Update Your Calendars: Chicago-Area Classical Concerts Announced for 2023 and Beyond

Peruse our ever-updating list of exciting season announcements!

Classical Music Aerial Adventure: Winter in Chicago

With spellbinding aerial footage of Chicago, you’ll hear acclaimed artists playing wonderful, wintry classical music.

Heaven and Earth: Music of the Baroque Announces 2023-24 Season

Boasting banner works like the Mozart Requiem and Bach’s St. John Passion, the season will feature eight programs performed at venues in and around Chicago.

9 New Chicago Ensembles You Should Know

Spotlighting a new crop of arrivals to the vibrant Chicago classical music scene. 

WFMT Classical Conversations: Chicago Jazz Philharmonic

WFMT hosted Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s Orbert Davis and Mark Ingram, who discussed Davis’s Emmy-winning score for WTTW’s DuSable to Obama: Chicago’s Black Metropolis, their love of jazz, and more.

Tracing the Life and Career of Chicago Icon Mavis Staples

Humble. Thoughtful. Legendary. After more than 70 years, Mavis Staples’ career is greater than any single word.

Caccini, Hasse, Scarlatti: Haymarket Shares ’23 Season

The performance lineup features three mainstage operas; all three titles are rare and represent Chicago premieres.

Grant Park Music Festival 2023 Season Released

What music will fill your summer? Grant Park shares its 2023 offerings.

In Their Own Words: Inspiring Quotes From Classical Artists and Friends Who Died in 2022

As we reflect on the year gone by, WFMT salutes the contributions of members of the arts community who died this past year.

The Most Wonderful Time: Chicago-Area Holiday Concerts, Events

The holiday season welcomes a plethora of performances from near and far, leaving Chicago-area audiences with a myriad of spectacles… and choices

The Rich Warren Connection

“Rarely do I pick up a CD from an artist who doesn’t pay homage to Rich Warren,” says Wanda Fischer, award-winning host of The Hudson River Sampler.

10 Chicago Musical Events for Halloween 2022

Some of the most intriguing, spine-curdling, and spirited musical events all around the Chicago area.

Who are the 2022 MacArthur ‘genius grant’ fellows?

Musicians Tomeka Reid (who is Chicago-based), Martha Gonzalez, and Ikue Mori are among the grantees.

14 Chicago Film Fest Screenings Music Lovers Won’t Want To Miss

The Chicago International Film Festival is back for a 58th year, and as ever, there is an embarrassment of cinematic riches.

Playlist: Classical Fire and Flames

The Great Chicago Fire began on October 8, 1871. Here’s some music that takes inspiration from flames.

John Brennan, 18-year WTTW-WFMT Trustee, Has Died, Age 60

Brennan was an active and engaged leader, serving on nearly every committee of the WTTW-WFMT board.

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!”

A Classical Music Aerial Adventure: Summer in Chicago

Get a new view of summertime in Chicago… complete with some great classical music!

Seasons, Tan Dun, and Ghostbusters in Chicago Phil’s 2022/23 Season

The new season will kick off with a live concert performance and screening of Ghostbusters.

Rush Hour Concerts Return for 2022, Free Summer Recitals Help You Wait Out Commute

With commuting, once again, a part of many of our days, the simple concept of the Rush Hour Concerts becomes vital.

Now Announcing: WFMT’s 2022 Grant Park Music Festival Live Broadcasts

Without the Grant Park Music Festival, summer in Chicago simply wouldn’t be … summer in Chicago.

WFMT Classical Conversations: Dr. C. Charles Clency

WFMT presenter LaRob K. Rafael interviews Dr. C. Charles Clency, music educator, author, and the last accompanist of Mahalia Jackson.

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