News & Stories

News
Virtual Programs Happening This Week
Weekly Radio Series with WFMT kicks off our summer virtual season on June 10, and a Festival HD concert of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev on June 12

News
COVID-19 Forces Festival Staff to Cancel 2020 Season
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, Chicago's Grant Park Music Festival announces the cancellation of its 2020 season in Millennium Park

Insights
Festival Concertmaster Jeremy Black on Working From Home
Ordinarily, Jeremy Black would be rushing between teaching gigs and rehearsals with the Pittsburgh Symphony. Instead, he’s at home, home-schooling two boys while keeping a full schedule online.

News
In Spite of Closure, Readying Chicago’s Famous Playground for the Arts
When we are able to open our doors, our biggest service will be to give people a place where they can come and get away from all their worries.

Insights
Music in the Time of Need
Musicians make music—always—even in times of social upheaval. The musicians’ legacy is one of perseverance and a steadfast belief in the human spirit.

News
Staff Rallies from Home to Plan 2020 Festival
On the morning of March 13, under the threat of COVID-19, Festival CEO Paul Winberg decided to send everyone home. Festival staff sprang into action, grabbing hard drives, downloading files and procuring all the necessary equipment to launch a major music festival—by remote.

News
A Note to Chicago
These past few weeks have been a powerful reminder of just how connected we are . . .

Behind the Scenes
Chorus Auditions: "Next, Please!"
Pushing through winter weather, hectic schedules, and pre-audition jitters, singers line up for a chance to be part of the 2020 Grant Park Chorus.

Insights
Building Tomorrow's Orchestra
For the young musicians of the Grant Park Music Festival's Project Inclusion Fellowship, jam-packed summers lead to valuable life skills—and a deeper impact on the world.

Interviews
A Conversation with Composer Judith Weir
She is Master of the Queen's Music. The 65-year-old Judith Weir talks with the Grant Park Music Festival's Noel Morris about her work, Scottish tombstones, and the unlikely career path of a woman composer.