Hillis was the first woman to regularly conduct a major symphony orchestra, she was the founder of the Chicago Symphony Chorus and served for thirty-seven years as its first director, winning nine Grammy Awards.

Esa-Pekka Salonen returns to the CSO podium for Ravel’s Mother Goose, Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements, and a 2021 concerto by Bryce Dessner.

Picking a favorite out of Mozart’s immense catalog of music is no small feat, so we asked all WFMT hosts, producers, and staff to weigh in on their best-loved compositions and recordings.

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

Today, WFMT and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra announce the launch of an exciting new broadcast and streaming series.

The joint series, which is curated by CSO music director Riccardo Muti, launched in April in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Giordani had a heart attack at his home in Sicily.

When this particular phone call came, it was usually trouble. What often followed was something like “I don’t believe there’s a ‘cough’ in Prokofiev. Love you madly! Goodnight.” Norman Pellegrini, WFMT’s illustrious program director of 43 years, was always listening — vigilant, protective of the station’s values, always blunt in his criticism, and usually right.

Sauer began her long tenure with the CSO in 1959 when Music Director Fritz Reiner invited her to perform with the orchestra. During the 1967-68 season, Music Director Jean Martinon officially added her to the roster. She was named principal piano at the start of the 2000-01 season.

As WFMT’s Music Director, Andi Lamoreaux get to share some of her favorite music with audiences around the world. Here are some of her favorite pieces and performers, along with suggested recordings.