Bill McGlaughlin, longtime host of ‘Exploring Music,’ dies at 82
Bill McGlaughlin — a multi-hyphenate who composed, conducted and played trombone and piano — hosted “Exploring Music” from 2003 to 2025.
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The barrier-breaking Marin Alsop takes a bow, departing as Ravinia chief conductor
After helming the CSO’s summer residency for six formative seasons, Alsop departs Ravinia this year. But she’ll be back, including to complete a Mahler symphony cycle.
Review: Ravinia unveils $70 million Pavilion with Lizzo and CSO — how does it sound?
Lizzo, pianist Yunchan Lim and the CSO officially opened what is now the Hunter Pavilion on Saturday night. The acoustics are much changed, but audiences probably will notice the improved...
Column: No fair weather Americans at Grant Park’s Independence Day concert
This concert always balances silliness with solemnity, as traditions include both conductor Christopher Bell's absurd costumes and a tribute to U.S. military members with the Armed Forces Salute.
25 seasons in, with more to come, Christopher Bell has built the Grant Park Chorus into Chicago’s finest
Christopher Bell oversaw the choir’s transition from a semi-professional to a professional ensemble.
Review: What works best for the CSO’s America250 season finale? Variety
There were highlights, to be sure, but the bombastic “Lincoln Portrait” was not one of them. Chicago actor Harry Lennix's narration was often rendered inaudible.
Review: Grant Park Music Fest and Guerrero sing songs of America in opening weekend
Friday featured the first choral-orchestral work of the season: “Conquest Requiem” by Gabriela Lena Frank, composer of “El último sueño de Frida y Diego,” which Lyric Opera produced in the...
Review: Despite swap, Marsalis symphony a standout with CSO and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
We may not have gotten the planned new symphony for America 250, but the amazing collaboration on “The Jungle" made for no disappointment.
10 museums for summer 2026: From the Art Institute to Shedd and Brookfield Zoo
Who are we, really? That’s the question on the tip of the tongue of cultural institutions everywhere as we approach our 250th anniversary as a nation.
Jazz and classical music for summer 2026: Let the anniversaries roll
From America250 to Miles Davis, not to mention the echoes of Jazz Day and full summer at Ravinia, our critic's picks for the coming season.