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Founded in 1935, the Grant Park Music Festival is the nation’s only free outdoor
classical music series of its kind. It celebrates its 79th Season this year.
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In 2013, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar returns to the
Grant Park Music Festival for his 13th season; Chorus Director Christopher Bell
begins his 12th summer with the Festival.
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The Grammy® Award-nominated Grant Park Orchestra and the award-winning
Grant Park Chorus feature more than 200 professional musicians who perform at
the Festival for a ten week season each summer. Throughout the rest of the year,
they can be found playing with major orchestras, teaching at universities, and
appearing on concert stages throughout the U.S.
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The Grant Park Music Festival has made its home in the Frank Gehry-designed
Jay Pritzker Pavilion since Millennium Park’s opening in July 2004. From 1978—
2004,
the Festival performed at the Petrillo Band Shell in Grant Park; prior to that,
they could be seen at a temporary bandshell at the south end of Grant Park.
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Today, the Festival offers more than 150 free events each summer, including
30
concerts, 53 open rehearsals, 10 pre-concert lectures, as well as additional
community engagement events. The Grant Park Music Festival is seen by more
than 320,000 patrons each summer—Chicagoans and visitors alike.
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Grant Park Music Festival memberships are still available for the 2013 season
and offer premium seating, restaurant discounts, and parking in the Millennium
Garages for only $14 per concert. To become a member, visit the Patron Service
Center, go to gpmf.org or call 312.742.7638.
The Grant Park Music Festival is grateful for generous support from:
City of Chicago
Mayor Rahm Emanuel
Department of Cultural
Affairs and Special Events
Chicago Park District
Board of Commissioners
Michael Kelly
General Superintendent and CEO
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
