Hear from Hispanic artists, writers, activists, and more from Chicago and beyond.

Jiao Sun, a US-based pianist originally from Harbin, China, visited Chicago for a captivating recital.

We all came to love classical music in different ways. Here are some of the musical first loves of our WFMT listeners, in their own words.

Orth samples standout works from the whole of Liszt’s compositional career, including selections from the Romantic virtuoso’s signature Années de pèlerinage (Years of Pilgrimage).

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

Lois Baum’s long and illustrious time with WFMT began in 1964.

From concerts to screenings to festivals to parades, there’s always something happening in and around Chicago for LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

With principal conductor and artistic director Carlos Kalmar, we look forward to the Grant Park Music Festival’s 2023 season and also relive a July 2022 concert featuring Rachel Barton Pine playing Billy Childs as well as music by Ludwig van Beethoven and Victor Agudelo.

How a speech by David Foster Wallace inspired a new triptych for brass quartet.

With spellbinding aerial footage of Chicago, you’ll hear acclaimed artists playing wonderful, wintry classical music.

Beautiful renditions of works inspired by poetry.

Just a few of the Black voices from the Studs Terkel Radio Archive.

As we reflect on the year gone by, WFMT salutes the contributions of members of the arts community who died this past year.

“It’s just something you don’t often hear in classical settings. The music ends and we’re laughing. The music ends and we’re singing.”

Studs Terkel was committed to evolving, expanding, and interrogating our conception of who made up the US.

“Rarely do I pick up a CD from an artist who doesn’t pay homage to Rich Warren,” says Wanda Fischer, award-winning host of The Hudson River Sampler.

Brennan was an active and engaged leader, serving on nearly every committee of the WTTW-WFMT board.

Grammy-winning conductor, pianist, and composer Charles Floyd and award-winning baritone Robert Sims reflect on the importance that Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass placed on spirituals as a beacon for freedom.

WFMT interviews conductor James Conlon, a tireless advocate for composers silenced by the Nazi regime, and musician Johnny Gandelsman, who produced the soundtrack to ‘The US and the Holocaust.’

Get a new view of summertime in Chicago… complete with some great classical music!

Finding the best speakers for classical music can be a serious proposition. Don’t spend your money without answering these questions!

“Every time I play a piece of music, I train my mind to look at a score fresh.”

Without the Grant Park Music Festival, summer in Chicago simply wouldn’t be … summer in Chicago.

On May 10, 2022, WFMT General Manager George Preston welcomed Ryan Opera Center performers Lunga Eric Hallam, tenor, and Chris Reynolds, pianist; along with ROC director Dan Novak, for an hour of conversation and music.

WFMT presenter LaRob K. Rafael interviews Dr. C. Charles Clency, music educator, author, and the last accompanist of Mahalia Jackson.