Longtime WFMT program host and classical music critic Andrew Patner passed away on February 3.

A Chicago native and longtime Hyde Park resident, he was also a popular speaker, lecturer, moderator, and author.  WFMT's "free spirit" and host Studs Terkel wrote that Andrew Patner "has emerged as perhaps the finest observer of the arts that we have." Alex Ross, music critic of “The New Yorker” magazine, called Andrew “one of the wisest, wittiest, most generous, most avid, most altogether vital people in the world of the arts. He offered advice, he offered criticism, he offered time, and he offered knowledge—staggeringly encyclopedic knowledge—on every imaginable subject.”

Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera Orchestra, and jazz pianists Willie and Bethany Pickens, among others, will provide musical tributes during this public celebration of Andrew’s life and legacy.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required. Seating is general admission and on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Information can be found at cso.org/patner or by calling (312) 294-3000.

Donations in Andrew Patner’s memory may be made to Chicago Children’s Choir at his and his family’s request. Andrew was a member of the group as a child. ccchoir.org/support.html