The Arts Section

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My name is Gary Zidek. Welcome to The Arts Section. Tune into the radio program every Sunday morning on WDCB 90.9 & 90.7 FM or listen to it online here. I'll be showcasing a variety of arts & entertainment stories.

All tagged opera

Harris Theater Ready to Celebrate 20 Year Anniversary

Mar 27

Mar 27 Harris Theater Ready to Celebrate 20 Year Anniversary

Ten Years In the Making, Alan Turing Opera Set to Premiere

Mar 23

Mar 23 Ten Years In the Making, Alan Turing Opera Set to Premiere

Fire It Up: Terence Blanchard Brings New Opera to Chicago

Mar 22

Mar 22 Fire It Up: Terence Blanchard Brings New Opera to Chicago

WDCB’s Gary Zidek catches up with Grammy-winning trumpeter and Oscar-nominated film score composer Terence Blanchard to talk about his new opera, FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES.

Renowned Composer Missy Mazzoli Looks Back at Her Time As CSO's Mead Composer In-Residence

Jun 2

Jun 2 Renowned Composer Missy Mazzoli Looks Back at Her Time As CSO's Mead Composer In-Residence

WDCB’s Gary Zidek checks in with award-winning composer Missy Mazzoli as her tenure as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Mead Composer In-Residence Comes to an end.

Chicago Performing Arts Giants Prepare to Welcome Audiences Back

May 25

May 25 Chicago Performing Arts Giants Prepare to Welcome Audiences Back

WDCB’s Gary Zidek checks in with the artistic leaders at Lyric Opera & the Joffrey Ballet as both organizations unveil their respective 2021/22 seasons with plans to welcome in-person audiences back.

Audiences Returning to See Opera ... In a Parking Garage

Apr 29

Apr 29 Audiences Returning to See Opera ... In a Parking Garage

WDCB’s Gary Zidek checks in with Lyric Opera president & CEO Anthony Freud to talk about the past 12 months and the company’s new production, TWILIGHT: GODS.

Eighth Blackbird Puts Spotlight On Chicago Performing Artists

Oct 20

Oct 20 Eighth Blackbird Puts Spotlight On Chicago Performing Artists

WDCB’s Gary Zidek visited Grammy Award-winning ensemble Eighth Blackbird’s Chicago studio to learn more about the group’s new Chicago Artists Workshop.

The Dueling Critics Review Streaming Operetta and Discuss Chicago Theater Developments

Jun 26

Jun 26 The Dueling Critics Review Streaming Operetta and Discuss Chicago Theater Developments

The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Chicago Folks Operetta’s streaming version of THE COUSIN FROM NOWHERE and discuss some of the latest developments in the Chicago theater scene.

Years In-the-Making, Lyric Opera Forced to Cancel RING Cycle

Apr 13

Apr 13 Years In-the-Making, Lyric Opera Forced to Cancel RING Cycle

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks with Lyric Opera of Chicago President & CEO Anthony Freud about pivoting in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opera Star On the Farm

Feb 25

Feb 25 Opera Star On the Farm

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with opera singer Brandon Jovanovich for a conversation about his unique journey to becoming an award-winning tenor.

Lyric Opera Unveils 2020-21 Season

Feb 18

Feb 18 Lyric Opera Unveils 2020-21 Season

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with Lyric Opera president and CEO Anthony Freud for a conversation about the company’s 2020-21 season.

How DEAD MAN WALKING Became an Opera

Nov 1

Nov 1 How DEAD MAN WALKING Became an Opera

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Sister Helen Prejean, author of the 1993 best-seller DEAD MAN WALKING and Jake Heggie, the composer that brought the story to life on stage through music.

Chicago Fest Shines Light On Bold Performances

May 30

May 30 Chicago Fest Shines Light On Bold Performances

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Pivot Arts founder/director Julieanne Ehre about the Chicago-based organization and this year’s Pivot Arts Festival.

Film Review: MARIA BY CALLAS

Nov 16

Nov 16 Film Review: MARIA BY CALLAS

WDCB’s Gary Zidek reviews the new documentary MARIA BY CALLAS.

Chicago Actress Brings Opera Legend Maria Callas to Life On Stage

Nov 13

Nov 13 Chicago Actress Brings Opera Legend Maria Callas to Life On Stage

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Janet Ulrich Brooks about playing Maria Callas in new production of MASTER CLASS.