“A radically different kind of symphony concert.” – Wynne Delacoma, Musical America
Over the course of two unforgettable weekends in October, Chicago Philharmonic and Sleeping At Last provided audiences with an unparalleled musical experience. From the intimate setting of the Harris Theater in Chicago to the storied stage of Carnegie Hall in New York City, these performances took listeners on a journey that mixed raw emotion with symphonic grandeur, drawing on the deep, resonant power of Ryan O’Neal’s Sleeping At Last compositions, elevated by the full force of an orchestra.
PART 1: An Evening with Sleeping At Last… World Premiere!
At the Harris Theater for Music and Dance — Chicago, IL
Chamber Rehearsals, Sold-Out Performances, and a Milestone Celebration
Oct. 9 – Rehearsals Begins…
In preparation for their concerts, a chamber rehearsal for Sleeping At Last was held at the Chicago Philharmonic office. This intimate session set the stage for the larger, fully orchestrated performances to come, as musicians fine-tuned arrangements under the direction of Lead Orchestrator Michael Moricz.
Oct. 11 – Dress Rehearsal and First Performance at Harris Theater
The official world premiere of An Evening with Sleeping At Last took center stage at Chicago’s Harris Theater for Music and Dance, marking the culmination of nearly 18 months of collaboration. For Ryan O’Neal, this concert was a significant return to live performance, drawing fans from near and far. The evening featured beloved songs from his Atlas series and the Enneagram project, creating a night of profound personal reflection and connection.
Oct. 12 – Second Performance and 35th Anniversary Gala
The following night brought a second sold-out performance at the Harris Theater, paired with Chicago Philharmonic’s 35th-anniversary gala at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner, an exclusive concert experience, and a special performance by violinist Njioma Grevious. It was a night to celebrate music, milestones, and community.
Part 2: The Road to Carnegie Hall… From Chicago to NYC!
Chicago Philharmonic’s Carnegie Hall Debut with Guest Artist, Sleeping At Last
At Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage — New York City, NY
Oct. 23 – Journey to New York City
The Carnegie adventure started on October 23, as staff and musicians flew from Chicago to New York City.
Did you know? When cellists travel, their beloved instruments often require their own plane seat! Cellos are too delicate and valuable to be checked as luggage, so they’re buckled up right next to their musicians. It’s a common sight for orchestras, but always fun to see: a cello safely strapped in next to its musician, ready for the journey!
Upon arrival, the team gathered for a photo at the iconic “I ❤️ NYC” sign, capturing the excitement of being in the Big Apple.
From there, it was off to check in at the historic Manhattan Club Hotel, where the Chicago Philharmonic was the first-ever orchestra to have its entire ensemble stay at this storied establishment. Located less than 100 feet from the venerable Carnegie Hall, the Manhattan Club provided an unparalleled ‘home base’ for the Philharmonic’s debut performance. This close proximity added to the thrill of the experience, allowing the musicians to fully immerse themselves in New York City’s vibrant arts scene and set the tone for an unforgettable night on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
As they checked in, musicians were warmly greeted by staff holding welcoming posters emblazoned with messages like ‘I love Chicago Philharmonic Infinity x Infinity’ and ‘Welcome to NYC, Chicago Philharmonic!’ The camaraderie continued as Executive Director Terell Johnson and Director of Development Lydia Penningroth personally welcomed each musician, adding a special touch to their arrival at this momentous event.
That evening, the staff took a moment to visit the Sleeping At Last poster outside of Carnegie Hall, taking photos and basking in the thrill of seeing it displayed in the flesh. It was a memorable stop, adding to the excitement surrounding the Philharmonic’s highly anticipated Carnegie debut. With spirits high, they then made their way to Times Square to take in the iconic sights, wrapping up a night filled with anticipation and the magic of New York City.
Oct. 24 – Dress Rehearsal and Carnegie Hall Debut
On the afternoon of October 24, Maestro Scott Speck led the Chicago Philharmonic through a final rehearsal on Carnegie Hall’s renowned Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. With its breathtaking architecture and legendary acoustics, Carnegie Hall has hosted the world’s greatest musicians, including Tchaikovsky himself, who once conducted on this very stage.
The weight of this legacy was palpable as the orchestra prepared pieces that would both honor and expand upon the venue’s storied history. The program included Nicholas Hubbell’s Chicago Fanfare, Jonathan Bingham’s Etymology, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, and a selection of soul-stirring songs by Sleeping At Last, beautifully orchestrated by Michael Moricz—a diverse and evocative lineup that set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
For many of the musicians, the opportunity to perform on one of the most iconic stages in the world was a dream come true. Excitement and camaraderie filled the hall as they took in the awe-inspiring surroundings, some pausing to snap quick selfies with their colleagues and friends. These small, shared moments of celebration reflected the collective sense of achievement and connection that permeated the entire day.
Adding to the sense of unity and accomplishment, Sleeping At Last presented each musician with a special commemorative gift: a two-sided coin that beautifully symbolized this unforgettable journey. One side of the coin honored the concerts at the Harris Theater, while the other represented the historic debut at Carnegie Hall. This thoughtful gesture not only marked the significance of these performances but also served as a lasting memento of the collaboration and artistry shared throughout this extraordinary experience.
As concert time approached, the lights dimmed, and Terell Johnson, Executive Director of Chicago Philharmonic, took to the stage to deliver opening remarks to a packed house. People had come from all over America and even from outside the country to witness this incredible show—many of them dedicated Sleeping At Last fans who had traveled far and wide to see Ryan O’Neal perform live with a full orchestra, a rare opportunity since he only recently returned to live performances after a 10-year hiatus. Terell welcomed the audience and shared the significance of this debut, highlighting the orchestra’s 35-year journey from its origins in Chicago to this monumental performance at Carnegie Hall. He even recognized the Chicago Philharmonic Board Directors in attendance, inviting them to stand as the audience applauded their support and dedication. His words and gestures resonated with the musicians and audience alike, setting a warm and celebratory tone for the evening.
The program opened with Nicholas Hubbell’s Chicago Fanfare, a lively piece that captured the Philharmonic’s deep connection to its Chicago roots, followed by Etymology, a new work by Donna Milanovich Composer-in-Residence Jonathan Bingham. Finally, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture filled the hall with its sweeping, romantic strains, paying homage to one of the many composers who helped shape Carnegie’s legacy.
For Bingham, this performance marked the culmination of his three-year residency with the Philharmonic, a significant milestone in his career that underscored the orchestra’s commitment to supporting emerging composers. Bingham notes, “Etymology is the study of the origin of words and how their definitions have changed over time.” The piece was a bold exploration of musical structure and language, built from minimal material that evolves and transforms—much like the shifting meanings of words through history.
As part of his residency, Bingham composed two major works for the Philharmonic, with Etymology serving as a powerful culmination of his creative vision and a testament to the Philharmonic’s ongoing dedication to contemporary music.
The atmosphere shifted as Sleeping At Last, singer-songwriter Ryan O’Neal, took the stage, greeted by a roar of applause from the audience of devoted fans. Each song in his set, freshly orchestrated by Michael Moricz, was imbued with a rich, symphonic depth, giving fan favorites like Sun, Turning Page, and Saturn a new, expansive life.
When O’Neal introduced a surprise guest, actress and singer Rita Wilson, the audience was treated to a heartfelt duet of Thin Air, performed live for the very first time.
The evening reached its emotional peak with Mother, a song dedicated to O’Neal’s late mother, which received an overwhelming standing ovation. This deeply personal moment moved many in the audience, and as the concert continued, it became clear that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
The encore featured Bloom, a newly released Sleeping At Last song, and a solo rendition of Nine, a piece reflecting O’Neal’s personal Enneagram number, which left the audience in awe.
By the concert’s end, the entire hall rose to their feet once more, giving a final, rousing standing ovation that honored the collaboration between Sleeping At Last and the Chicago Philharmonic. It was a powerful and unforgettable close to a night that had clearly moved all in attendance, and an evening that celebrated both the Philharmonic’s legacy and Sleeping At Last’s return to live performances on one of the world’s most revered stages.
Fan Testimonials: A Night to Remember
The impact of Chicago Philharmonic’s Carnegie Hall debut with Sleeping At Last resonated deeply with fans, many of whom traveled from across the country—and beyond—to experience this rare performance. For many, it was more than just a concert; it was a profoundly personal experience, captured through heartfelt testimonials shared afterward.
One fan expressed, “I have no words, y’all…easily, hands down, the single best performance I’ve ever (and probably will ever) see. I cried, I made friends, and I felt so connected to Sleeping At Last in a way I’ve never experienced with a live musician.” Hearing Saturn live was a “bucket list item” that made them feel “alive in a way [they] haven’t felt in a long time.”
Another fan, celebrating their birthday, described the night as a personal gift, saying it’s an experience they’ll treasure for a lifetime. For many, seeing Ryan O’Neal perform with the Philharmonic had been years in the making; one attendee shared that it was “worth the 12-year wait.” Countless fans admitted to being moved to tears, calling the evening “incredibly beautiful and magical.”
For others, the concert held even deeper meaning tied to personal life journeys. One fan, attending with their mom, described the experience as “full circle,” recalling songs they had grown up listening to and one that “changed my life.” Another shared that Sleeping At Last’s music had been the soundtrack of their past decade, inspiring everything from college essays to mental health campaigns and even research papers.
This unforgettable evening connected fans through a shared sense of gratitude, inspiration, and lasting connection that will stay with them for years to come.
Reflecting on the Journey
Chicago Philharmonic’s Carnegie Hall debut was more than just a concert; it was a testament to the orchestra’s remarkable journey over 35 seasons. From its origins with members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra to performing on one of the world’s most prestigious stages, the Chicago Philharmonic continues to build on its legacy. This unforgettable performance was a moment of pride, a celebration of Chicago’s rich musical talent, and a promise of more groundbreaking performances to come.
Thank you to our musicians, staff, and all the supporters who made this incredible journey possible. Here’s to more musical milestones in the seasons ahead!
An Evening With Sleeping At Last – Program:
Orchestral Selections:
- Chicago Fanfare by Nicholas Hubbell
- Etymology by Jonathan Bingham
- Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture by Tchaikovsky
Sleeping At Last Set:
- Sun
- Turning Page
- North
- Venus
- Touch
- Thin Air (with special guest Rita Wilson)
- Light
- You Are Enough
- Neptune
- Moon/Earth
- Six
- Two
- Mother
- Daughter
- Saturn
Encore:
- Bloom
- Nine (Ryan solo)
Musician Roster – October 11, 12, and 24, 2024
VIOLIN I
- David Perry, CM
- Eleanor Bartsch, ACM
- Heather Wittels
- Karin Andreasen Gambell
- Azusa Tashiro
- Lisa Fako
- Jeff Yang
- Kate Carter
- Whun Kim
- Wendy Evans
VIOLIN II
- Kathleen Brauer, Pr
- Carmen Llop Kassinger, APr
- Helen Kim Lee
- Lori Ashikawa
- Daniela Folker
- Stephen Boe
- Mark Agnor
- Julimar Gonzalez
VIOLA
- Claudia Lasareff-Mironoff, Pr
- Loretta Gillespie, APr
- Bonnie Yeager
- Cheryl Wilson
- Bruno Vaz da Silva
- Ramón Carrero-Martínez
- Tim Hoorelbeck
CELLO
- Mara McClain, Pr
- Jean Hatmaker, APr
- Larry Glazier
- Edward Kelsey Moore
- Axel Gonzalo Rojas Vallejo
- Grace Mockus
- Mark Lekas
- Richard Yeo
BASS
- Michael Hovnanian, Pr
- Sam Shuhan, APr
- Jonathan Cegys
- Jason Niehoff
FLUTE
- Janice MacDonald, Pr
- Karin Ursin
- Janet Axelrod
- Laura Hamm
PICCOLO
- Karin Ursin
OBOE
- Adèle-Marie Buis, Pr
- Amy Barwan
ENGLISH HORN
- Amy Barwan
- Oliver Talukder
- Erica Anderson
CLARINET
- Elizandro Garcia-Montoya, Pr
- Gene Collerd
BASSOON
- Preman Tilson, Pr
- Nathaniel Hale
HORN
- Matthew Oliphant, Pr
- Daniel O’Connell
- Renee Vogen
- Peter Jirousek
TRUMPET
- Dave Inmon, Pr
- Jordan Olive
TROMBONE
- Adam Moen, Pr
- Michael Lormand
- Corey Sansolo
BASS TROMBONE
- David R Becker, Pr
TUBA
- Matthew Gaunt, Pr
TIMPANI
- Simón Gómez Gallego, Pr
PERCUSSION
- Michael Folker, Pr
- Richard Janicki
- Michael Kozakis
PIANO
- Kuang-Hao Huang, Pr
HARP
- Ben Melsky, Pr
GUITAR/BANJO
- Kacey Ellis, Pr