Stories

Jamie Barton: Opera Must “embrace the move towards feminine power”

WFMT talks with the outspoken mezzo-soprano about what it means to take on the role of Carmen, why she’s excited to open the COT season, and how modern-day audiences and artists can best confront the more outdated aspects of Carmen and other beloved operas.

Stephen Raskauskas | March 8, 2018

Of All US Orchestras, Chicago Sinfonietta Has Programmed the Highest Percentage of Works by Women

Stephen Raskauskas | March 6, 2018

VIDEO | Hear one of the world’s most ancient and romantic instruments: the santoor

Stephen Raskauskas | February 28, 2018

Chicago Opera Theater Announces Three New-to-Chicago Operas for 2018/19 Season

The Film Score: Music for Veterans Day

Matt DeStefano | November 11, 2019

In honor of Veterans Day, WFMT is re-airing this program of music composed for war films with Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips.

Playlist: Take Lisa Flynn’s ‘New Releases’ With You On the Go!

WFMT | November 11, 2019

Every morning, host Lisa Flynn shares the best new classical recordings to share with WFMT listeners, and now, you can take her selections with you wherever you go!

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Classical radio host Carl Grapentine announces retirement from “dream job” at WFMT

Stephen Raskauskas | February 20, 2018

WFMT’s longtime Morning Program host Carl Grapentine landed what he describes as his “dream job” by chance. He first heard about WFMT in the early 1970s from his colleagues at WQRS, a classical radio station in Detroit that modeled itself after WFMT. Years later, while attending the Concert Music Broadcasters Association in Chicago, “I got up the courage to speak ...

VIDEO | Watch this Chinese opera artist transform into a Dragon Princess – in seconds

Stephen Raskauskas | February 16, 2018

Getting into full costume and makeup to perform Chinese operas takes hours. You can see an artist from Chongqing Chuanju Opera Theatre transform herself in seconds.

Video: Violinist Stefan Milenkovich and pianist Rohan de Silva perform LIVE at WFMT

Stephen Raskauskas | February 15, 2018

Watch celebrated Serbian violinist Stefan Milenkovich and acclaimed pianist Rohan de Silva share works by Beethoven, Ravel, Paganini, and Tchaikovsky.

Midday with Lisa Flynn