On WFMT » George Preston

Do you have a question for Benjamin Luxon?

George Preston — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:32:00 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ben Luxon, famed British Baritone, will be my guest on Wednesday at 4pm on 98.7. He’s coming to Chicago to see Chicago Opera Theater’s production of “Owen Wingrave,” as Benjamin Britten wrote that part for him, and he was the first to perform it. If you have any questions for Ben Luxon, just let me know here, or drop me an email at gpreston@wfmt.com. Ben would be happy to hear from you.

I’ve attached a link to a video of Ben as Dr. Falke in performance at Covent Garden.

Cheers,
George

What goes better together than great music and food?

George Preston — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:17:00 +0000

Now that generous WFMT listeners have been kind enough to clue me in to the best music in Chicago, I turn once more to this most valuable resource for dining advice.

Several of my friends back in New York City assure me that Chicago has everything culinary that the Big Apple can boast, and perhaps even more bang for your buck. Where do you go for epicurean delights to complement your musical diet? What food tunes your mood for a Mahler symphony or a Puccini opera? Where does one go in Chicago to combine the dining and musical experiences?

I’m completely omnivorous, so don’t hold back. Tell me about the best traditional steak house in addition to the newest ethnic restaurant sensation.

Thanks,
George

The new kid in town

George Preston — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:53:00 +0000

Hello WFMT listeners. Beginning on Monday, March 30th, I’ll be your new host on 98.7 from 3pm to 7pm, playing your classical favorites and mixing things up a little bit.

By way of introduction, I’m a former classical singer, trained at Oberlin, New England Conservatory, and Boston University. I’ve been in radio for longer than I’ll admit to in public, and I happen to think that classical music may just be the greatest invention of the human mind. I also love fishing, swimming, and BBQ, but we’ll talk more about all that in the weeks to come.

I can’t wait to get started on the air, but first I need a little help from you.

You see, I just moved from New York, and I don’t know so much about the musical landscape of Chicago. I’ve been to the Lyric Opera of Chicago a couple of times, and of course I’m familiar with the great Chicago Symphony Orchestra (oh, that amazing recording of the Schumann Concert Piece for Four Horns and Orchestra, among many others!), but I’m counting on you to tell me where to go for the best music of all kinds in Chi-Town. What are your favorite chamber groups, choruses, and venues? Where do I go for authentic Chicago Jazz and Blues? What about clubs that present music that defies categorization, or bars where you might hear an aria or two? Who are the top local musicians?

Don’t be shy now. I want to hear from you, either by commenting on this blog or via email at gpreston@wfmt.com. Please be my musical guide to Chicago as I’m settling in. Bring it on!

Cheers,
George