Danish String Quartet

The dynamic ensemble performs works by Haydn, Bach, and Shostakovich as well as their crowd-pleasing arrangements of folk music.

Ella Jenkins at 99: A Timeline

For more than 60 years, the “First Lady of Children’s Folk Music” has used music to inspire and teach children around the world.

Mezzo-soprano Katherine DeYoung, Pianists Chris Reynolds and Craig Terry, and Violinist John Macfarlane

Ryan Opera Center Members mezzo-soprano Katherine DeYoung and pianist Chris Reynolds are joined by Lyric Opera of Chicago violinist John Macfarlane and Ryan Opera Center’s Music Director, pianist Craig Terry, in an eclectic program of music by Richard Wagner, Vasyl Barvinsky, Stella Jang, and Marta Keen.

Chicago Pride Concerts & Events for 2023

From concerts to screenings to festivals to parades, there’s always something happening in and around Chicago for LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

Tommy Prine doesn’t dodge his father’s legacy but makes his own way in compelling debut

Tommy Prine never set out to be a singer-songwriter, but it proved to be a “saving grace” after losing his father, John Prine.

Folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84

“I simply write the songs about where I am and where I’m from,” Lightfoot once said. “I take situations and write poems about them.”

Joni Mitchell honored with Gershwin Prize at tribute concert

Says James Taylor, an attendee of the event (and a former partner): “Joni is a national treasure.”

2023 Grammy Winners & Nominees in Classical, Jazz, Soundtrack, and More

This year’s Grammys, the 65th annual ceremony, takes place on Sunday, February 5.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

9 Studs Terkel Conversations for Hispanic Heritage Month

Hear from Hispanic artists, writers, activists, and more from Chicago and beyond.

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!”

Pete Seeger gets own stamp; ceremony planned at Newport Folk

Seeger, a Harvard dropout who died in 2014 at age 94, wrote or co-wrote “If I Had a Hammer,” “Turn, Turn, Turn,” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone.”

Grammys add new categories, including songwriter of the year

The Recording Academy has created a social change song award and five new categories, including songwriter of the year.

Grammys 2022: See All the Classical+ Nominees (And Winners)

The 64th Grammy Awards will occur on Sunday, April 3 in Las Vegas. Here are the categories, nominees, and eventually, winners, for the classical, jazz, and world music fields.

Ravinia Festival’s 2022 Lineup Brings Signature Music Mix, Bevy of Guests

In addition to the annual CSO residency, Ravinia will play host to a spate of guest ensembles, including Music of the Baroque, The Knights, the Lincoln Trio, Chanticleer, the Chicago Philharmonic, and the Chicago Sinfonietta.

See Photo Highlights from WFMT’s 70th Anniversary Day of Celebration

We’re still soaring from our big day last week, when we welcomed some of Chicago’s leading artists to take part in a daylong celebration of WFMT and the music we’ve been presenting for the last 70 years!

Stream Highlight Performances from WFMT’s 70th Anniversary Day of Celebration

How better to mark 70 years of WFMT than with a party!?

Blues & Roots Violinist-Singer-Songwriter Anne Harris on Alchemy, Music, and Improv

“I made a very concerted deal with myself that I wanted to take the instrument the route of improvisation in the idioms of American roots music, folk music, Americana, blues.”

Kennedy Center Honors back once more, Biden attends

Honorees include Motown Records creator Berry Gordy, opera singer Justino Diaz, and folk music legend Joni Mitchell.

Ravinia Returns for 2021 Season

Ravinia Festival is back for 2021 for its 85th concert season, offering up a signature blend of classical, jazz, folk, and rock music performances.

Delayed Kennedy Center Honors to be rescheduled for mid-May

The honorees are country music legend Garth Brooks, dancer and actress Debbie Allen, violin virtuoso Midori, folk music icon Joan Baez and actor Dick Van Dyke.

In Their Own Words: Quotes From Artists and Friends of WFMT Who Died in 2020

2020 was a year of great loss for all; the music world was no exception. As we reflect on the year gone by, WFMT salutes the contributions of artists and friends who died this past year.