Stories

Marin Alsop-led Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship Names Winners

The recipient joins a respected roster of fellowship winners, including Karina Canellakis, Mei-Ann Chen, Jeri Lynne Johnson, and Valentina Peleggi.

Lisa FlynnDecember 9, 2019

Playlist: Christmas Classics Performed by Chicago Artists

Associated PressDecember 9, 2019

With ‘Joker,’ composer Hildur Guðnadóttir could make history

Carl GrapentineDecember 8, 2019

How a Modern Orchestra Plays a Period-Perfect ‘Messiah’

Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas has surgery for brain tumor

Associated PressAugust 9, 2021

The 76-year-old conductor had surgery at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, and that the operation was successful.

Artist Icebreaker: Conductor Teddy Abrams

Adela SkowronskiAugust 6, 2021

Ahead of his Chicago Symphony Orchestra debut, conductor Teddy Abrams explains why classical music needs to reach out to young people and embrace other artforms — and explains how Leonard Bernstein was a role model for both of these missions.

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Shed Your Stage Fright With These 3 Warm-up Tips From Violinist Ray Chen

Michael San GabinoDecember 6, 2019

While building a successful career as a musician, (and amassing a mighty social media following), rising violinist Ray Chen has had to stay sharp. And while visiting Chicago for a series of performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chen showed WFMT audiences that being stage-ready is as easy as 1,2,3!

The Diva Gets Her Way: Larry Johnson Recalls a Signature Jessye Norman Recital

Larry JohnsonDecember 5, 2019

On a sweltering summer evening in the early 1990s, Jessye Norman visited the Chicago area for an intimate recital at Ravinia. Host Larry Johnson recalls the singular concert experience.

Sondra Radvanovsky on the Acrobatic Bel Canto, Spectacular Couture of ‘The Three Queens’

George PrestonDecember 2, 2019

Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky’s renowned vocal prowess is on impressive display at Lyric Opera of Chicago in The Three Queens. Also on display are three stunning gowns by designer Rubin Singer, who's designed for stars like Beyoncé and Renée Fleming.

Midday with Lisa Flynn