat to performances from some of the world’s greatest opera companies and performers.

Verdi’s Aida

Met Opera | January 25, 2025

This grandest of grand operas — set in Ancient Egypt and packed with magnificent choruses, complex ensembles, and elaborate ballets — is in essence, an intimate love story.

Artist’s Choice: Verdi’s La traviata

Met Opera | February 1, 2025

Chosen by Angel Blue, hear Renée Fleming in a performance from November 7, 2007. Fleming is the the self-sacrificing courtesan Violetta—one of opera’s ultimate heroines. Tenor Matthew Polenzani is her self-centered lover Alfredo, alongside baritone Dwayne Croft as his disapproving father, and Marco Armiliato on the podium.

Artist’s Choice: Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländer

Met Opera | February 8, 2025

Chosen by Ryan Speedo Green, George London stars as the Wagner’s accursed Dutchman in a performance from March 5, 1960. Thomas Schippers conducts a cast that also features Leonie Rysanek (Senta), Karl Liebl (Erik), and Giorgio Tozzi (Daland).

Artist’s Choice: Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos

Met Opera | February 15, 2025

Chosen by Lise Davidsen, Jessye Norman shines as Ariadne in a performance from January 5, 1985. Sir Andrew Davis conducts Norman alongside Gianna Rolandi (Zerbinetta), William Cochran (Bacchus), Maria Ewing (Composer), Dale Duesing (Harlekin).

Artist’s Choice: Verdi’s Falstaff

Met Opera | February 22, 2025

Chosen by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Leonard Bernstein conducts a performance from March 21, 1964.

Bizet’s Carmen

Met Opera | March 1, 2025

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Bizet’s opera with a performance from January 16, 2010. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Elīna Garanča (Carmen), Roberto Alagna (Don Jose), Barbara Frittoli (Micaela), Teddy Tahu Rhodes (Escamillo).