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 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.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Announces 2022-23 Season, Its 45th

The anniversary season will feature seven mainstage performances — including a holiday Messiah concert — all of which will be conducted by music director Stilian Kirov.

Playlist: Classical Fire and Flames

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

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.

2021 Grammys: Classical Music Nominees and Winners

It’s been a strange, difficult year for the music world, which is all the more reason to celebrate musical excellence.

Handel in HD: Haymarket’s Season Premieres with Streaming ‘Acis and Galatea’

Baroque music goes digital.

Playlist: Classical Music Inspired by Flowers and Nature

Many composers have also answered the call of springtime’s riotous colors during this, the blooming season.

Finding Hope in Handel

Little known fact: Handel ranked ‘Theodora’ — not ‘Messiah’ — as his best oratorio. You’ll see why in a rapturous performance by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson.

Playlist: Christmas Classics Performed by Chicago Artists

Chicagoans really know how to celebrate the holidays! Here’s a playlist of Christmas favorites as performed by Chicago-area artists and ensembles.

How a Modern Orchestra Plays a Period-Perfect ‘Messiah’

Handel’s oratorio Messiah is everywhere this time of year.

Playlist: Classical Music From Composers’ School Days

Just because the school year is right around the corner doesn’t mean that you have to stop playing (or writing) music. As proof, here are 16 pieces from composers written when they were still students!

How to Make a Baroque Opera Work in the 21st Century

How does an opera written in 1735 hold up today? Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of George Frideric Handel’s Ariodante presents a contemporary perspective on the nearly 300-year-old Baroque opera, with updated gender and sexual politics to boot.

♪ Treat Yo Self to Retta’s 5 Favorite Classical Works ♪

Actress and comedian Retta grabbed classical music lovers’ attention when she appeared on Conan O’Brien’s late night talk show, Conan when she revealed that she loves to treat herself to classical music. We spoke with Retta to find out what classical works she wants you to treat yo self to and why.

Playlist: Classical Music for Weddings (That’s Not Pachelbel’s Canon)

If you’re looking to add a classical touch to your nuptials, but would like to avoid the ubiquitous “Canon,” we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite pieces to match the mood of each moment in the ceremony.

Playlist: 10 Handel Operas Everyone Should Know

This article was originally published on February 23, 2016.

Playlist: 8 Classical Composers Who Were Cuckoo for Cuckoos

Few birds have inspired more composers than the cuckoo. Lisa Flynn selects some of her favorite works inspired by the cuckoo, from intimate chamber works to grand symphonies.

Playlist: Opera’s Most Ghastly Ghouls, Ghosts, and Goblins

The opera house can be a scary place – and we’re not talking about all those crazy singers and their shenanigans backstage! Many operas contain ghastly ghouls, ghosts, goblins, witches, dragons, and all kinds of crazy creatures. Here are some of the most frightening pieces from the history of opera.

This Is What Your Favorite Composers Would Look Like if They Actually Cracked a Smile…

Though the music of your favorite composers might make you smile, chances are, the composers themselves aren’t smiling in their portraits. Until now…

Playlist: 10 Shakespeare-Inspired Operas You Should Know

If “Music oft hath such a charm / To make bad good, and good provoke to harm,” perhaps these 10 Shakespeare-inspired operas will charm you.

Here Are the Best Christmas Albums of 2016 to Get for the Classical Music Lover In Your Life

This holiday season has an especially rich and varied selection of new releases. If you’re looking for gift ideas, here’s a list of Lisa Flynn’s favorites from 2016.