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June 11 - August 16, 2025

Welcome

The Grant Park Music Festival is a ten-week classical music concert series held annually in Chicago, Illinois’ Millennium Park.

It features the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus, along with guest performers and conductors, and is one of the only free outdoor classical-music concert series in the US.

Édouard Lalo

Édouard Lalo

Composer

Lalo, Edouard-Victoire-Antoine, was a prominent composer known for his innovative orchestration and dynamic musical style. His works, particularly the score for "Namouna," showcase his ability to create forward momentum through noisy yet ingenious orchestration. Lalo's compositions often feature scherzo movements in various time signatures and a distinctive use of emphatic chords, reflecting his affinity for the styles of Mendelssohn and Schumann, while incorporating diverse folk idioms from regions such as Scandinavia, Russia, Brittany, and Spain.

Throughout his career, Lalo's music was characterized by vigor and energy, setting it apart from his contemporaries, including Franck. His unique approach to orchestration and rhythm contributed to a rich tapestry of sound that captivated audiences and musicians alike. Lalo's ability to blend traditional classical elements with folk influences allowed him to carve out a distinctive niche in the 19th-century music landscape.

In addition to his compositional achievements, Lalo was an influential figure in the music community, inspiring future generations of musicians and composers. His legacy continues to resonate in the world of classical music, as his works are frequently performed and celebrated for their creativity and emotional depth. Lalo's contributions to the field have solidified his place as a significant figure in the history of music.