Stories

Joan Tower smiles, dressed in black, posing against a brick red stucco wall

The True Story (and Inspiring Women) Behind Joan Tower’s Iconic ‘Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman’

With its dedication to boundary-breaking women, Tower’s first piece is a liberal and spirited interpretation of a fanfare.

Associated PressFebruary 19, 2020

UK patient plays violin during unusual brain surgery

Keegan MorrisFebruary 18, 2020

Joffrey Ballet Announces 2020-21 Season

Kerry FrumkinFebruary 17, 2020

Remembering Jamie Gilson, children’s book author, WFMT contributor, and friend

Steve Martin Inducts WFMT Favorite Jens Kruger Into American Banjo Hall of Fame

Daniel GoldbergOctober 23, 2021

Known for his inventive, hard-to-categorize musical style of composition and performance, banjoist Jens Kruger has been inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame.

Legendary Conductor Bernard Haitink Has Died, Age 92

WFMTOctober 21, 2021

Haitink took the podium at many of the premiere concert halls in the world and forged, among others, a creative partnership with the CSO, where he served as principal conductor from 2006 to 2010.

Playlists

See All

Drawing Hope and Courage from Opera: Dan Shore’s ‘Freedom Ride’

Lisa FlynnFebruary 13, 2020

With a story that highlights how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go, Chicago Opera Theater presents the world premiere of Dan Shore’s Freedom Ride, which centers on a pivotal moment in the civil rights struggle.

Lyric Opera of Chicago Announces 2020-2021 Season

Michael San GabinoFebruary 12, 2020

A North American premiere, a Midwest premiere, and a special opening night concert with Renée Fleming are among the highlights. The 2020-2021 season will also be Sir Andrew's last as music director.

Video: Pianist Mayta Lerttamrab Plays Rachmaninoff and Moszkowski

Keegan MorrisFebruary 12, 2020

Pianist-architect Mayta Liu Lerttamrab has taken a unique path in his musical endeavors. Studying and beginning his career as an architect, Lerttamrab decided to pursue music in his mid-20s.

Midday with Lisa Flynn