14 | gpmf.org
2 0 1 5 G R AN T PA R K MU S I C F E S T I VA L
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Since its inception in 1935 as the City’s spirit-lifting response to the Great
Depression, the Grant Park Music Festival has been a treasured part of Chicago’s
cultural landscape, offering hundreds of free events each summer. Initially, Grant
Park Concerts were performed in a temporary band shell at the south end of the
Park, then, from 1978 to 2004, the Festival performed at the Petrillo Band Shell
in the center of Grant Park. The Grant Park Music Festival has made its home in
the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion since Millennium Park’s opening
in July 2004.
The 2015 season com-
prises more than 170
events, including 33 con-
certs, 47 open daytime
rehearsals and a popular
pre-concert lecture series.
Our
Club 615
lecture
series, which takes an in-
depth look at the Festival’s
programs and performers,
has been expanded to take
place every Wednesday,
Friday and Saturday night
of the Grant Park Music
Festival season. Featured guest speakers discuss that evening’s performance in
Millennium Park’s Family Fun Tent, just west of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Artistic Director and Principal Conductor
Carlos Kalmar
returns for his 16th
season while Chorus Director
Christopher Bell
begins his 14th summer with
the Festival. The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus feature more than 200
professional musicians who perform at the Festival for the summer’s ten-week
season when they’re not playing with major orchestras, teaching at universities
and appearing on concert stages throughout the U.S. and around the world the
rest of the year.
The Grant Park Music Festival survives as the nation’s only remaining free
outdoor classical music series. Our membership program helps to keep the
Grant Park Music Festival free and open to all. Memberships, including nine-
concert packages, are available for the 2015 season and offer access to premium
seating in the Pavilion, exclusive receptions and parking for only $15 per concert.
New this year, patrons can purchase a one night pass to any concert and enjoy a
reserved seat up close in the member area. To become a member or purchase a
one night pass, stop by the Patron Service Center located on the walkway to the
west of the Pavilion, visit gpmf.org or call 312.742.7647.
The Festival operates today as a unique collaboration among the Grant Park
Orchestral Association, the Chicago Park District and the Department of Cultural
Affairs and Special Events.
