 |
ABOUT GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL
|
The Grant Park Music Festival is the nation’s only remaining free, outdoor classical music
series. Each summer, the Festival is committed to providing free classical music to all
of Chicago in its new venue- the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Since 2001, the Festival
has been presented through a unique collaboration of the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Department
of Cultural Affairs and the Grant Park Orchestral Association. The Grant Park Orchestral
Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Festival’s
programs and priorities. The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus reach over one million people
annually through free classical music performances and the Festival’s extensive community
engagement program brings music education to young people from across the city each summer.
|
 |
THE GRANT PARK ORCHESTRA
|
In 1943, the Chicago Park District assembled a single resident orchestra-
the Grant Park Orchestra, under the direction of Principal Conductor Nicolai Malko. Since
then, other prestigious conductors have held the position, including Irwin Hoffman, Leonard
Slatkin, David Zinman, Zdnek Macal and Hugh Wolff. James W. Palermo was named Artistic
and General Director in 1995. In 2000, Carlos Kalmar was named the Festival’s Principal
Conductor. The Grant Park Orchestra was nominated for a Grammy award in 2004 for its
CD entitled Robert Kurka: Symphonic Works.
|
 |
THE GRANT PARK CHORUS
|
The 100 member Grant Park Chorus was formed in 1962 by Thomas Peck,
who led the group until his death in 1994. His protégé, Michael Cullen, then led the chorus until 1997, after
which a series of guest conductors worked with the ensemble until an international search identified
current chorus director, Christopher Bell. With Bell’s appointment in 2002, the Festival's
artistic leadership roster was solidified.
|
|
