Stories

Playlist: 6 Classic Songs that Sample Classical Music

Let’s take a step back in time to hear how classical music influenced some of the 20th century’s hits!

WFMTOctober 29, 2019

Exploring Chords: “Appalachian Spring”

vintage greeting card with witch on a broomstick

Louise FrankOctober 29, 2019

Get Into the Halloween Swing With This Jazzy, Vocalese Tune by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross

Becky NystedtOctober 28, 2019

Still in Search of a Halloween Costume? Here are 10 Easy, Classical Music-Themed DIY Ideas

Backstage at the Grant Park Music Festival, WFMT Catches Up With Christopher Bell

Keegan MorrisJuly 2, 2021

Ahead of the season premiere of the 2021 Grant Park Music Festival, WFMT met up with chorus director Christopher Bell, who reflects on returning to live music, previews the opening Independence Day Salute, and talks about a summer of great music to come.

Born to Conduct: Film charts Met music director’s ascent

Associated PressJuly 1, 2021

A new documentary charts the rise of Metropolitan Opera Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin from a school stage to chief conductor at one of the world’s great opera houses.

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Video: Weird Al Flexes His Classical Music Muscle

Daniel GoldbergOctober 28, 2019

When beloved satirist and musician “Weird Al” Yankovic visited Ravinia, WFMT spoke with him about his tour... and then challenged him to a classical music speed round!

Choreographer Cathy Marston and the Joffrey Ballet Take ‘Jane Eyre’ From Page To Stage

Keegan MorrisOctober 24, 2019

To conceal that the book’s author was a woman, Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre was first published in 1847 under a pen name. Choreographer Cathy Marston feels the book was revolutionary: “It truly was groundbreaking for a woman to write about her emotions and station in life with such honesty.”

Syrian Artists Express Urgency and Celebrate Survival through Music

Michael San GabinoOctober 24, 2019

Born in Damascus, Syria, clarinetist Kinan Azmeh's home country has undergone years of political strife, violence, and a refugee crisis. Azmeh has looked to his own craft in order to draw attention to these ongoing struggles in the form of a concerto by Syrian composer Kareem Roustom.

Through the Night with Peter van de Graaff