On February 17, 2026, the Mellon Foundation announced its 2026 Jazz Legacy Fellows: a prestigious distinction honoring lifetime achievements of the world’s top 12 jazz artists.

Chicago hosts a vibrant and eclectic mix of concerts and performances to honor Black artistry.

From all corners of the city and beyond, take part in holiday cheer with music to suit every palate.

A winner of two Grammy awards, the Chicago-born DeJohnette began his musical life as a classical pianist before pivoting to the drums.

This week, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis collaborate with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra! Giancarlo Guerrero conducts Adams’ The Chairman Dances, Shostakovich’s Suite for Variety Orchestra No. 1, Prokofiev’s Selections from Romeo and Juliet, and Marsalis’ “All American Pep” from Swing Symphony. In between, we hear Ellington’s Big Fat Alice’s Blues, Amad, and The Mooch.

The orchestra — fueled by a mission to make classical music more accessible and diverse — will share five programs between October and May.

LaRob and Kristina share a playlist that embarks on a musical exploration of the intricate interplay between jazz and classical music, sharing examples of where these two seemingly disparate worlds weave into a harmonious tapestry.

Summertime is upon us! Make the most of Chicago’s most exciting season with this eclectic sampling of concerts, exhibitions, and events!

Guest artists making their festival debuts with the CSO will include pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, musical theater royalty Sutton Foster, violinist Himari, and cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

This March, celebrate the creativity and influence of women artists across music and beyond in these performances and events across Chicago.

These musicians didn’t just navigate the classical and jazz realms… they transcended and redefined them.

Classical and jazz interpretations, artmaking listening parties, and other innovative programming awaits.

“You could just take that first generation of migrants. You think about what came out of it musically. There is no genre that is untouched.”

Chicago hosts a vibrant and eclectic mix of concerts and performances to honor Black artistry. Check out these events to take part in the celebrations!

Sunday, February 2, 2025, is the year’s biggest night for music. Peruse the classical, jazz, contemporary, folk, screen, and stage nominees, and see the winners as they’re announced!

Songs by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Staples Singers, and even music for the jitterbug can be found on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s playlist.

LaRob and Kristina share a playlist that embarks on a musical exploration of the intricate interplay between jazz and classical music, sharing examples of where these two seemingly disparate worlds weave into a harmonious tapestry.

From all corners of the city and beyond, take part in holiday cheer with a wide range of merriment.

Dive in to the classical, jazz, contemporary, folk, screen, and stage nominees!

During his reign in Chicago, Al Capone, who you may not know loved opera, was one of the city’s biggest jazz impresarios.

From Bolivia to Ghana to India to the US, the perspective-changing experience of travel influenced many of your favorite composers.

Plus chamber music and a live score for a silent film.

Concerts, festivals, and more to celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago.

Summer arts riches — from open air concerts to music legends passing through our great city.

Equally versatile and prolific, Sanborn enjoyed rare fame and popularity for a saxophone player.