American Dances

Exploring unique pairings — violin & viola, plus piano four hands — in American repertoire from Mark O’Connor, George Tsontakis, Samuel Barber, and George Gershwin.

The True Story (and Inspiring Women) Behind Joan Tower’s Iconic ‘Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman’

With its dedication to boundary-breaking women, Tower’s first piece is a liberal and spirited interpretation of a fanfare.

American Music Project Boosts Repertory Rarities in 10th Chicago Season

This AMP season’s lineup showcases neglected repertoire in chamber, solo piano, and orchestral settings.

Unearthed Americana: Works by Ives, Paine, and Schuman

This week, we present a collection of rarely-heard works by American masters in recordings from the orchestra’s archives. Included are Three Places in New England by Charles Ives, the Symphony No. 1 by John Knowles Paine, and the Symphony No. 8 by William Schuman.

Dudamel Leads Beethoven and Smith

Experience the exhilaration of Beethoven’s dance Symphony, his Seventh, and a new cello concerto by Gabriella Smith.

Music by Barbara Harbach

Music by American composer Barbara Harbach.

American Favorites with Bramwell Tovey

Music by Copland, Gershwin, and Grofé.

Contemporary American Composers

This week features pieces from a newly released recording from the CSO Resound label. Riccardo Muti conducts the broadcast.

An American Salute: Rhapsody in Blue

Michelle Cann returns to Pritzker Pavilion as soloist in George Gershwin’s dazzling Rhapsody in Blue.

Superstar Baritone Nathan Gunn on American Opera, Stage Presence, and Versatility

“My job as a singer, if I’m doing my job correctly, is no different than what a curator does with a beautiful work of art.”

Nathan Gunn, an American Baritone

An interview with Nathan Gunn in advance of his performance with New Philharmonic later this month.

Exploring Chords: “Appalachian Spring”

From its premiere more than 75 years ago, this music and ballet continue to speak to the American soul. Dive into the score of Appalachian Spring with Bill McGlaughlin.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Dominick Argento dead at 91

Known for composing in styles ranging from melody to dissonance, he earned the Pulitzer in 1975 for From the Diary of Virginia Woolf, a composition for voice and piano.

Playlist: Leonard Slatkin’s 10 Forgotten American Masterpieces

Many composers and pieces were received enthusiastically upon their premiere, only to have been forgotten or overlooked years later. Esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin shares 10 forgotten works that deserve greater recognition.

Ravinia Announces 2-Year Bernstein Celebration, Curated by Conductor Marin Alsop

As a composer, conductor, and educator, Leonard Bernstein’s contributions left a tremendous impact on American classical and popular music. Ravinia celebrates his centenary.