Stories

Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most accomplished classical musicians, dies at 73

Considered the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain’s career spanned six decades and featured collaborations with singer-songwriter George Harrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Mary MazurekNovember 24, 2021

Chicago Classical Music Makes A Strong Showing at 2021 Grammy Nominations

Julian Velasco in front of a bright, multicolored wall

WFMTNovember 22, 2021

Saxophonist Julian Velasco Wins Cedille Records Emerging Artist Competition

WFMTNovember 19, 2021

WFMT Joins Forces with Cedille to Share Stream of Emerging Artist Competition

A group of musicians pose around a drumset

Celebrating Asian American Heritage in Chicago: 13 Events for May!

Adela SkowronskiMay 1, 2023

The umbrella of Asian American Pacific Islander — or AAPI — heritage covers a vast range of cultures, making for a huge variety in the types of events hosted all around the city.

Video Premiere: Exciting Brass Ensemble The Westerlies Plays ‘This is Water’

Keegan MorrisApril 28, 2023

How a speech by David Foster Wallace inspired a new triptych for brass quartet.

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Venezuelan Musicians Pursue World’s Largest Orchestra Record

Associated PressNovember 15, 2021

Thousands of Venezuelan musicians, mostly children and adolescents, have attempted to set the record of the world's largest orchestra during a concert in Caracas.

Verismo Meets Lyrical Flow: Chicago Composer Creates Opera from Classic Nas Track

Adela SkowronskiNovember 12, 2021

It was a rap song by Nas that directly influenced Chicago composer Steve Wallace’s newest chamber opera, Undying Love.

Emilie Kouatchou Makes ‘Phantom’ History On Broadway

Associated PressNovember 12, 2021

The actor and soprano made her Broadway debut as Christine in "The Phantom of the Opera," becoming the first Black woman in the role in the show's 33-year history in New York.

Mornings with Jan Weller