Stories

Artist Icebreaker: Conductor Yue Bao

Ahead of Yue Bao’s Chicago Symphony Orchestra debut at the Ravinia Festival this Sunday, August 8, she reveals to us some conducting secrets, her favorite cities for music, and more!

Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou seated at the piano

Galilee Abdullah | September 30, 2017

Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou: Pianist, Composer, Nun, Legend

Stephen Raskauskas | September 29, 2017

Video: Be the First to Watch Baroque Opera ‘Ariane et Bachus’ in 321 Years

Stephen Raskauskas | September 26, 2017

Video: Hearing Rameau Arranged for Guitar Duo Might Make 18th Century Music First in Your Heart

Video: ‘Get Out’ Composer Michael Abels Brings His Horror Score Into the Concert Hall

Michael San Gabino | September 20, 2019

"Writing music, I believe, is a spiritual practice,” says composer Michael Abels. “Any three notes you can find are either terrible or brilliant depending on the context.” Abels makes his Sinfonietta conducting debut leading the orchestra in a live-to-picture performance of his own score for Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning film Get Out.

‘No path is easy’: Black opera singers detail struggles

Associated Press | September 19, 2019

More than 60 years after Marian Anderson broke the color barrier at the Met, Black singers still face unique obstacles within the opera industry. "We've made some strides, but not a whole lot," said Professor Naomi Andre.

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Tips to Rise to the Top in Music Competitions from 2017 Van Cliburn Winner Yekwon Sunwoo

Galilee Abdullah | September 15, 2017

When pianist Yekwon Sunwoo first entered the Van Cliburn Piano Competition in 2013, he was an alternate. This year, he took home the gold.

Video | Hear the Young Mariachi Ensemble from Chicago That’s Topping Charts and Winning Hearts

Galilee Abdullah | September 13, 2017

Chicago-based Mariachi Herencia de México released its debut album, "Nuestra Herenica" ("Our Heritage"), in early 2017 and it ranked No. 2 on the iTunes Latin chart in its first week. Since the ensemble is composed of pre-college musicians, the album may be the first major mariachi recording released in the United States by students.

Video | Watch Two of the World’s Best Tabla Players (Who Also Happen to Be Father and Son)

Stephen Raskauskas | September 13, 2017

Watch Anindo Chatterjee and his son Anubrata prove why they are two of the best percussionists in the world.

Mornings with Dennis Moore