WFMT

10/15/2024

One of music's most exciting — and inspiring — polymaths.

Five-time Grammy award winner and bass icon Victor Wooten talks about tackling a new challenge: writing a concerto for electric bass.

10/15/2024

A future composer. Who is this?

10/15/2024

More Mozart has come to light! In 2024, researchers discovered a brand new work by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, thrilling classical music fans the world over.

From WFMT's Chicago studios, Rachel Barton Pine, Sylvia Pine, and Craig Trompeter give the midwest premiere — and the US premiere on period instruments — of Mozart's newly discovered Serenade in C, a work the composer is believed to have written at around age 13.

For more information about the newly rediscovered work, visit https://to.wfmt.com/3Y37bKN

10/14/2024

Rachel Barton Pine, Violinist visited WFMT alongside her daughter Sylvia and Haymarket Opera Company's Craig Trompeter to premiere Mozart's lost work... using instruments similar to what Mozart himself might have used!

Researchers made worldwide headlines in September when they unearthed a new piece by Mozart. Hear the midwest premiere (and the first US performances on period instruments) given in WFMT's own studio.

10/13/2024

We take a look at the stories behind some of our favorite ninth symphonies!

Ninth symphonies can be the stuff of myth... or the basis for scary stories. And the superstition actually dates back to one great composer...

10/12/2024

What are some of the great chamber works of our time? Kristina and LaRob dive into that question tonight on Sounds Classical! 7 pm CT.

In the 21st century classical landscape, more and more composers are stepping away from large symphonic writing and diving into the ways one can make effective and meaningful sounds with smaller ensembles. Join the hosts for a playlist of great chamber works!

10/12/2024

Oliver Camacho sits down with Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen prior to his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra later this month! Listen at 4 pm CT.

An interview with the American countertenor in advance of his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

10/11/2024

Remembering the great Adam Abeshouse.

10/11/2024

So who saw the aurora last night!?

Northern Lights, City Lights. The aurora borealis storm over Lake Michigan early Friday morning in Chicago.

10/11/2024

The respected and eccentric conductor was also known for his prolific compositional output.

Leif Segerstam was artistic director of Stockholm's Royal Opera and chief conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra.

10/10/2024

Compare works by three idiosyncratic composers: tonight on the New York Philharmonic program at 10 pm CT.

Alan Gilbert leads music by three fascinating 20th century composers.

10/10/2024

Do you have an estate plan? By planning ahead, you can safeguard your finances, provide for loved ones, and create your legacy. And your estate plan can also be used to support organizations that matter to you!

Join other WFMT supporters by requesting a free personal estate planning guide today at to.wfmt.com/estate-planning

10/09/2024

Who doesn't love a good madrigal? Listen to some of Monteverdi's best works tonight on Baroque&Before with Candice Agree!

Lutanist Eligio Quinteiro joins British vocal ensemble I Fagiolini for a recital exploring the full spectrum of the Renaissance lament via the madrigals of Claudio Monteverdi. Tonight’s program was recorded live in concert April 29. 2024 in London’s Wigmore Hall. Thanks to WFMT’s association w...

10/09/2024

What is it about these notes that is so hair raising? Read on to find out!

What is it about these notes that is so hair raising?

10/08/2024

On the 200th anniversary year of his birth, Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin goes deep into the music of Anton Bruckner. Weeknights at 7 pm CT!

This latest addition to our composer biography series honors Anton Bruckner on the 200th anniversary year of his birth. Bruckner, a devout Roman Catholic, spent years as a chorister at the Monastery of St. Florian and later he served as the cathedral organist in Linz, where he established a reputati...

10/08/2024

The Great Chicago Fire began October 8, 1871.

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

10/08/2024

Make mornings your favorite part of the day with WFMT's relaxing playlists!

Relaxing classical music is important! Here are 10 pieces that will bring you calm, tranquility, wonder... all those great, helpful things!

10/07/2024

Fareed Haque teams up with Goran Ivanovic for our first live studio performance of the season! Tonight at 8 pm CT.

In this Live From WFMT season opener, Kerry Frumkin’s guests are longtime collaborators, Fareed Haque and Goran Ivanovic. Inspired by the rhythms and melodies of flamenco, jazz, classical, rock, and the Balkan region, the duo showcases the unrivaled guitar artistry of two of the finest players of ...

10/07/2024

Enjoy a mix of Puerto Rican classical music tonight with Elbio Barilari! 10 pm CT.

Puerto Rico has a strong popular music scene from different regions of the island. It also has a long and intense classical music history that is enhanced by this regional music. As a political exile of the great Spanish cellist Pau Casals, who lived and taught there and created an important interna...

10/06/2024

A new season of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center Recital Series begins tonight with wonderful new artists! 7 pm CT.

Our 2024/25 Ryan Opera Center Recital Series opens with a musical journey featuring second-year Ensemble members Japanese-American mezzo-soprano Sophia Maekawa and pianist Michael Banwarth.

10/05/2024

Huw Montague Rendall - Baritone is exciting audiences all around the world. Listen to his chat with WFMT prior to the release of his first solo album "Contemplation": today at 4 pm CT!

An interview with the British baritone in advance of his debut at Vienna State Opera.

10/05/2024

When Austrian children's choir Gumpoldskirchner Spatzen visited Chicago, they made a pit stop at WFMT! Enjoy their concert on the air at 11 AM.

Today we feature a visiting children's choir from Austria: the Gumpoldskirchner Spatzen. They performed a mix of Austrian and American tunes as part of the Rush Hour Concerts in Chicago's St. James Cathedral.

10/04/2024

Throwing it back to Mahalia Jackson! Enjoy this special interview to mark the 20th anniversary of the "Best of Studs Terkel" archive.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Best of Studs Terkel, WFMT’s weekly showcase featuring the wide-ranging programs and interviews that Studs Terkel presented on this station, from 1952 to 1997. Over the next few weeks, we’ll revisit some of the first “Best of” episodes – shows S...

10/04/2024

Cook up something tasty while listening to this delicious playlist of complimentary music!

Much like a gourmet dish, music is the product of many individual elements coming together. Be inspired by classical music for cooking.

10/04/2024

We are saddened to share news of the passing of former MCA Director and CEO Robert Fitzpatrick.
During his tenure from 1998–2008, Fitzpatrick presided over a number of MCA milestones and achievements. The curatorial team he assembled staged a number of groundbreaking exhibitions, public programs, and performances including "Lee Bontecou: A Retrospective;" "Kerry James Marshall: One True Thing, Meditations on Black Aesthetics;" "Paul Pfeiffer;" and many more.
He led the MCA’s 40th anniversary celebrations that was capped with a performance by Patti Smith and helped to establish the Tuesdays on the Terrace music series that just celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. When asked by a Chicago Tribune reporter how he’d like his directorship to be remembered Fitzpatrick offered a characteristically bold response: “Taking chances. And having the good fortune to see most of them pay off.”

Image caption: Former MCA Chicago Director and CEO Robert Fitzpatrick, 2006. Photo: Michael David Rose. Courtesy of MCA Chicago.