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.

Composer Errollyn Wallen On Embracing Serendipity, Bringing New Viewpoints to Music

“It feels like I’ve been carrying this world with me for a long time.”

Playlist: 11 Black Performers Instrumental to Classical Music

Here are just a few Black performers who changed the course of classical music… and continue to inspire us today!

Capturing the Chevalier, One of the Most Remarkable Stories in Classical Music

“It’s like Paganini and Bruce Lee in one dude,” marvels Bill Barclay, the writer and director of a new play about Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Art: Music, Dance, Poetry, and more

On this Martin Luther King, Jr. day, we’ve compiled an assortment of multimedia tributes — music, visual arts, poetry, and dance — to the monumental Civil Rights leader.

Met Opera to present Blanchard’s ‘Champion’ in April 2023

The staging follows the success of the composer Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones on the opening night of this season.

Video: From the Composer’s Studio: A Conversation with Missy Mazzoli & Jessie Montgomery

From the Composer’s Studio invites you to hear Missy Mazzoli and Jessie Montgomery, two of today’s most celebrated composers, provide a glimpse into their work. Enjoy this insightful, lively discussion co-produced by the CSOA and WFMT.

Met returns with 1st work by a Black composer in its history

Fire Shut Up in My Bones became the first work by a Black composer in the 138-year history of the Metropolitan Opera as the company presented its first staged performance since March 2020 following a gap caused by the coronavirus.

Met Opera to Stage Anthony Davis’ ‘X’ on Malcolm X in 2023

The Met says X will open on Nov. 3, 2023, in a staging by Robert O’Hara that will be conducted by Kazem Abdullah. Will Liverman will star in the title role.

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.

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