The Thrill of Seeing: Scoring The Earliest Movies

In 1939, New York’s Museum of Modern Art acquired a treasure trove: 36 reels of 68mm nitrate prints and negatives made in cinema’s first years.

Thursday: Third Coast Percussion Plays Music of Devonté Hynes in WFMT Livestream

Join us on WFMT’s Facebook Page Thursday at 7:30 pm for a free livestream with Third Coast Percussion, Devonté Hynes, and a video featuring choreography by Rena Butler.

WFMT, Ravinia Announce New Broadcast Series

WFMT is pleased to announce a new broadcast series in partnership with Ravinia Festival. The eight-program, limited-run series “New From the Ravinia Festival,” brings listeners new performances recorded at Ravinia — without an audience — this summer.

Marilyn Rea Beyer, new ‘Midnight Special’ host, comes full circle

Beyer talks to WFMT about her introduction to folk music at Chicago’s Symphony Center, formative memories of Steve Goodman and Studs Terkel, and what to expect as she takes the reins of ‘The Midnight Special.’

Through the Eyes of Women: Protests and Racial Justice in the Studs Terkel Radio Archive

Our picture of the past is often incomplete: though long on the frontlines in the fight for racial justice, women’s stories have often been left out of history. Here are nine conversations with women to enrich our understanding.

Rich Warren retires as host of ‘The Midnight Special’

After hosting more than 1,250 installments, Rich Warren is retiring as the host of ‘The Midnight Special.’ Saturday, July 25 will be his final show.

Have a Happy, Musical, and Safe Holiday With These 9 Chicago Performances

Just because we can’t gather in person, it doesn’t mean the weekend won’t be fun and music-filled! Here are nine musical events (most of them virtual), that will provide a great soundtrack for your celebrations.

Remembering Don Mueller

The name Don Mueller may not have been well known to all listeners, but WFMT’s former director of operations was indispensible in his 30 years at the station.

WFMT, CSO Extend Joint Series ‘From the CSO’s Archives: Maestro’s Choice’ Into September

Featured in the eleven new programs is a wide array of music conducted by Muti, including selections by Bruckner, Berlioz, and Verdi. Additional programs are dedicated to performances conducted by Fritz Reiner, Pierre Boulez, and Bernard Haitink.

Juneteenth 2020 on WFMT

In observance of Juneteenth, WFMT is sharing music by Black composers and performers throughout the day.

Chicago’s All-Time Top Musical Moments? That’s for You to Decide.

In a city replete with an embarrassment of musical riches, you can help decide the 35 musical moments and events that will be remembered in years to come. Or, as the organizing nonprofit Art & Business Council of Chicago, which supports arts, music, and cultural organizations, puts it, you can “help ensure that the beat goes on.” In what is …

Oud Player Rahim AlHaj Channels “Hope and New Beginnings” in WFMT Livestream

It’s becoming easier and easier to be overwhelmed by all that is going on in the world today… this music may help.

Cultures in Concert: Four Latin American Composers Who Fused Folk and Classical Music

WFMT’s 2020 ITW David Speer Academy intern reflects on his personal connection to Latin American classical music.

Bernstein MASS: Join Marin Alsop, Paolo Szot, and WFMT’s George Preston for a Live Panel Discussion

In the hour leading up to the premiere of the Ravinia Festival recording of Bernstein‘s MASS on PBS‘s Great Performances, we invite you to join us for this free panel.

WFMT, CSO Announce Extension of Joint Series ‘From the CSO’s Archives: Maestro’s Choice’

The joint series, which is curated by CSO music director Riccardo Muti, launched in April in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CSO Cancels Remainder of 2019-20 Season

The CSO’s season was set to continue through June 27 and include a two-week residency with music director Riccardo Muti. Per the statement, the CSO is working to reschedule canceled programs in future seasons.

Grant Park Music Festival Cancels 2020 Season

Said festival CEO and President Paul Winberg, “We are devastated about this decision not to move forward with our 2020 season.”

WATCH: Pianist Aaron Diehl Plays Scott Joplin, Fats Waller, and Gershwin in Live Video Concert

WFMT is thrilled to bring you this upbeat, swinging concert livestream from pianist and composer Aaron Diehl featuring propulsive Harlem stride hits by James P. Johnson, Thomas “Fats” Waller, and Willie “the Lion” Smith, plus selections by Scott Joplin, Gershwin, and Massenet.

Ravinia Cancels 2020 Season

The summer season was to feature more than 120 events, including concerts featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which takes its summer residency at the venerable, Chicago-area music festival.

This Friday: A Swinging Stride Piano Livestream with Aaron Diehl

Pianist and composer Aaron Diehl shares virtuosic music by “Fats” Waller, Willie “the Lion” Smith, plus selections by Gershwin, Grieg, and Scott Joplin in a free upcoming livestream co-presented by WFMT.

Inside Chicago Composer Stacy Garrop’s Rousing Eco-Oratorio ‘Terra Nostra’

WFMT observes the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day with a fitting broadcast: Chicago composer Stacy Garrop’s oratorio Terra Nostra, which celebrates our planet and explores the relationship between humankind and the natural world.

From the Studs Terkel Radio Archive: 7 Conversations with Poets for National Poetry Month

Throughout his 52 years at WFMT, Studs Terkel showcased and championed poets from across the globe.

Playlist: Classical Music for Easter Sunday

Looking for the perfect accompaniment for your Easter Sunday? We’ve got you covered with this playlist with everything from Bach to Irving Berlin.

John Prine Dies, Rich Warren Pays Tribute

John Prine, who began his career in Chicago, exhibited the ability to wring every possible meaning from a word to expose the joy, sorrow, frailty, and strength of the human condition.

We Want to Hear From YOU!

While we may not be able to gather in our communities, we’re still using music to bring our community together. Please send us your suggestions for pieces we can play for our listeners around the world.

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