Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones

Terence Blanchard’s stirring drama returns following its landmark company premiere in 2021, with bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green starring as Charles.

Mahler 2 and a World Premiere by Trevor Weston

Season Premiere: Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the SF Symphony in Gustav Mahler’s glorious Symphony No. 2 with vocalists Golda Schultz and Michelle DeYoung and the world premiere of Push by Trevor Weston.

Philadelphia Orchestra’s home renamed Marian Anderson Hall as Verizon name comes off

Marian Anderson, an acclaimed and boundary-breaking Black contralto, was born in Philadelphia in 1897.

Lowell Chamber Orchestra to premiere new edition of Julia Perry’s symphony

“This work is a fabulous example of Perry’s modernist style,” says LCO music director Orlando Cela.

10 Operas by Black Composers You Should Know

Operas from the 19th century to today that depict Black stories.

Anthony Davis’s X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X

Anthony Davis’s groundbreaking and influential opera, which premiered in 1986, arrives at the Met at long last.

Musical Events for Black History Month

Honor Black artistry with an entire month of exciting musical events — operas, chamber concerts, jazz orchestras, broadcasts, and more!

The AP names its five Breakthrough Entertainers of 2023

This year alone, composer and pianist Kris Bowers’ credits include “Origin” and “The Color Purple” in addition to “Chevalier,” “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” and “Haunted Mansion.”

Giddens & Abels’ Omar

The luminous score—composed by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels—incorporates distinctive West African traditions with traditional opera instrumentation.

Gateways Brass Collective

The Gateways Brass Collective, an all–African American quintet, was founded in 2018 to inspire artists from all backgrounds.

Juneteenth: Remembrance and Celebration

A special program commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans

Sphinx Virtuosi

A self-conducted chamber orchestra, Sphinx Virtuosi is the most prestigious group of musicians to represent the magnificently impactful Sphinx Organization.

Terence Blanchard’s Champion

Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green is the young boxer Emile Griffith, who rises from obscurity to become a world champion.

On a Knife’s Edge: Cooking, Music, History Come Together in Okpebholo’s Cook-Off

In Chicago composer Shawn E. Okpebholo’s new opera, three chefs vie for cooking show glory — and $100K — by tackling the classically American dish macaroni and cheese.

Auditorium Theatre Brings Malkovich, Blanchard, Dance Riches in 2023-24 Season

Special events, dance, and more are on deck for the Auditorium.

Lyric Opera 2023-2024 Season: Dutchman, Aida, Cinderella, Audra

Next year’s lineup of six mainstage operas offers choices for traditional and contemporary opera fans alike.

11 Studs Terkel Conversations for Black History Month

Just a few of the Black voices from the Studs Terkel Radio Archive.

Willliam Grant Still’s Top 5 Works According to His Daughter, Judith Anne Still

Despite an upturn, William Grant Still’s music remains under-performed. We spoke to Judith Anne Still about her five favorite pieces by her father.

Pharoah Sanders, influential jazz saxophonist, dies at 81

Sanders, who launched his career playing alongside John Coltrane in the 1960s, died in Los Angeles early Saturday.

In 35th Season, Chicago Sinfonietta Looks At What’s ‘Next’

A dynamic balance of intensity and optimism holds true throughout the season, which features such program titles as Next, Boundless, and Unapologetic.

Renowned jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis has died, age 87

The Chicago born and based Lewis was revered in jazz circles for hits like “The In Crowd” and “Hang on Sloopy.” He earned three Grammys and seven gold records.

From 2015: Ramsey Lewis On His Long Overdue CSO Debut

WFMT spoke to the Chicago-born Lewis in 2015, when, at the age of 80, his music received its first CSO performance.

The Sounds of Chicago in a Festival of Art Song and Vocal Chamber Music

“We’re celebrating the spirit of the city and taking a moment for some musical civic pride!”

Jon Batiste leaves Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show

After winning multiple Grammys this year, Jon Batiste is moving on after a seven-year run backing up host Stephen Colbert as bandleader of “The Late Show”.

Tony Moments: A Night For Broadway to Reclaim Its Groove

Broadway has its groove back, said Tonys host Ariana DeBose at an exuberant ceremony seeking to illustrate just that sentiment.

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