Handel’s Jephtha

Music of the Baroque’s first performance in over three decades of Handel’s final oratorio.

The Pure Voice of Lauren Snouffer

An interview with the early (and contemporary) music specialist in advance of WFMT’s broadcast of Handel’s Jephtha from Music of the Baroque.

Jordi Savall: The Elements and the Furies

Jordi Savall and Le Concert des Nations take us on a journey through a variety of sound environments of the eighteenth century.

Playlist: WFMT Listeners’ First Favorites

We all came to love classical music in different ways. Here are some of the musical first loves of our WFMT listeners, in their own words.

Concerto Italiano: Alessandro Scarlatti, Handel & Francesco Mancini

Founded in 1984, Concerto Italiano has earned the reputation as one of the finest ensembles to specialize in Baroque music. On this week’s edition of Baroque&Before, we’re treated to a select chamber group from Concerto Italiano, joined by soprano Sonia Tedla and bass Gabriele Lombardi, in works by Handel, three works by Handel’s older contemporary Alessandro Scarlatti plus another, formerly …

Apollo’s Fire Returns for 4 Chicago Programs in ’23-24

The Cleveland-based Baroque orchestra made its Chicago debut in 2016 and has since established a strong presence in the city.

Little Traveling Music, Please

Wanderers, farewells, and sightseeing; people are always on the go. This week, Bill calls up, “A Little Traveling Music, Please” from the pens of Handel, Smetana, Duke Ellington, and more. Reflections from such travels infuse themselves into their works, as we will discover throughout the week. We will hear selections from Beethoven’s Les Adieux, Schubert’s Die Schöne Mullerin, and Haydn’s …

La Foresta Incantata: Geminiani, Handel & Vivaldi

A program of well-known works by Handel and Vivaldi.

Bella Voce Unveils 2023-2024 Season

The season embarks on explorations of both staples and forgotten gems of Renaissance and Early Music repertoire.

Kathryn Lewek, a Coloratura Queen

The American soprano performs her signature role in The Magic Flute next month at Ravinia Festival.

Secular Baroque Cantatas

Five solo cantatas by Handel and his contemporaries.

Jeanine De Bique and Concerto Köln

Internationally renowned soprano Jeanine De Bique makes her Zankel Hall debut alongside opera and early music ensemble Concerto Köln.

Handel’s “Aminta e Fillide” with Opera Settecento & Fair Oriana

Handel was twenty-two when he wrote this pastoral cantata about a love-struck shepherd and the nymph he’s fallen for.

Masaaki Suzuki Conducts Handel’s Messiah

Lauded baroque music interpreter Masaaki Suzuki leads the NY Phil and soloists Sherezade Panthaki, Reginald Mobley, Leif Auruhn Solén, and Jonathon Adams.

Anthem for Charles III’s coronation written by Lloyd Webber

The work by Lloyd Webber is one of a dozen new pieces Charles commissioned for the grand occasion taking place May 6 at Westminster Abbey.

Playlist: 8 Works for Hanukkah

With Hanukkah right around the corner, it is a perfect time to plan your celebration. Include this music in your festivities.

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

Kathryn Lewek, a Coloratura Queen

The American soprano, starring in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s upcoming Le Comte Ory, joins Oliver to discuss her new album of Handel cantatas.

Playlist: Classical Fire and Flames

The Great Chicago Fire began on October 8, 1871. Here’s some music that takes inspiration from flames.

Playlist: Classical Music for Long Walks

In an array of stimulating and soothing music, give your walk a melodic backdrop or clear your mind for some deep thinking.

Amanda Forsythe Sings Handel

The American soprano, a Baroque specialist, stars in next week’s broadcast of ‘Almira’ from Boston Early Music Festival.

Bach and Handel Highlights in Music of the Baroque’s ’22-23 Season

The lineup represents the “most ambitious season in recent history,” according to executive director Declan McGovern.

Behind the Scenes: Artists Share & Sing at Rehearsals for Haymarket’s ‘Orlando’

WFMT host LaRob K. Rafael visited Haymarket rehearsals, hearing musical rehearsal highlights and talking with two of the production’s stars: countertenor Bejun Mehta and mezzo-soprano Emily Fons.

When Worlds Collided: Classical Music Inspired by the Beautiful Game

With this year’s Euro Cup Finals nearly upon us, chants and songs are breathing life into the stadiums. Yet as it turns out, the relationship between music and football extends way beyond chants and national anthems.

Music of the Baroque Is Back With Messiah, Mozart, Haydn for 2021-22

Music of the Baroque today announced its plans for a 2021-22 season, the venerable Chicago area ensemble’s 51st.