20th Century Masters

Many of the most intense and valuable musical works of the past century, including works by Manuel Ponce, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Astor Piazzolla, and more.

Playlist: 19 Latin American Composers You Should Know

From Cuba to Argentina, Uruguay to Mexico, Latin America has had no shortage of phenomenal composers. And while we are huge fans of Piazzolla and Villa-Lobos, we also love these lesser-known composers — and we think you will, too!

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.

Chicago Latino Music Festival Celebrates Its 14th Year

The festival’s artistic director Elbio Barilari, who also hosts WFMT’s Fiesta, remarked of the festival that “just the idea that a Latin American classical music festival exists in the US and has already been going on for 14 years is very exciting!”

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!

Listen: How Latin American composers influenced Leonard Bernstein

Fiesta celebrates the centenary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth with a look at the maestro’s love for Latin American music. 

Playlist: Classical Music to Rattle Your Bones on Día de Los Muertos

Day of the Dead is about honoring friends and family who have left us. Enjoy these 13 pieces as you celebrate Día de los Muertos and remember your loved ones.

Playlist: 10 Celestial and Astronomical Classical Works

Composers have long looked to the sky for inspiration. Here are some of our favorite classical works inspired by the moon and night.

KAIA Kids Around the World: The Music of Mexico

Mexico is home to many people and musical traditions. In the KAIA Kids adventure to Mexico, the quartet explores the history of mariachi and teaches you one of most popular mariachi tunes today, “México lindo y querido.”

Playlist: 5 Mexican Composers You Should Know

Learn more about Mexico’s most celebrated composers of the past and present. Here are 5 Mexican composers you should know because of their incredible contributions to the world of music.