Stories

James Rado, who co-created groundbreaking ‘Hair,’ dies at 90

Hair, which has story and lyrics by Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot, was the first rock musical on Broadway, the first Broadway show to feature full nudity and the first to feature a same-sex kiss.

Stephen RaskauskasFebruary 2, 2017

Frederick Douglass Owned a Copy of a Stradivarius, His Grandson Played for Two Presidents

Stephen RaskauskasFebruary 2, 2017

Video: Renée Fleming’s Best Advice for Young Singers To Succeed in Opera Today

Michael San GabinoFebruary 1, 2017

Meet Susie Lape, the New Executive Director of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras

13 Chicago Area Arts and Music Events for a Frightening and Fun Halloween

Keegan MorrisOctober 8, 2019

Whether you’re looking for a hardcore horror flick or a family-friendly outing, this list has you covered for some of the Chicago area’s Halloween highlights!

Music Acts as a Translator, Cultural Bridge in Wang Lu’s ‘Code Switch’

Keegan MorrisOctober 7, 2019

“Maybe we’re getting used to being misunderstood… Hopefully, [through] music, we can be more open,” reflects Wang Lu. Her work, Code Switch, will have its world premiere to open the first MusicNOW concert of the CSO season.

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At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards this February, Chicago Boasts Over 80 Nominees in 35 Categories

Mary MazurekJanuary 27, 2017

David Skidmore of Third Coast Percussion exclaimed, "It feels great to be nominated. We love this city, and we love the musical life of this city..."

Watch WFMT’s First Classical Cabaret

Stephen RaskauskasJanuary 26, 2017

In 2016, WFMT launched its Classical Cabaret, a brand new, live radio variety show. The first ever Classical Cabaret was hosted at the Uptown Underground, a burlesque longue in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Composer, musician, and WFMT announcer Robbie Ellis hosted a fun evening from the piano. He shared some of his own original compositions, including a very hilarious, very Chicago ...

NY Philharmonic president quits for University of Michigan

Associated PressJanuary 24, 2017

Matthew VanBesien will become the third executive to depart this year with the orchestra in the midst of fundraising to renovate its Lincoln Center home.

Afternoon Music with Candice Agree