Stories

Chicago International Film Fest: Music and Arts Screenings for 2024

Delve into the rich legacy of one of Chicago’s most important activist/journalists (through the work of one of its premier sculptors), witness the life of one of opera’s most beloved divas, and take part in a celebration of Black film composers!

Adela SkowronskiJune 30, 2021

Quiz: Match the Patriotic American Song to Its Composer

Keegan MorrisJune 29, 2021

Chicago Phil ‘Rejoices’ in Return for 2021-22 Season

Associated PressJune 28, 2021

Bruce Springsteen marks the return of live shows on Broadway

A sunglasses-wearing Santa ponders his list

Quiz: Should These Opera Characters Be on the Naughty or Nice List?

Adela SkowronskiDecember 14, 2022

We’ve made a list, now we’re checking it twice… can you help WFMT find out which of these opera characters can expect a nicely wrapped present... and which ones can expect coal?

Embassy Theatre

Fort Wayne Philharmonic musicians begin 1st-ever strike

Associated PressDecember 9, 2022

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Players’ Association began their work stoppage following a day of negotiations with the philharmonic’s management.

Playlists

Tenor Jonas Kaufmann takes on Tristan, opera’s voice killer

Associated PressJune 23, 2021

Ten years ago, tenor Jonas Kaufmann was hesitant about taking on heavy Wagnerian roles like the hero of "Tristan und Isolde." Now, at age 51, Kaufmann is ready to perform a role so challenging, it's known as a voice killer.

Pretty Yende

Opera singer says Paris police detained, strip searched her

Associated PressJune 23, 2021

Yende, who is Black, flew into the city on Monday where she said she was subjected to “ill-treatment and outrageous racial discrimination and psychological torture and very offensive racial comments.”

Gianna Rolandi

Soprano Gianna Rolandi Has Died at Age 68

WFMTJune 22, 2021

Rolandi retired from performance in the 1990s, then joined the Ryan Opera Center first as the director of vocal studies (the program’s first), and then the program’s director from 2006-2013.