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gpmf.orgDear Friends,
Welcome to the 84th season of the Grant Park
Music Festival, Chicago’s summer home for
outstanding music experiences that can’t be
found anywhere else. Whether tonight marks
your first concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or
you’re a longtime Festival enthusiast, we hope
you’ll join us often throughout the season to hear old favorites and
discover new ones.
As always, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar and
Chorus Director Christopher Bell have programmed an exciting and
eclectic season that includes popular masterworks; rarely performed
gems; and world, regional, and Festival premieres. We’re highlighting
the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus in such beloved repertoire as Carl
Orff’s
Carmina Burana
; symphonies by Beethoven, Haydn, Mendelssohn,
Schumann, Schubert, Sibelius, and Vaughan Williams; and William
Walton’s choral tour de force,
Belshazzar’s Feast
. And we tip our hats to
William Bolcom on the occasion of his 80th birthday, hosting a weeklong
residency with the composer that culminates in the Festival debuts of
two of his works, conducted by special guest Dennis Russell Davies.
The Festival is also partnering with the Department of Cultural Affairs
and Special Events to celebrate Mayor Emanuel’s 2018 “Year of Creative
Youth.” We’ll be introducing you to a host of rising artists—including
16-year-old pianist Emily Bear, 22-year-old pianist George Li, and
25-year-old cellist Pablo Ferrández—who represent the next generation
of classical music talent.
For 10 weeks each summer, the Festival fills our city with music. From
docent-led lunchtime rehearsals to pre-concert lectures, from our
Classical Campers
program to performances in neighborhood parks, the
Festival produces more than 200 events in every corner of Chicago—all
open to everyone. Our thanks to the Chicago Park District, Department
of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and to our donors and members
for helping us keep the Festival free and accessible for all.
Enjoy tonight’s concert and come back soon!
Warm regards,
Paul Winberg
President and CEO
WELCOME
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