Stories

Elgin Symphony Orchestra Names New Music Director

The orchestra’s 2022-2023 season saw seven finalists for its music director position presiding over once concert each.

Gustavo Dudamel

Associated Press | May 21, 2023

Dudamel gets 7-minute ovation after 1st NY Philharmonic concert since music director decision

Keegan Morris | May 18, 2023

Instruments of Memory: Violins Honor Holocaust Survivors, Victims, and Stories

Lawrence Edelson, wearing a blue checked suit and a blue dress shirt, smiles against a grey-blue background

Keegan Morris | May 15, 2023

Chicago Opera Theater Names New General Director

On a Knife’s Edge: Cooking, Music, History Come Together in Okpebholo’s Cook-Off

Keegan Morris | May 9, 2023

In Chicago composer Shawn E. Okpebholo’s new opera, three chefs vie for cooking show glory — and $100K — by tackling the classically American dish macaroni and cheese.

Grace Bumbry at the White House for the 2009 Kennedy Center Honors

Grace Bumbry, 1st Black singer at Bayreuth, dies at 86

Associated Press | May 8, 2023

Bumbry was among the winners of the 1958 Met National Council Auditions. She had a recital debut in Paris that same year and made her Paris Opéra debut in 1960.

Playlists

A red envelope for Classical Lunar New Year Playlist

Playlist: Classical Chinese Music for Lunar New Year

a menorah: classical music for hanukkah

Playlist: 8 Works for Hanukkah

Playlist: The Best Classical Christmas Albums of 2022

thanksgiving turkey music

Playlist: A Thanksgiving Feast in 20 Food-inspired Pieces

Violinist on Russian trains soothes weary commuters

Associated Press | May 5, 2023

Classics, jazz, Russian folk music and children's songs all flow as Oksana glides her bow across the strings.

Gordon Lightfoot, in a deep red blazer, strums an acoustic guitar and sings into a mic

Folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84

Associated Press | May 2, 2023

“I simply write the songs about where I am and where I’m from,” Lightfoot once said. “I take situations and write poems about them.”

John Malkovich, laying on stage, reaches towards a woman in blue

Auditorium Theatre Brings Malkovich, Blanchard, Dance Riches in 2023-24 Season

Keegan Morris | May 2, 2023

Special events, dance, and more are on deck for the Auditorium.