Stories

Who are the 2022 MacArthur ‘genius grant’ fellows?

Musicians Tomeka Reid (who is Chicago-based), Martha Gonzalez, and Ikue Mori are among the grantees.

Galilee AbdullahJune 14, 2017

This Chicagoan Never Expected To Sing Opera. Now She’s Singing on One of the World’s Largest Stages.

Stephen RaskauskasJune 13, 2017

Video: This Is What It Sounds like When 100 Percussionists Play Together

Michael San GabinoJune 12, 2017

Yo-Yo Ma, CSO’s ‘Concert for Peace’ Takes a Stand against Violence at South Side’s St. Sabina Church

Britten the Composer, Pacifist, Remembered by the Star of His Antiwar Opera

George PrestonDecember 13, 2019

A lifelong pacifist, Britten used his music to advocate for peace. Baritone Benjamin Luxon, who created the title role of the composer’s pacifist opera Owen Wingrave, reflects on Britten’s legacy of music and pacifism.

Arias and Songs hits 350 broadcasts on WFMT

Larry JohnsonDecember 13, 2019

December 21st's broadcast marks the 350th program of Arias and Songs. Over the seven years on WFMT, host Larry Johnson has played everything from Callas and 'La Traviata' to Nat King Cole and 'The Producers.'

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KAIA Kids Around the World – The Music of Brazil

Stephen RaskauskasJune 7, 2017

WFMT is proud to present KAIA Kids Around the World, a new web series that explores music from across the globe. As WFMT’s first ensemble in residence, KAIA String Quartet is taking WFMT fans on a musical adventure throughout Latin America from May – July 2017. With nine different stops throughout Latin America, KAIA is exploring the music of Brazil from May ...

One of Conductor Manfred Honeck’s Favorite Quotes Might Change the Way You Think About Classical Music

Michael San GabinoJune 6, 2017

Conductor Manfred Honeck shared one of his favorite quotes that guides his artistic work, and it just might change the way you think about classical music.

Hear Music by Chiquinha Gonzaga, the Brazilian Composer Who Was 100 Years Ahead of Her Time

Angelica LasalaJune 5, 2017

Composer and musician Chiquinha Gonzaga, born Francisca Edwiges Neves Gonzaga When Brazilian pianist, conductor, and composer Chiquinha Gonzaga’s first husband told her to choose him or music, she replied, “Well, sir, my husband, I do not understand life without harmony.” Shortly after, they parted ways. The stigma of divorce, however, followed her. Shunned by her own family, Gonzaga was left ...

Mornings with Jan Weller