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2 0 1 6 G R AN T PA R K MU S I C F E S T I VA L
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Festival strives to provide opportunities for Chicagoans in neighborhoods
throughout the city to explore the world of classical music through two
programs: Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s
Night Out in the Parks
and
Classical
Campers
.
On select Thursdays at 7PM and select Mondays at noon in June and July,
as part of the
Night Out in the Parks
initiative, the
Project Inclusion
String
Quartet—occasionally joined by the
Apprentice Chorale
—performs family-
friendly, chamber concerts at parks around the city and in community venues.
The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus each take their show on the road,
performing at the South Shore Cultural Center each year. The Chorus also
performs at the Columbus Park Refectory.
Classical Campers
is a half-day music and arts immersion program, bringing
more than 1,500 Chicago Park District day campers ages 6-12 from different
Chicago neighborhoods to Millennium Park for an introduction to classical
music through engaged storytelling and interactive workshops. Campers are
exposed to a live classical music performance at an open rehearsal, followed
by a presentation and Q & A with professional musicians from our orchestra.
Local music schools and summer music programs also have an opportunity
to showcase their talent at the Festival through the
Young Artists Showcase
.
Each Friday before the Grant Park Orchestra takes the stage, these young
students gain broader visibility by performing for Festival audiences.
EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT
Patrons are encouraged to take a closer look at the vibrant world of classical
music through a variety of free educational and enrichment programs, such as
the
Pre-Concert Lectures
and
Open Rehearsals
.
An hour before each concert, patrons can attend a
Pre-Concert Lecture
to get
an in-depth look at the evening’s music and performers. Lectures are hosted
by expert music commentators and are held in the Family Fun Tent, located on
the west side of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
During the Festival season, the orchestra and chorus rehearse on the Pritzker
stage during the day on Tuesdays-Fridays, and all are welcome to bring their
own lunch and attend these
Open Rehearsals
. During breaks in rehearsals,
Festival docents lead informal talks
about the music, composers,
and the history of classical music.
All Festival Connect programs are
made possible with the generous
support from ComEd, Robert and
Isabelle Bass Foundation, Dr. Scholl
Foundation, Colleen and Lloyd Fry
and the Lloyd Fry Foundation, and
The Pauls Foundation.
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