Angelina Jolie dazzles Venice Film Festival with ‘Maria,’ a biopic about opera legend Maria Callas

Jolie trained for nearly seven months to prepare for the role. The singing in the film is a blend of actor and the real thing.

Classical Focus: Playlists to Orchestrate Your Studying

Harness the incredible power of classical music to enhance your schoolwork!

Guarneri Hall Announces ’24–25 Season With 20th Century, Jazz

Plus chamber music and a live score for a silent film.

Richard M. Sherman, who fueled Disney charm in ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘It’s a Small World,’ dies at 95

“Something good happens when we sit down together and work,” Richard Sherman said about his lifetime collaboration with his brother, Robert.

Classical Music Movie Review

Hosts Kristina Lynn and LaRob K. Rafael welcome film critic Michael Phillips and music journalist Hannah Edgar to how classical music is portrayed (and received) in recent films like Maestro and Tár.

Playlist: Classical Music You Probably Know (But Can’t Name): Vol. 3

Whether through movies, advertising, samples, or other popular media, classical music is everywhere — you just have to know what to look for!

Bartók, Herrmann, and Gruber

An ominous, atmospheric lineup of music conducted by music director Esa-Pekka Salonen.

Playlist: How Video Game Music Has Leveled Up

The first video games were completely silent — now they have full orchestral scores that adapt and respond to on-screen action.

Playlist: Classical Music Inspired by Birds

A motley medley of music inspired by birds of all feathers!

Dance Acts Star in Auditorium 2024–25 Season

The Loop’s “theatre for the people” presents music and dance titles from October to May.

Playlist: 14 Works for the Solar Eclipse

Music to set the stage for a remarkable celestial spectacle.

Alsop, Conlon, Dudamel: Ravinia Shares ’24 Season

Plus chamber music and ensemble appearances from renowned Chicago artists.

At the Movies with Michael Phillips

On this week’s episode of Sounds Classical, Kristina and LaRob are joined by Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips for a trip to the movies! They discuss what makes a great film score, some of the most iconic and important film score composers! Grab your popcorn and enjoy this movie music montage episode!

From ‘Jaws’ to ‘Schindler’s List,’ John Williams has infused movie scores with adventure and emotion

Orchestral demand for John Williams’ music has risen so much that his career as a classical musician is almost as fruitful as his film music work.

CSO Announces 2024–25 Season and New Artist-In-Residence

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association has announced its 2024–2025 season, a full year of concerts in its mainstage subscription series, as well as chamber, solo, family, and other programming.

Beatles to get a Fab Four of biopics, a movie each for Paul, John, George, and Ringo

These may dwarf all other music biopics: the stories of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr will be spread out over four films.

Celebrating African American Artists: The Film Music of Terence Blanchard

An interview with composer, trumpeter, and pianist Terence Blanchard.

Follow Live: Grammy 2024 Winners

Follow live on Sunday, February 4, as music’s biggest awards are given out!

Playlist: 6 Classic Songs that Sample Classical Music

Let’s take a step back in time to hear how classical music influenced some of the 20th century’s hits!

Playlist: Classical Music for Cooking

Much like a gourmet dish, classical music is the result of many individual elements coming together. The composer, like a chef, must know the distinct flavor profiles of each instrument and how they complement each other.

Playlist: Jazz Takes on Classical Greats

The special bond between jazz and classical is growing closer by the day. So let’s appreciate these incredible renditions of timeless classical favorites!

90 Years: Grant Park Music Festival Announces 2024 Season

Another packed summer of live music awaits.

In Their Own Words: Remembering Those Who Died in 2023

Recognizing the Chicagoans, musicians, artists, and friends of WFMT who died this past year.

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.”

Playlist: Modern Music for Holiday Merriment

From totally fresh arrangements of old tunes to new winter works altogether.