WFMT, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus Celebrate Bernstein 100 In Pop-up Boystown Performance

To celebrate Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday, WFMT and the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus presented a pop-up performance of “Somewhere” from the composer’s beloved musical West Side Story. The event was broadcast live from the Legacy Walk in Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood.

A Bernstein Family Photo Album

In celebration of the centenary of her father’s birth, Jamie Bernstein shares some of her favorite family photos – including a couple shared exclusively with WFMT.

The Most Important Lessons Conductor Marin Alsop Learned From Her Mentor Leonard Bernstein

As the world celebrates the centennial of Leonard Bernstein’s birth, one of his protégés, conductor Marin Alsop has a busy schedule conducting his works around the world.

WFMT celebrates Carl Grapentine with Beethoven, Bernstein, and bubbles at Ravinia

On Saturday, July 14, 2018, hundreds of Carl Grapentine’s friends, family members, and colleagues gathered at the Ravinia Festival to celebrate his incredible career as the longtime host of WFMT’s Morning Program.

Tchaikovsky Memorial to Be Installed in the Heart of Chicago’s Boystown

Composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky will be honored with a memorial exhibit as part of the Legacy Walk, Chicago’s outdoor LGBTQ history museum. Located along 3245–3705 Halsted Street in the heart of Boystown, the museum features rainbow pylons with biographical plaques that honor the diverse contributions of LGBTQ people. From any smartphone, visitors can access videos, study guides, and other resources …

Raise Your Glasses With Us at Ravinia as We Celebrate Carl Grapentine’s Retirement

Help us send Carl off in style with a special champagne reception!

Ravinia announces 2018 festival season of music and more

Highlighting Ravinia 2018 is a celebration of the Leonard Bernstein centennial, being organized by the festival’s first-ever artistic curator, conductor, and former Bernstein student Marin Alsop.

Grant Park Music Festival Announces 2018 Season

The summer festival’s 2018 season of concerts runs for 10 weeks from June 13 to August 18.

“I Remember Lenny” | On Bernstein’s 99th Birthday, Carl Grapentine Reflects on the Man and His Music

I grew up with Leonard Bernstein. No, I didn’t live anywhere near Lawrence, Massachusetts where he was born August 25, 1918. And he was more than thirty years older than I. But as a child growing up in the 1950s, I was the perfect age to enjoy The Mickey Mouse Club and Leonard Bernstein’s Young People’s Concerts. I was 8 …

VIDEO: Take a Spin Around Berlin, Music Capital of the World, with Carl Grapentine

When Carl Grapentine, host of WFMT’s Morning Program, first visited Berlin in 1965 as a student he immediately felt at home.

Playlist: The Best Classical Music to Serve at Your Next Cookout

As you fire up the grill, we have the perfect soundtrack for you: some of our favorite American works, from classics like Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue to modern masterpieces like John Adams’ City Noir.

6 Unforgettable Composer Friendships

Whether bosom buddies or esteemed colleagues, there’s no doubt that these composers enjoyed genuine friendships that would influence their personal and professional lives.

Ravinia Announces 2-Year Bernstein Celebration, Curated by Conductor Marin Alsop

As a composer, conductor, and educator, Leonard Bernstein’s contributions left a tremendous impact on American classical and popular music. Ravinia celebrates his centenary.

Conductor, MacArthur ‘Genius’ Marin Alsop Explains Why There Aren’t More Women on the Podiums

Marin Alsop is a woman of many firsts; she spoke to WFMT about how she’s inspired young women, why there aren’t more women on the podiums, and more.

Be the First to Know Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2017-18 Line-Up of Operas, Concerts, and More

A new production of Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice, in partnership with the Joffrey Ballet, and the second installment of Wagner’s Ring, will highlight the 2017-2018 season at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

This Video of Bernstein Scolding Two Percussionists Proves Playing Triangle is Harder Than You Think

Playing percussion is a lot harder than you might think. Unlike say, a violinist, who is responsible for playing one instrument, a percussionist must play dozens, if not hundreds, of different instruments.

Pianist Mary Sauer Retires from Chicago Symphony Orchestra After 57 Years of Service

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.

Playlist: 10 of Former WFMT Music Director Andi Lamoreaux’s Favorite Musical Works

As WFMT’s Music Director, Andi Lamoreaux got 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.

15 Queer Composers You Should Know

Can you imagine a world without the music of Handel, Tchaikovsky, or Britten? These great composers of the past are just a few of many important musical figures who did not identify as heterosexual.