Ryan Opera Center Members mezzo-soprano Katherine DeYoung and pianist Chris Reynolds are joined by Lyric Opera of Chicago violinist John Macfarlane and Ryan Opera Center’s Music Director, pianist Craig Terry, in an eclectic program of music by Richard Wagner, Vasyl Barvinsky, Stella Jang, and Marta Keen.

Bumbry was among the winners of the 1958 Met National Council Auditions. She had a recital debut in Paris that same year and made her Paris Opéra debut in 1960.

Christian Thielemann returns to the CSO podium to conduct Bruckner’s Eighth Symphony.

Cynthia Phelps is featured as soloist in Unearth, Release, a new concerto by Julia Adolphe.

Next year’s lineup of six mainstage operas offers choices for traditional and contemporary opera fans alike.

The Great Chicago Fire began on October 8, 1871. Here’s some music that takes inspiration from flames.

Ten years ago, tenor Jonas Kaufmann was hesitant about taking on heavy Wagnerian roles like the hero of “Tristan und Isolde.” Now, at age 51, Kaufmann is ready to perform a role so challenging, it’s known as a voice killer.

The production is called “Twilight: Gods” and comes a year after Lyric Opera’s production of the complete Ring cycle was scuttled by the pandemic.

From Ocarinas to Wagner Tubas, these instruments may not be the first to mind when you think of classical music, but maybe, they should be!

Many composers have also answered the call of springtime’s riotous colors during this, the blooming season.

The celebrated American bass-baritone was slated to appear as Wotan but has withdrawn because of health issues.

Think you know a lot about classical music? Robbie Ellis, WFMT host, composer, music director, and comedy songmaker extraordinaire shares four untold musical revelations that will have your head spinning!

Latonia Moore, Eric Owens, Lise Davidsen, J’Nai Bridges, and Leah Hawkins are scheduled to perform, the company said Wednesday, along with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

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.

Brace your ears: the Chicago Air and Water Show is upon us! But there’s more to hear than the roars of the Blue Angels and Red Arrows — take in the excitement while listening to music inspired by aviation and nautical navigation!

Gelb said the season that ended Saturday saw 69 percent of box office revenue capacity realized, up from 67 percent in each of the previous two seasons and a low of 66 percent in 2015-16.

Lyric’s 2019-2020 season will include seven mainstage operas (three of which are company premieres), three full performances of Lyric’s new Ring cycle, and the Broadway at Lyric premiere of 42nd Street.

WFMT is proud to celebrate the Art Institute of Chicago’s 125th anniversary – here’s to 125 more years of great art!

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

Tom, of Wilmette, IL, has had German Shepherds for almost forty years, and most of them have been named after characters from Wagner’s “Ring Cycle.” Hear his opera-loving dog Loge sing along to Siegfried’s horn call.

Today, Lyric Opera of Chicago announced its 2018/19 including special performances by sopranos Anna Netrebko and Renée Fleming.

The opera house can be a scary place – and we’re not talking about all those crazy singers and their shenanigans backstage! Many operas contain ghastly ghouls, ghosts, goblins, witches, dragons, and all kinds of crazy creatures. Here are some of the most frightening pieces from the history of opera.

If you’re looking for quick summer reads to add to your list, give these music-themed short stories a try, with everything from Anton (Chekhov) to Zora (Neale Hurston). The best part: they’re all available for free online!

Get your cauldron brewing with works by Donizetti, Puccini, Haydn, Delibes, and more!

Though the music of your favorite composers might make you smile, chances are, the composers themselves aren’t smiling in their portraits. Until now…