Irwin Hoffman @ FIX University Cultural Campus

Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus

Find out more about the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus.

Grant Park Orchestra

Grant Park Orchestra and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar

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. 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 Orchestra draws its musicians from different orchestras and musical institutions based throughout the United States. Each summer, all of the orchestra members gather in Millennium Park for a 10 week long season consisting of intensive rehearsals and performances. During the year, the musicians can be found across the country performing with major orchestras, teaching at numerous universities and appearing frequently in concert stages across the country. Some organizations represented by Grant Park Orchestra musicians include the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, as well as the Buffalo Philharmonic, the Colorado, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Milwaukee, New Mexico, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Richmond, San Antonio, Seattle and Utah Symphonies.

Grant Park Chorus

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 2002 when an international search identified current chorus director, Christopher Bell. In addition t providing artistic leadership to the Grant Park Chorus, Christopher Bell is also founder of the “Apprentice Chorale”, which features some of the most talented young vocalists form De Paul and Roosevelt Universities.



The Grant Park Chorus is a fully professional ensemble and the majority of the vocalists reside in Illinois. In addition to frequent solo appearances and teaching careers, members of the Grant Park Chorus perform with ensembles such as Chicago a Capella, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Chorus.

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