Stories

close up of timpani instrument and mallets

The Evolution of the Orchestra: Percussion

Humans across cultures have played percussion instruments to accompany music and dance or for ritual, religious, or military purposes. But percussion’s rise in prominence within the context of the Western symphony orchestra only really began in the 20th century.

Pianist Eric Guo gestures excitedly sitting next to a historic keyboard

Associated PressMarch 7, 2024

Chopin lovers can’t meet their hero, but this pianist got to do the next best thing

blue portrait of Tchaikovsky with a 10 and text "top ten" superimposed

WFMTMarch 5, 2024

Vote for Tchaikovsky’s Top 10 Works

An abnormally tall woman dressed in a red, heart-shaped dress, has a red, heart-shaped headdress that appears to be floating over her head. It is unclear if she is sitting on top of two rounded red columns that look like a door, or if those two rounded red columns are supposed to be the character's legs.

Adela SkowronskiMarch 4, 2024

Joffrey Ballet Announces 2024–2025 Season

Thanksgiving feast spread with lots of side dishes

8 Musical Side Dishes

Katherine BuzardNovember 26, 2024

Equally satisfying as the main course, these shorter works can round out your musical diet with different textures, flavors, and colors.

Chicago Holiday Performances Guide 2024: Concerts, Nutcrackers, Jazz, and more

Keegan MorrisNovember 25, 2024

From all corners of the city and beyond, take part in holiday cheer with a wide range of merriment.

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Sergei Babayan gives a coy half smile while wearing eccentric and unique eyeglasses

Chicago-area Bach Week Fest Announces 50th Anniversary – and Final – Season

Keegan MorrisMarch 1, 2024

"It's the right time for Bach Week to bid adieu, and on a high note.”

Philadelphia Orchestra’s home renamed Marian Anderson Hall as Verizon name comes off

Associated PressFebruary 29, 2024

Marian Anderson, an acclaimed and boundary-breaking Black contralto, was born in Philadelphia in 1897.

Daniil Trifonov smiles while under a sunlit tree

CSO Announces 2024–25 Season and New Artist-In-Residence

Keegan MorrisFebruary 28, 2024

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association has announced its 2024–2025 season, a full year of concerts in its mainstage subscription series, as well as chamber, solo, family, and other programming.

Through the Night with Peter van de Graaff