Artist Icebreaker: Pianist Lara Downes

Ahead of her appearance at Ravinia this week, we sat down to talk with Lara Downes about her efforts to broaden the classical canon, her first introduction to Black composers like Florence Price and Margaret Bonds, and why she loves to work with Rachel Barton Pine.

Artist Icebreaker: Bass-baritone David Govertsen

Is it luck? Preparation? Skill? David Govertsen thinks it’s a little bit of each that has guided him to some of the city’s biggest stages.

Artist Icebreaker: Conductor Norman Huynh

From performing in haunted buildings to leading orchestras across the country, Norman Huynh is an ascending young conductor excited to bring classical music to new audiences.

Artist Icebreaker: Conductor Teddy Abrams

Ahead of his Chicago Symphony Orchestra debut, conductor Teddy Abrams explains why classical music needs to reach out to young people and embrace other artforms — and explains how Leonard Bernstein was a role model for both of these missions.

Artist Icebreaker: Conductor Yue Bao

Ahead of Yue Bao’s Chicago Symphony Orchestra debut at the Ravinia Festival this Sunday, August 8, she reveals to us some conducting secrets, her favorite cities for music, and more!

Masumi Per Rostad on Beethoven, YouTube, and the Viola

Masumi Per Rostad is an artist completely steeped in classical music. He chats with WFMT ahead of his performance at the Grant Park Music Festival this weekend.