Stories

Muti to conduct classical music’s return to Italian stage

SOAVE, Italy (AP) — Riccardo Muti will conduct a youth orchestra in an open-air concert launching the annual Ravenna Festival next month in what organizers billed Friday as Italy’s first live classical music performance since its strict lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus. The Italian government is permitting concerts and other live performances to begin on June 15, a …

Stephen Raskauskas | November 28, 2016

Chicago Public Schools Reports Increased Access to Arts Education, Despite Statewide Budget Crisis

Stephen Raskauskas | November 23, 2016

North Shore Guitarist Adam Levin Brings Music to Mexican Community Founded Atop Former Landfill

Stephen Raskauskas | November 22, 2016

This Black MIDI Version of “Let It Go” Is More Terrifyingly Difficult Than Any Liszt Piece

8 Great Christmas Recordings for 2018

Lisa Flynn | December 17, 2018

Every year, the holiday season brings a new assortment of fabulous and festive Christmas albums. Host Lisa Flynn guides us through 8 of her top classical Christmas recordings for 2018.

Playlist | The Vienna Boys Choir Shares their Favorite Christmas Music!

Michael San Gabino | December 14, 2018

A Viennese Christmas would not be complete without the glorious sounds of the Vienna Boys Choir. We asked the choir members to select their favorite Christmas carols that they have performed.

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7 Classical Works to Enjoy During Tonight’s Supermoon

Stephen Raskauskas | November 13, 2016

Tonight’s full moon will be the biggest in 68 years since it will be at its closest point in relation to Earth’s orbit – 221,524 miles away. Why is it closer to Earth now? NASA’s website explains: “The moon’s orbit around Earth is slightly elliptical so sometimes it is closer and sometimes it’s farther away. When the moon is full as ...

VIDEO: “A Shot of Malört” Is the Song Every Chicagoan Needs to Hear

Stephen Raskauskas | November 11, 2016

Two of the most famous songs about the Windy City have been recorded by Frank Sinatra: “Chicago” and “My Kind of Town.” WFMT host Robbie Ellis has composed his own Chicago song, “A Shot of Malört,” that he shared during the station’s first Classical Cabaret, hosted at the Uptown Underground nightclub and broadcast live. For those who aren’t familiar, Jeppson’s ...

Pianist Mary Sauer Retires from Chicago Symphony Orchestra After 57 Years of Service

Michael San Gabino | November 8, 2016

Sauer began her long tenure with the CSO in 1959 when Music Director Fritz Reiner invited her to perform with the orchestra. During the 1967-68 season, Music Director Jean Martinon officially added her to the roster. She was named principal piano at the start of the 2000-01 season.

Sunday Afternoons with Robbie Ellis