Today is Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the US. Contrary to some misconceptions, the June 19 holiday does not mark the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued on January 1, 1863. In fact, the holiday marks a more somber occasion: the date in 1865 when Union soldiers brought news of their victory — and …

In troubled times, music is a source of hope and healing. In a virtual interview and concert with WFMT’s George Preston, pianist Lara Downes performs selections from her new album, Some of These Days.

From medieval times to modernity, women have made important contributions to all aspects of music, including as composers.

Pianist Lara Downes is passionate about casting light on forgotten and unsung figures in classical music’s history. Downes’ discography signals this — A Billie Holiday Songbook, 13 Ways of Looking at the Goldberg, Exiles’ Cafe, and multiple records focusing on different traditions of American music denote a keen interest in reimagining the canon. Downes’ latest record, entitled Holes in the …

This morning, Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti and Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association president Jeff Alexander announced the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 2019-2020 season. It will mark Muti’s tenth-anniversary season as music director as well as the 250th birthday of Beethoven. Muti conducts all of Beethoven’s symphonies over the course of the season, culminating in the triumphant Symphony No. 9 in June …