Community Engagement

Grant Park Music Festival experiences extend beyond our concerts. Learn more about the Festival's music by attending our pre-concert lectures or open rehearsals.

Club 615 Pre-concert Lectures

Club 615 programs provide informative and engaging ways to learn about the Festival's music, guest soloists, conductors, and musicians of the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus.

Audiences can learn more about the music and history of the Grant Park Music Festival at the Club 615 pre-concert lecture series each Saturday at 6:15PM in the Choral Hall. Lectures are hosted by Derek Matson, along with other guest lecturers, and take place in the Choral Hall, located on the upper east side of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. No reservations are required. Doors open at 6PM, and seating is limited.

Open Rehearsals

The musicians of the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus must adhere to a very short and intense rehearsal schedule for concerts. Rehearsals are open and free to the public, to enjoy outside in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

During the day, on most Tuesdays through Fridays throughout the summer, the beautiful sounds of the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus can be heard for free, as musicians dutifully rehearse for upcoming concerts. Those who visit open rehearsals are invited to sit up close in the Seating Bowl and witness all the hard work it takes to put a classical concert together. During breaks in the rehearsals, docents lead enthusiastic discussions with attendees about the history of the Grant Park Music Festival, the unique nature of Millennium Park, and the art of classical music. Coming to an open rehearsal can be a great lunchtime getaway from the office or a wonderful event for the entire family.

Check the Season Schedule for up-to-date open rehearsal times.