NY Phil Through the Ages

We explore two symphonies prominent in the Orchestra’s history — Beethoven’s Fifth and Dvořák’s Ninth — through the interpretive lenses of six former Music Directors

Composer Bernstein’s children defend Bradley Cooper’s prosthetic nose after ‘Maestro’ is criticized

To some, Cooper’s nose in the trailer seemed like the kind of outsized caricature that has been a regular feature of Jewish portrayals throughout film history.

Alsop & Vondráček

Marin Alsop opens this program with Barber’s First Symphony and Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, featuring Lukáš Vondráček in his debut performances, followed by Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

Marin Alsop, Jude Kelly Reflect on Leadership and Purpose in Panel Led by WFMT-WTTW CEO Sandra Cordova Micek

Marin Alsop reflects that “courage is important in leadership, but accountability is, too.”

Grant Park Music Festival Vocal Fellows

Grant Park Music Festival Vocal Fellows soprano Taylor Mackenzie Adams, mezzo-soprano Miya Higashiyama, tenor Eric Botto, and baritone Anthony Pilcher sing the Liebeslieder Waltzes by Johannes Brahms and music by Margaret Bonds, Leonard Bernstein, and more.

André Watts, Groundbreaking Concert Pianist, Dies at 77

In 1963, Watts made his national television debut performing Liszt’s First Piano Concerto with Leonard Bernstein and the NY Phil.

An American Salute: Rhapsody in Blue

Michelle Cann returns to Pritzker Pavilion as soloist in George Gershwin’s dazzling Rhapsody in Blue.

Beethoven Violin Concerto

Fast-rising violinist Stefan Jackiw joins guest conductor Jordan de Souza to perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, in a program that also features music by Leonard Bernstein and William Grant Still.

Arensky, Bernstein, and Clara Schumann

This week, discover Anton Arensky’s memorial to Tchaikovsky in the form of his Quartet in A Minor for Violin, Viola, and Two Cellos, Op. 35. Also featured on the program: Leonard Bernstein’s first published work, and Clara Schumann’s Three Romances, Op. 22.

Bernstein Conducts Bernstein

This retrospective features Leonard Bernstein leading the Philharmonic in his own music.

Dudamel to become NY Philharmonic music director, leave LA

Dudamel is scheduled to conduct three performances of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony in May.

Ned Rorem, prize-winning composer and writer, dies at 99

Time once called Rorem “the world’s best composer of art songs,” and he was notable for his hundreds of compositions for the solo human voice.

These Quotes From Classical Composers Will Make You Fall in Love With Music All Over Again!

Not only are these composers’ musical works an inspiration, but their words are, too! Here are some of the most beautiful insights you’ll read all day.

Playlist: Classical Music To Dance To

This ain’t your average classical music dance playlist: dance along to new pieces, old grooves, treasured tangos, and winsome waltzes.

Playlist: Classical Music for Travel

WFMT brings you a “musical getaway,” whether you’re enjoying the comfort of your cushiest armchair or exploring somewhere new!

Lyric’s ’22-23 Season: Verdi, ‘Fiddler,’ Fleming, & ‘Carmen’

Plus a world premiere, Chicago-set take on ‘The Barber of Seville’ and the return of ‘West Side Story’

Van Zweden to leave New York Philharmonic after 2023-24

After six years as music director, van Zweden’s will be the shortest tenure of anyone in a half-century.

Artist Icebreaker: Conductor Teddy Abrams

Ahead of his Chicago Symphony Orchestra debut, conductor Teddy Abrams explains why classical music needs to reach out to young people and embrace other artforms — and explains how Leonard Bernstein was a role model for both of these missions.

A Walking Tour of 12 LGBTQ+ Artists Whose Legacies Are on Display in Chicago

In the Lakeview Neighborhood, the Legacy Walk, a series of ten 25-foot pylons, recognizes influential figures across genders, races, and fields.

Watch WFMT’s Classical Conversations With Marin Alsop

One of the world’s leading conductors, Marin Alsop was in 2020 appointed the principal conductor and curator of the Ravinia Festival. WFMT was honored to speak with the celebrated conductor in the latest installment of our Classical Conversations series.

New York Philharmonic launches on-demand streaming service

The New York Philharmonic has launched an on-demand video and audio streaming service Monday called NYPhil+.

WFMT and CSO Partner for New Series: From the CSO’s Archives: The First 130 Years

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

Playlist: 88 Piano Pieces for Piano Month

September is National Piano Month, so WFMT is sharing a supersized playlist – with one selection corresponding to each key on the keyboard.

Quiz: Which Great Conductor Are You?

Have you ever envisioned yourself leading a world-class orchestra? Take our quiz to learn which great conductor you are!

Playlist: Electrifying Classical Music Fireworks

With many of the major annual fireworks displays on hold this year because of COVID-19, WFMT is bringing you the fire with a curated playlist of pyrotechnic music.

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