We all came to love classical music in different ways. Here are some of the musical first loves of our WFMT listeners, in their own words.

Music and conversation with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 2025/26 Artist-in-Residence.

Handel recast the story of Judas Maccabeus as a celebratory ode to King George II, with music of unprecedented refinement, gripping suspense, and drama.

From all corners of the city and beyond, take part in holiday cheer with music to suit every palate.

The winter holidays are right around the corner, and WFMT has a feast of musical offerings to make the season bright!

An interview with the Trinidadian soprano in advance of her upcoming performances in Chicago.

An interview with the pioneering German countertenor on the occasion of the re-release of six of his legendary albums on the Harmonia Mundi label.

The American soprano shares selections from her three recent recordings.

This week, Todd Levy and friends play “Souvenirs de Voyage” , the rarely performed clarinet quintet by Bernard Hermann. Also, Harry Bicket leads selections from “Water Music”: the iconic and jubilant soundscape that Handel composed for a river party.

Four choral-forward programs on the theme Lost and Found.

Join us on a trip around London, a city with character, landmarks, and music to spare.

The mad scene: one of opera’s most thrilling institutions.

An interview with the soprano in advance of her performances of Haydn’s Mass in Time of War with the Chicago Symphony Chorus and Orchestra.

Celestial Voices, Fathers and Sons, Baroque Blockbusters and other fascinating fare for the ensemble’s 55th season.

Jane Glover makes her CSO subscription debut, leading the orchestra in a program bookended by Haydn’s Symphony No. 71 and Mozart’s Symphony No. 29. Also on the program, Principal Oboe William Welter solos in Mozart’s Oboe Concerto in C Major, and Paul Jacobs performs Handel’s Organ Concerto No. 4 and J.S. Bach’s Sinfonia to Cantata BWV 29. To close, Claudio …

An interview with the British countertenor in advance of his debut with Music of the Baroque.

Sunday, February 2, 2025, is the year’s biggest night for music. Peruse the classical, jazz, contemporary, folk, screen, and stage nominees, and see the winners as they’re announced!

Jeannette Sorrell leads a stylish performance featuring sopranos Sonya Headlam and Erica Schuller, mezzo-soprano Amanda Crider, tenor Steven Caldicott, and baritone Edward Vogel. Recorded live in concert.

Handel’s landmark oratorio had its fans when it premiered… so why was it so controversial?

Ton Koopman conducts the New York Philharmonic and vocal soloists Sunhae Im, Andreas Scholl, Jörg Dürmüller, and Detlef Roth, in George Frideric Handel’s Messiah.

The 2025 season will run from March to October and feature an oratorio and three operas.

From all corners of the city and beyond, take part in holiday cheer with a wide range of merriment.

The winter holidays are right around the corner, and WFMT has a feast of musical offerings to make the season bright!

Dive in to the classical, jazz, contemporary, folk, screen, and stage nominees!

An interview with the American countertenor in advance of his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.