What do I love most about CCM? The programming. CCM chooses such an interesting blend of the classics, the lesser-known but still jewel-like oldies, the moderately contemporary that will eventually be huge, and the brand new. Some concerts are heavy in one genre - like all Beethoven, buy your tickets early, folks - and some give you a surprising taste of everything.

Like many young musician/arts lovers in Chicago, I am always looking for the next best thing in classical music. CCM's Freshly Scored series is swanky but by far the most accessible contemporary series in the city, musically and environmentally. If you are scared of really contemporary music, CCM's programming is likable, beautiful, interesting! It completely goes against the oft-cited stereotype that contemporary music is ugly and harsh and unmusical. You can't imagine how happy and shocked I was to hear that they are hosting Mason Bates this year - he's this hot-shot DJ from Berkley I found on Myspace who does a fantastic meld of electronica, classical and jazz. And it's a FREE concert. Seriously CCM, I love you.