2012 Season
Carlos Kalmar leads the Grant Park Orchestra on Opening Night of the 78th Season
Opening Night 
Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar and the Grant Park Orchestra open the 2012 season with masterpieces by Elgar and Dvořák, joined by Festival favorite, German cellist Alban Gerhardt.
When |
Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 6:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra |
What |
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 Listen Live on 98.7 WFMT |
Michael Gandolfi's world-premiere work Only Converge: An Exaltation of Place is inspired by Chicago's history.
An Exaltation of Place
The Grant Park Chorus begins its 50th anniversary celebration with two performances of a world-premiere work by American composer Michael Gandolfi, inspired by Chicago history.
When |
Friday, June 15, 2012, 6:30pm Saturday, June 16, 2012, 7:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Thursday, June 14, 2012, 10:30am – 1:00pm Open Rehearsal: Friday, June 15, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Fundraiser: Friday, June 15, 2012, 8:00pm Club 615: Saturday, June 16, 2012, 6:15pm – 7:00pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion * Club 615: Choral Hall |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra And Chorus Carlos Kalmar, Conductor Christopher Bell, Chorus Director |
What |
Liszt: Les Préludes Schuman: A Free Song Handel: Royal Fireworks Music |
Pianist Steven Osborne performs with the Grant Park Orchestra
Mozart's Jupiter Symphony
A program of youthful music - though Mozart was only 32 when he wrote the Jupiter, it was to be his last symphony. Richard Strauss composed Don Juan when he was only 24, and Benjamin Britten's Piano Concert was written at the age of 25.
When |
Wednesday, June 20, 2012, 6:30pm Friday, June 22, 2012, 6:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Wednesday, June 20, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra Carlos Kalmar, Conductor Steven Osborne, Piano |
What |
Strauss: Don Juan Britten: Piano Concerto Mozart: Symphony No. 41, Jupiter |
Koen Kessels conducts an evening of ballet music
An American in Paris
Guest artist Koen Kessels conducts the Grant Park Orchestra at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for an evening of two audience favorites--Ravel's Bolero and George Gershwin's An American in Paris.
When |
Saturday, June 23, 2012, 7:30pm Open Rehearsal: Thursday, June 21, 2012, 10:30am – 1:30pm Open Rehearsal: Saturday, June 23, 2012, 11:00am – 2:00pm Club 615: Saturday, June 23, 2012, 6:15pm – 7:00pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion * Club 615: Choral Hall |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra Koen Kessels, Guest Conductor |
What |
Gershwin: An American in Paris Bizet: L'Arlésienne |
The simulcast of the Paris Opéra Ballet production of Giselle is presented by the Harris Theater and the Grant Park Orchestra, in collaboration with Millennium Park, Inc. and DCASE
Paris Opera Ballet Simulcast
Experience the nation's first-ever free, outdoor simulcast of a live ballet performance by a major international company, the Paris Opéra Ballet. The simulcast of the iconic ballet "Giselle" will be broadcast on a state-of-the-art 18' x 32' LED screen located on the Jay Pritzker stage in Millennium Park. Note: Rain Date is Thursday, June 28.
When |
Wednesday, June 27, 2012, 7:30pm Open Rehearsal: Friday, June 22, 2012, 11:00am – 2:00pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra Koen Kessels, Guest Conductor Artists Of The Paris Opéra Ballet |
What |
Adam: Giselle |
A celebration of the Grant Park Chorus' 50th Anniversary
Golden Anniversary Choral Spectacular
The Grant Park Chorus celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special performance featuring Carlos Kalmar and Christopher Bell sharing the podium for an unforgettable evening, culminating in a performance of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana.
When |
Friday, June 29, 2012, 6:30pm Saturday, June 30, 2012, 7:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, June 26, 2012, 10:30am – 12:30pm Open Rehearsal: Wednesday, June 27, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Open Rehearsal: Thursday, June 28, 2012, 11:00am – 2:00pm Open Rehearsal: Friday, June 29, 2012, 11:00am – 2:00pm Club 615: Saturday, June 30, 2012, 6:15pm – 7:00pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion * Club 615: Choral Hall |
Who |
Grant Park Chorus Carlos Kalmar, Conductor Christopher Bell, Conductor Anima, Guest Children's Choir Saira Frank, Soprano Mary MacKenzie, Soprano Sarah Ponder, Mezzo-Soprano Hoss Brock, Tenor Peder Reiff, Tenor Dan Eifert, Bass Tom Hall, Bass |
What |
Stravinsky: Les Noces Whitacre: Cloudburst Tormis: Raua Needmine Orff: Carmina Burana |
Conductor Christopher Bell leads the Grant Park Chorus in an Independence Day Celebration
Independence Day Celebration
A celebration of the United States' 236th birthday with beloved favorites—and a few surprises—by Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein, Sousa, and others who have created music that distills America's spirit and renews our pride.
When |
Wednesday, July 4, 2012, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 3, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra Christopher Bell, Conductor |
What |
Bernstein: Candide: Overture Gould: Amber Waves Williams: Olympic Fanfare and Theme Copland: Old American Songs Grofé: Mississippi Suite Gershwin: Girl Crazy: Overture Wendell: Sea to Shining Sea Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture Sousa: The Stars and Stripes Forever |
Sebastian Currier's Sleepers and Dreamers was commissioned in honor of the Grant Park Chorus' 50th Anniversary
Sleepers and Dreamers
The Festival continues its celebration of the Grant Park Chorus' 50th anniversary with a second world-premiere commission by Sebastian Currier that explores the remote and mysterious world of sleep.
When |
Friday, July 6, 2012, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Saturday, July 7, 2012, 7:30pm – 9:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 3, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Open Rehearsal: Thursday, July 5, 2012, 10:30am – 1:00pm Open Rehearsal: Friday, July 6, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Club 615: Saturday, July 7, 2012, 6:15pm – 7:00pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion * Club 615: Choral Hall |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra And Chorus |
What |
Brahms: Tragic Overture |
Frozen Planet in Concert
Frozen Planet in Concert
After thrilling audiences with Planet Earth Live! in 2010, composer-conductor George Fenton returns with Frozen Planet, the "ultimate polar expedition" that brings images of the Arctic and Antarctic from the BBC/Discovery Channel series.
When |
Wednesday, July 11, 2012, 8:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 10, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Wednesday, July 11, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra George Fenton, Guest Conductor |
What |
Fenton: Frozen Planet The Polar Bear Story The Melt |
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Join the Grant Park Music Festival for an evening of Broadway music by composer Frank Loesser
Perfectly Frank: From Broadway to Hollywood
This concert highlights the work of one of the great classic Broadway composers, Frank Loesser, whose much loved works include Guys and Dolls (1950), The Most Happy Fella (1956), and How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying (1961).
When |
Friday, July 13, 2012, 8:00pm Saturday, July 14, 2012, 8:00pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 10, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Open Rehearsal: Thursday, July 12, 2012, 10:30am – 1:00pm Open Rehearsal: Friday, July 13, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra Members Of The Grant Park Chorus Kevin Stites, Guest Conductor Christopher Bell, Chorus Director Rebecca Luker |
What |
Selection of works by Frank Loesser |
Rossen Milanov guest conducts violinist Mikhail Simonyan and the Grant Park Orchestra
Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances
Instilled with Armenian spirit, Khachaturian's dazzling violin concerto is presented with Rachmaninov's masterwork, originally composed for two pianos.
When |
Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 6:30pm – 8:00pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra |
What |
Khachaturian: Violin Concerto |
The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus perform Leighton's Hymn to Matter and Rossini's Stabat Mater
Rossini: Stabat Mater
Christopher Bell leads the orchestra and chorus in Rossini's solemn, late work and British composer Kenneth Leighton's hymn about the quest for truth and unity.
When |
Friday, July 20, 2012, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Saturday, July 21, 2012, 7:30pm – 9:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Thursday, July 19, 2012, 10:30am – 1:00pm Open Rehearsal: Friday, July 20, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Club 615: Saturday, July 21, 2012, 6:15pm – 7:00pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion * Club 615: Choral Hall |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra And Chorus |
What |
Rossini: William Tell: Overture |
Guest conductor James Gaffigan leads percussionst Martin Grubinger in Dorman's Frozen in Time
Frozen in Time
Commissioned for percussionist Martin Grubinger, Frozen in Time takes a journey through time and across the globe.
When |
Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 6:30pm – 8:00pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra |
What |
Dorman: Frozen in Time |
Jun Märkl guest conducts the Grant Park Orchestra in audience favorite Beethoven's Fifth Symphony
Beethoven's Fifth Symphony
With its famous opening gesture and uplifting emotional message, Beethoven's Fifth is the archetypal example of the form. Also featured on the program are two works inspired by Egypt.
When |
Friday, July 27, 2012, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Saturday, July 28, 2012, 7:30pm – 9:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Thursday, July 26, 2012, 10:30am – 1:00pm Open Rehearsal: Friday, July 27, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Club 615: Saturday, July 28, 2012, 6:15pm – 7:00pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion * Club 615: Choral Hall |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra |
What |
Debussy: Khamma |
Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade is inspired by The Arabian Nights (Photo credit: Walker Art Museum)
Scheherazade
This pair of adventurous musical voyages will entice audiences of all ages. Rimsky-Korsakov's lush music, inspired by stories from The Arabian Nights, is paired with a 1914 work from Chicago composer John Alden Carpenter that follows the rollicking travels through the city of a baby in a buggy.
When |
Wednesday, August 1, 2012, 6:30pm – 8:00pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 31, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 31, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Wednesday, August 1, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra |
What |
Carpenter: Adventures in a Perambulator |
Violinist Chee-Yun joins the Grant Park Orchestra for a night of Latin American and Spanish music inside the Harris Theater
The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
The master of Argentinian tango's homage to the changing seasons in his home country provides a new twist on Vivaldi's famous work, along with Latin American and Spanish masterpieces.
When |
Friday, August 3, 2012, 6:30pm – 8:00pm Saturday, August 4, 2012, 7:30pm – 9:00pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, July 31, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Club 615: Saturday, August 4, 2012, 6:15pm – 7:00pm |
Where |
Harris Theater for Music and Dance * Open Rehearsal: Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra |
What |
Ginastera: Estancia: Four Dances |
Tanja Tetzlaff makes her Grant Park Music Festival debut, joining her brother and frequent collaborator, Festival favorite Christian Tetzlaff
Brahms' Double Concerto
A program from the heart of the German music tradition, featuring works by three of the great 19th century composers. Popular Festival guest artist, violinist Christian Tetzlaff returns, joined by his sister and frequent collaborator, cellist Tanja Tetzlaff.
When |
Wednesday, August 8, 2012, 6:30pm – 7:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Wednesday, August 8, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra |
What |
Beethoven: Coriolan Overture |
The Festival brings Haydn's The Seasons to Millennium Park.
Haydn: The Seasons
Rich with evocations of the natural world, Haydn's ebullient oratorio conjures up festive wine parties, thunderstorms, hunting expeditions, peasant dances, and a stirring ode to labor.
When |
Friday, August 10, 2012, 6:30pm – 9:15pm Saturday, August 11, 2012, 7:30pm – 10:15pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Friday, August 10, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Club 615: Saturday, August 11, 2012, 6:15pm – 7:00pm Special Event: Saturday, August 11, 2012, 6:00pm – 7:00pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion * Club 615: Choral Hall |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra And Chorus |
What |
Haydn: The Seasons |
Rising stars from the Lyric Opera's Ryan Opera Center perform scenes from Mozart and Strauss
Ryan Opera Center: Mozart and Strauss
A chance to hear rising opera stars from the Lyric Opera's renowned professional artist-development program as they perform great ensemble scenes from a pair of sophisticated and touching operas.
When |
Wednesday, August 15, 2012, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Wednesday, August 15, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra Carlos Kalmar, Conductor Ensemble Members Of The Patrick G. And Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center |
What |
Mozart: Cosě fan tutte (Excerpts from Act I) Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier (Final Scene) |
In Dvořák's The Spectre's Bride, a young girl is swept away by a ghostly rider
Dvorák: The Spectre's Bride
Dvořák's haunting, underperformed cantata, based on a legend about a young girl who is swept away by a ghostly rider, provides a galloping and suspenseful finale to the Festival's 78th season.
When |
Friday, August 17, 2012, 6:30pm – 8:00pm Saturday, August 18, 2012, 7:30pm – 9:00pm Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:30pm Open Rehearsal: Thursday, August 16, 2012, 10:30am – 1:00pm Open Rehearsal: Friday, August 17, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm Club 615: Saturday, August 18, 2012, 6:15pm – 7:00pm |
Where |
Jay Pritzker Pavilion * Club 615: Choral Hall |
Who |
Grant Park Orchestra And Chorus Carlos Kalmar, Conductor Jonita Lattimore, Soprano Brendan Tuohy, Tenor Stephen Hegedus, Bass |
What |
Dvořák: The Spectre's Bride |
