Classical Music Stations in Chicago

Looking for the best classical music stations in Chicago? Look no further! Here are our top picks, all guaranteed to give you your classical music fix.

WFMT

WFMT (98.7 FM) is a classical music radio station in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The station is owned by Window to the World Communications, Inc. WFMT is a member-supported, non-commercial radio station broadcasting to the Chicago metropolitan area.

History

WFMT (98.7 FM) is a radio station in Chicago, Illinois, featuring a format of fine arts, classical music, jazz, folk music and original drama and public affairs programming. WFMT is a non-commercial station operated by Window to the World Communications, Inc.[1]

The station first went on the air on February 4, 1951.[2] Its transmitting tower is atop Willis Tower.[3][4] The station’s studios and offices are located in the Three First National Plaza in downtown Chicago.

WFMT is available globally on the internet via streaming audio at wfmt.com;[5] and it also operates The Voice of China,[6] a classical music radio station for listeners in China.

Programming

WFMT broadcasts classical music, fine arts, and international programming twenty-four hours a day to the greater Chicago area on 98.7 FM, and to the world via wfmt.com.

Since our founding in 1951, WFMT has strived to provide listeners with classical music of the highest quality. We are proud to offer a wide variety of programming, from locally produced shows like Midnight Special and Introductions, to syndicated programs from NPR, American Public Media, and the BBC.

In addition to our musical programming, WFMT is also the proud home of several fine arts organizations, including Chicago Opera Theater, Lyric Opera of Chicago Radio Network, The brassroots Ensemble at WFMT, and the Music Institute of Chicago.

We invite you to explore our website and discover all that WFMT has to offer!

WTTW

WTTW, virtual channel 11 (UHF digital channel 31), is a Public Broadcasting Service member television station licensed to Chicago, Illinois, United States. The station is owned by Window to the World Communications, Inc., which also operates Chicago-based independent station WYCC (channel 20) under a local marketing agreement (LMA) with the owner, Weigel Broadcasting. WTTW’s studios are located on Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, and its transmitter is based atop the John Hancock Center on North Michigan Avenue in the Streeterville neighborhood.

History

Classical music was first broadcast on Chicago radio in 1924, on station WGN. WGN’s strength at the time was its clear signal that extended far beyond the city limits. In 1929, the Chicago Federation of Musical Clubs sponsored broadcasts of live concerts on another station, WCFL.

These early broadcasts were short-lived, however. It wasn’t until 1947 that classical music returned to the airwaves, this time on WMFT (now WFMT). The format of these new broadcasts was unique: Rather than presenting live concert performances, WFMT aired recorded music selected by Music Director Freddy Mendelson. This innovative approach soon caught on with listeners, and by the 1950s WFMT had become one of Chicago’s most popular radio stations.

In the years since, WFMT has continued to be a pioneer in classical music broadcasting. It was one of the first stations in the country to broadcast in stereo, and it was also an early adopter of HD Radio technology. Today, WFMT is recognized as one of the finest classical music stations in the country.

Programming

Classical music stations in Chicago offer a wide variety of programming that includes traditional, contemporary, and innovative music from around the world. Many stations offer live performances, interviews, and news programs. Others focus on specific genres or composers.

Stations like WFMT and WTTW offer a wide variety of programming that includes traditional, contemporary, and innovative music from around the world. Many stations offer live performances, interviews, and news programs. Others focus on specific genres or composers.

WGN

WGN (720 kHz) is a commercial AM radio station in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The station is owned by the Tribune Broadcasting subsidiary of the Tribune Media Company. The station’s transmitter is located just off Navy Pier in downtown Chicago, and it uses a three-tower array directional antenna system at night to protect other stations on AM 720. By day, the station broadcasts from Chicago’s Willis Tower.

History

WGN, 720 kHz, is a commercial AM radio station in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The station is owned by Nexstar Media Group, and airs a talk radio format. The station’s studios and offices are located on the 18th floor of 303 East Wacker Drive in the Loop neighborhood, while its transmitter is atop the Willis Tower on South Wacker Drive. WGN’s transmitter power output is 50,000 watts day and night. But because AM 720 is a clear channel frequency reserved for Class A stations KOMO Seattle and WABC New York City, it can be heard during the daytime across much of the Midwestern United States and parts of western Canada. At night it can be heard over most of the continental US and much of Mexico.

Programming

Programming on WGN 720-AM is a mix of classical music and talk shows. The station airs live concerts from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Grant Park Music Festival. It also features news and information programs from WGN Radio News.