Lara Downes with Nicole Cabell

Works by Florence Price and other women composers, including unpublished songs by Margaret Bonds.

Let Freedom Ring: A Musical Celebration of Juneteenth with Lara Downes

A special program featuring the music of Black composers from Florence Price to Bob Marley, and performers like Jessye Norman and the Kanneh-Mason.

Artist Icebreaker: Pianist Lara Downes

Ahead of her appearance at Ravinia this week, we sat down to talk with Lara Downes about her efforts to broaden the classical canon, her first introduction to Black composers like Florence Price and Margaret Bonds, and why she loves to work with Rachel Barton Pine.

Let Freedom Ring: A Music Celebration of Juneteenth with Lara Downes

On a day when America commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in our country, we welcome you to Let Freedom Ring: A Musical Celebration of Juneteenth with Lara Downes. Lara has been shining a bright light on the music and contributions of Black composers through her performances, podcasts and recordings. In this one-hour special, Lara takes listeners on a unique …

Ravinia Returns for 2021 Season

Ravinia Festival is back for 2021 for its 85th concert season, offering up a signature blend of classical, jazz, folk, and rock music performances.

Playlist: 88 Piano Pieces for Piano Month

September is National Piano Month, so WFMT is sharing a supersized playlist – with one selection corresponding to each key on the keyboard.

July 2020: Classical Livestream Planner

Even though in-person concerts have been suspended, many talented artists and ensembles are committed to sharing stunning music through the internet. Here’s a guide to some upcoming classical livestreams you should add to your calendar!

Pianist Lara Downes Joins WFMT for a Moving and Timely Virtual Concert and Conversation

In troubled times, music is a source of hope and healing. In a virtual interview and concert with WFMT’s George Preston, pianist Lara Downes performs selections from her new album, Some of These Days.

Decade in Review: The 2010s and Classical Music

The 2010s were a tumultuous decade, replete with astounding artistic highlights, superlative new voices, and watershed moments of reckoning. WFMT hosts and staff reflect on what the past decade brought for classical music, and what the new decade may have in store.

19th Amendment, Beethoven, Perlman To Be Celebrated in Ravinia’s 2020 CSO Residency

Anniversaries make up many of the highlights of the CSO’s annual summer residency.

Pianist Lara Downes on Drawing Courage, Joy From Women Composers and Artists

“You have these pieces of music that are part of you, part of your DNA, and every time you return to them, it just comes out differently because you are different.”