Grant Park Music Festival Kicks Off 2025 Season with Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"

Chicago's Millennium Park came alive Wednesday night as the Grant Park Music Festival opened its 2025 season with a stirring rendition of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." The iconic piece, celebrating its 101st anniversary, resonated across the park, drawing a diverse crowd eager to experience the fusion of classical and jazz.

Held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the free concert showcased not only Gershwin's masterpiece but also the stunning backdrop of Chicago's skyline, featuring landmarks like the Aon Center and the historic Michigan Avenue Streetwall. The atmosphere was electric, with attendees transported to the Jazz Age, evoking images of bustling New York City.

Conductor and pianist Andrew Litton took the helm for this performance, leading the Grant Park Orchestra through an evening filled with musical exploration. Alongside "Rhapsody in Blue," the program included Gabriela Lena Frank's "Three Latin American Dances" and selections from Manuel de Falla's "The Three-Cornered Hat," enriching the concert experience.

Looking ahead, the festival promises an exciting lineup. This Friday and Saturday, Christopher Bell will conduct the orchestra in Gustav Holst's "The Planets," a staple of orchestral repertoire. Next Wednesday, Giancarlo Guerrero, the newly appointed artistic director and principal conductor, will lead a program featuring Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, with violinist Jeremy Black taking center stage. The following weekend, Guerrero will return to conduct Mahler's Symphony No. 1.

The Grant Park Music Festival is set to deliver a rich variety of performances throughout the summer, ranging from classical masterpieces to beloved movie scores. For those interested in attending, a complete concert schedule is available on the festival's official website.

With its commitment to accessibility and artistic excellence, the festival continues to be a cherished cultural highlight in Chicago.