The WFMT Radio Network

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The WFMT Radio Network creates, seeks out, and distributes radio programs of importance, depth and beauty to stations serving audiences across the United States and around the world. In addition to syndicating concerts by such renowned orchestras as the Chicago Symphony OrchestraNew York PhilharmonicMilwaukee Symphony OrchestraLos Angeles Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony, the WFMT Radio Network also makes available signature WFMT shows like Midnight Special with host Rich Warren; Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlinCollector’s Corner with Henry Fogel; and Fiesta! with Elbio Barilari, focusing on the classical music of South America, Spain and Portugal.

And look to the WFMT Radio Network for full seasons of opera from such distinguished companies as Lyric Opera of ChicagoLos Angeles Opera On-Air, and San Francisco Opera. We are also an important source for early music, chamber music, jazz and folk, with shows like Early Music NowChamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival.

Our two celebrated overnight-format satellite services, the classical Beethoven Network with Peter Van De Graff, and Jazz Network with Dee Alexander, Dave Schwan, John Hill, and Leslie Keros are recognized as leaders in their field. The music selections are balanced, sophisticated and engaging.

WFMT Radio Network programs have received every major broadcasting award and honor, including the George Foster Peabody Award, Prix Italia and Major Armstrong Award. In its mission to provide highly affordable programming of the highest quality, the WFMT Radio Network brings the best to the world.

Become a WFMT Radio Network Affiliate

The WFMT Radio Network invites stations everywhere to become WFMT Radio Network Affiliates. In addition to access to our high quality, affordable programming, affiliates receive dedicated service from network relations and distribution staff members that understand your needs, regardless of your station’s size or budget. For more information, please call Estlin Usher, Station Relations Manager, (773) 279-2112.

Series

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922 Pieces

Beethoven Network provides one-hour modules of classical music, culled from WFMT’s extensive library of more than 85,000 recordings. The service was originally designed to help public radio stations expand their local operation and improve the quality of late night programming

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13 Pieces

The California Symphony, under the leadership of Music Director Donato Cabrera, is distinguished by its vibrant concert programs that combine classics alongside American repertoire and works by living composers, and for bringing music to people in new and unconventional settings.

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129 Pieces

Hailed as the number one US Orchestra by the venerable British publication Gramophone, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra continues this quarter with more concerts from Symphony Center, the home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

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167 Pieces

The series includes a broad range of orchestral, vocal, chamber and solo-instrumental music.

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3 Pieces

Three conversations from the Studs Terkel archive featuring the late John Prine.

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51 Pieces

Early Music Now with Sara Schneider is a one-hour program showcasing music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and early Baroque: from sonorous medieval chant and polyphony to delightful renaissance madrigals, dances, and consort music to magnificent baroque cantatas and keyboard music.

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10 Pieces

Meet all of your fundraising goals with the help of this collection of Exploring Music fundraising programs!

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210 Pieces

Now in its 12th year, Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin is a creative exploration of classical music and other genres. Each week’s programs are unified by compositions that share a central theme, which might be a composer, a period of history, or a musical form.

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210 Pieces

Fiesta! is an original production devoted to Latino concert music, and brings artistically significant compositions from Latin America, Spain and Portugal to your listeners.

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13 Pieces

The WFMT Radio Network is proud to present Gateways Radio, a collaboration with WXXI-FM in Rochester, NY, celebrating the performances, artists, and artistry of the Gateways Music Festival. The Gateways Music Festival Orchestra is a 125+ member ensemble of musicians of African descent under the leadership of conductor Anthony Parnther. The Orchestra made its stunning Carnegie Hall debut on April 24, 2022 as the first all-Black orchestra to be presented by the famed venue. Gateways Radio features exceptional compositions and exquisite performances, celebrating the Gateways Music Festival’s mission of connecting and supporting classical musicians of African descent and serving as a source of inspiration, enlightenment, and engagement for communities—especially communities underrepresented in classical music.


Latest Pieces


  • Added: May 23, 2023
  • Length: 01:57:00
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In honor of Memorial Day we're listening to a stunning performance of Heinrich Biber's Requiem from a 2021 release featuring Vox Luminis and the Fr...

  • Added: May 23, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
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There’s much more to Edward Elgar than graduation marches and the Enigma Variations. A composer of equally masterful symphonies, oratorios, chamber...

  • Added: May 23, 2023
  • Length: 58:59
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There’s much more to Edward Elgar than graduation marches and the Enigma Variations. A composer of equally masterful symphonies, oratorios, chamber...

  • Added: May 23, 2023
  • Length: 59:00
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There’s much more to Edward Elgar than graduation marches and the Enigma Variations. A composer of equally masterful symphonies, oratorios, chamber...

  • Added: May 23, 2023
  • Length: 59:00
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There’s much more to Edward Elgar than graduation marches and the Enigma Variations. A composer of equally masterful symphonies, oratorios, chamber...

  • Added: May 23, 2023
  • Length: 59:00
Piece image
There’s much more to Edward Elgar than graduation marches and the Enigma Variations. A composer of equally masterful symphonies, oratorios, chamber...

  • Added: May 23, 2023
  • Length: 59:00
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During the late 19th century and early 20th century, many Latin American composers wrote pieces in a romantic and nationalistic style, combining th...

  • Added: May 23, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
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Episode BO 230526 H8: 2023-05-26 8:00 AM of Beethoven Network

  • Added: May 23, 2023
  • Length: 59:41
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Episode BO 230524 H8: 2023-05-24 8:00 AM of Beethoven Network

  • Added: May 23, 2023
  • Length: 59:39