Stories

CSO’s 90th Ravinia Residency Anchors 2026 Season

The Ravinia Festival’s 2026 season coincides with several milestones, including the 90th anniversary of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s summer residency.

Associated PressJuly 21, 2025

Acclaimed conductor Roger Norrington dead at age 91

Man with white hair and beard and colorful shirt

Keegan MorrisJuly 18, 2025

A Fond Farewell to Kerry Frumkin: A Vital Voice for WFMT

Keegan MorrisJuly 15, 2025

New Releases Jul. 15: Handel, France, Ellis Island, Elsa Barraine

Black and white photograph of Johann Strauss Jr. with imperial beard.

200 Years of Strauss Junior

Adela SkowronskiOctober 28, 2025

WFMT hosts weigh in with their thoughts on the "Waltz King" for his 200th birthday.

New Releases Oct. 21: American Composers

Adela SkowronskiOctober 21, 2025

Black Moon trio presents works by Indigenous composers, Marin Alsop celebrates music of Anna Clyne, and more.

Playlists

Playlist: 10 of Former WFMT Music Director Andi Lamoreaux’s Favorite Musical Works

Playlist: 8 Chopin Recordings Every Music Lover Should Own

Playlist: 15 Classical Works to Help You Fall into Fall

Playlist: 10 Lesser-Known Violin Concertos You Should Hear Right Now

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American Flag in the sky, during the golden hour sun set

Independence Day Highlights on WFMT

Keegan MorrisJuly 2, 2025

All day long on July 4, WFMT will celebrate Independence Day. Here are some of the highlight performances and recordings!

Independence Day Parade Playlist

Adela SkowronskiJuly 2, 2025

Celebrate with marches written by Sousa... and other American composers!

close up of timpani instrument and mallets

The Evolution of the Orchestra: Percussion

Katherine BuzardJuly 2, 2025

Humans across cultures have played percussion instruments to accompany music and dance or for ritual, religious, or military purposes. But percussion’s rise in prominence within the context of the Western symphony orchestra only really began in the 20th century.

Fiesta! with Elbio Barilari