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

Jazzy ‘Charlie Brown Christmas’ swings on after 57 years

“Christmas just doesn’t feel like Christmas without hearing that album in the background,” said Derrick Bang, author of the biography Vince Guaraldi at the Piano.

Celine Dion diagnosed with rare neurological disorder

In emotional video messages posted in French and English on Thursday on Instagram, Dion said stiff person syndrome was causing spasms that affect her ability to walk and sing.

Jon Batiste to sing for Macron at Biden’s 1st state dinner

Batiste will be adding White House entertainer to an already long list of roles.

Music’s New Dimension: How Spatial Audio is Changing Classical Music

Professional musicians are constantly evolving their craft. And so are the engineers and technicians recording and producing their music.

2023 Grammy Nominees Announced: Classical, Jazz, Soundtrack, and More

The Recording Academy announced its 2023 Grammy nominations on November 15, 2022.

Stream a Documentary About Superstar Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin

Yannick Nézet-Séguin is one of classical music’s most exciting and intriguing figures. Get to know him through a streaming documentary.

Playlist: 13 Horror Movie Soundtracks You Should Know

It’s hard to pinpoint a single genre for which music is more indispensable than horror. Here are 13 horror movie soundtracks to give you thrills and chills.

10 Chicago Musical Events for Halloween 2022

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

NHL’s Kraken get original music from Oscar winner Zimmer

An NHL team with a Hollywood connection gets a new musical score, and it’s from Oscar and Grammy winner Hans Zimmer.

Chicago-born opera stars Janai Brugger & Matthew Polenzani trade tales, on-camera singing tips

Tenor Matthew Polenzani reflects that “there are definitely pieces where what’s required dramatically in a hall of 4,000 seats is different from what’s required dramatically on a screen.”

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.

WFMT’s Classical Conversations: ‘Becoming Frederick Douglass’ & ‘Harriet Tubman Visions of Freedom’

Grammy-winning conductor, pianist, and composer Charles Floyd and award-winning baritone Robert Sims reflect on the importance that Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass placed on spirituals as a beacon for freedom.

Free Movie Honors Hildegard von Bingen, A Trailblazing Composer & Nun

A 12th-century abbess gifted with extraordinary skills in medicine, science, and music.

Early Streisand nightclub recording remastered for release

The performances were intended to become Barbra Streisand’s first album, but instead many of the songs were redone and released as her Grammy-winning self-titled debut album in 1963.

Video: James Conlon & Johnny Gandelsman Reflect on Music of the Holocaust

WFMT interviews conductor James Conlon, a tireless advocate for composers silenced by the Nazi regime, and musician Johnny Gandelsman, who produced the soundtrack to ‘The US and the Holocaust.’

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”.

U2, George Clooney, Amy Grant among Kennedy Center honorees

Eight-time Grammy-winning singer Gladys Knight and acclaimed Cuban-born American composer Tania León are also among the honorees.

From the end of the world to your town, Elton John’s goodbye

John has five Grammys, as well as a Tony for Aida. His “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” in The Lion King motion picture has been heard by millions of children.

Playlist: 13 Canadian Composers You Should Know

Americans, get to know the music of our neighbors to the north with this curated playlist.

John Williams, 90, steps away from film, but not music

Williams says the fifth Indiana Jones film will probably be his last film. He’ll spend most of his time to writing concert pieces.

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.

‘Shine the light’: Ariana DeBose talks hosting Tony Awards

The Oscar-winning and Tony-nominated actress says this year’s telecast will spread its arms wider to celebrate Broadway’s stars and unsung heroes.