Playlist: Soprano Ailyn Pérez Shares the Music and Singers Close to Her Heart

Chicago native soprano Ailyn Pérez speaks to us about some of her favorite Latin American and Spanish music and shares a playlist of influential singers and music.

‘A rose for love and a book forever’: Literature for Music Lovers on World Book Day

WFMT host Candice Agree has selected some of her favorite works of literature that have inspired musical compositions for you to enjoy on World Book Day.

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.

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.

From 2014: Jessye Norman Visits WFMT

WFMT is deeply saddened to learn that soprano Jessye Norman has died at age 74. As a tribute to her inspiring life and career, we are re-sharing this story from when Ms. Norman herself visited WFMT.

Playlist: Classical Music for an Abundant Autumn, Selected by WFMT

In the gap between a languid summer and a long winter, there’s just enough room left for fall. It’s a season for transformation, comfort, reflection, and growth. In other words, it’s the perfect time to grab some cider, take in that brilliant fall foliage, and enjoy this playlist created for you by WFMT staff and hosts!

Unrecognizable: A Stage Makeup Transformation for Lyric’s Elektra

Richard Strauss’s Elektra is challenging, dramatic, and very, very bloody. This thrilling, one-act opera is based on an ancient Greek myth: Elektra seeks her sweet revenge on her mother for murdering her father. Lyric Opera of Chicago’s intense production features WFMT host Maggie Clennon Reberg. Go behind the scenes at Lyric, and be astonished as Maggie transforms in hair and makeup!

Classical Music Grammy Award Winners: 2019

On February 10, some of the biggest names in the music industry convened at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles. R&B and soul singer Alicia Keys hosted the ceremony, as winners were announced in 30 fields and 84 categories. Here are the nominees and winners for the classical music categories.

Video | Soprano Tamara Wilson Sings Music Inspired by Female Astronauts

With pianist Justina Lee, Wilson shared a selection from Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos and Weightless Dreams, a song cycle composed for Wilson based on the writings and experiences of women astronauts.

‘Arias and Songs’ Host Larry Johnson Donates >5,000 Records To DePaul University School of Music

Though Larry primarily features CDs on his program, over several decades his collection has evolved into over 5,000 recordings, including LPs and original 78RPM discs dating back to 1901.

Carl Grapentine’s 10 Favorite Musical Performances During His 32 Years in Chicago

Looking back on his many years experiencing great music in Chicago, Carl shares some of his very favorite performances.

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.

Playlist: Rufus Wainwright’s 3 Favorite Opera Composers

Opera has always been important to composer Rufus Wainwright, though many know him as the man behind the piano crooning confessional songs.

Video | 5 Operas the Notorious RBG Wants You to Know

See which operas Justice Ginsburg chose as her her five favorites during her visit to WFMT.

Star Soprano Karita Mattila’s Secrets to a Long, Successful Career

Finnish soprano and two-time Grammy Award winner Karita Mattila is celebrating her 33rd season as a professional performer. What are the secrets to her enduring success?

Playlist: 6 Songs to Welcome the Merry Month of May

“April is the cruelest month,” T.S. Eliot famously wrote. But May is here, and what better way to welcome this merry month than with music? Here are six songs to help you say goodbye to April showers and say hello to May flowers.