Stories

New ‘La bohème’ tells story in reverse for happy ending

The director says that the reinterpretation emphasizes the power of love despite inevitable death and disappointment.

Stephen RaskauskasApril 10, 2015

Guggenheim Fellow Rudresh Mahanthappa On Creating Music that Defies Genre

Stephen RaskauskasMarch 31, 2015

14 Facts About Haydn

Ryan de Ryke and Peter van de Graaff in Telemann’s Don Quichotte

Stephen RaskauskasMarch 10, 2015

WFMT Host Peter van de Graaff Stars in Haymarket’s Don Quichotte

3 Fresh Musical Events for Your Weekend!

Hannah EdgarMay 31, 2019

We’re getting ready to share our Summer Music Guide (keep an eye out for it next week), but here are three events happening this weekend, each of which combine or reimagine classical music and dance, that we wanted to be sure to tell you about. The Rosina Project It’s Rossini like you’ve never heard him before. Chicago Fringe Opera teams ...

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra cancels summer programming

Associated PressMay 31, 2019

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has canceled its summer programming, citing $16 million in losses over the past decade. The Washington Post reports the Thursday cancellation announcement by the orchestra comes about a month after the summer season was announced. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan approved a bill then that would give the group $3.2 million in state funding. Orchestra president ...

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Ana María Martínez: “Czech Was the Hardest”

Noel MorrisFebruary 21, 2014

Lyric Opera formalized its commitment to extending their resources to Chicago’s neighborhoods, naming Ana María Martínez and Eric Owens community ambassadors.

Beethoven’s Smile: Yes, He Had One

Noel MorrisDecember 16, 2013

“After the final chord, I looked up. The Master’s darkly glowing gaze was fixed upon me penetratingly. Yet suddenly a benevolent smile broke up his gloomy features, Beethoven became quite close, bent over me, laid his hand on my head and repeatedly stroked my hair. ‘Devil of a fellow’ he whispered, ‘such a young rascal!’ I suddenly plucked up courage. ...

black and white closeup of a vintage saxophone

Composer Exploration: Jacques Ibert

Peter van de GraaffOctober 29, 2013

When young Jacques finished grade school, he found a job in a movie house, playing piano for silent films.

The WFMT Orchestra Series