April was a month to remember for Chicago Philharmonic—filled with cinematic splendor, a powerful new residency, and unforgettable performances that reached thousands of people across Chicago. From jazz-infused film scores to spontaneous lunchtime trios, here’s a look back at what made this month so special.
April 5, 2025 — La La Land in Concert
We kicked off the month with not one, but two sold-out performances of La La Land in Concert at The Auditorium, Chicago’s Landmark Stage®, featuring a very special guest on the podium: Academy Award® and Grammy Award®-winning composer Justin Hurwitz, who conducted the Chicago Philharmonic himself.
From the opening freeway number to the emotional final montage, our musicians brought the film’s celebrated score to life with energy and heart. Jazz pianist Bob Sutter earned a wave of applause for his expressive solos, particularly during “City of Stars” and “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme.”
Hurwitz delighted the crowd with behind-the-scenes stories—like how “City of Stars” was orchestrated right here in Chicago’s O’Hare Airport—and stayed after each performance to meet fans and sign autographs.
A truly magical night all around!
April 15–17, 2025 — Inaugural Artist in Residence: Violinist, Njioma Grevious
Mid-April marked the exciting launch of Chicago Philharmonic’s Inaugural Artist-in-Residence Program with acclaimed violinist Njioma Grevious, whose three-day residency blended inspiring performances with hands-on community engagement.
April 15: She began at UChicago Lab School, performing and speaking with students before heading to a live interview on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago. Later that afternoon, Njioma visited the Rusu-McCartin Boys & Girls Club, where students got to try playing violins for the first time—learning how to hold a bow and create sound.
April 16: Day 2 featured a mini-masterclass at Chicago Bulls College Prep, where she connected Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires to Vivaldi through live demonstration. When a couple students asked if she’d stay and play with them during their lunch—she did. Together, they jammed on one of the students’ favorite pieces, turning the classroom into an impromptu chamber ensemble rehearsal.
April 17: The final day of Njioma Grevious’ residency included a special student matinee at the Driehaus Museum, where over 350 students gathered from 5 different schools across Chicago—many experiencing live orchestral music for the very first time! After the performance, students lined up for autographs and added their names to Njioma’s concert poster, transforming it into a joyful keepsake.
That evening, Njioma returned to the Murphy Auditorium, located inside the Driehaus Museum, for her Artist in Residence Showcase Concert with Chicago Philharmonic chamber musicians and Artistic Director & Principal Conductor, Scott Speck. The program featured Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings and Piazzolla’s Winter & Summer, performed with both fire and grace. It was a thrilling launch to her three-year journey with us—and we can’t wait to welcome her back in November.
This program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council, Paul Kreider, and the Alzenia Project.
April 19, 2025 — Kishi Bashi in Concert
That same week, immediately following the launch of our Artist in Residence Program, Kishi Bashi returned to Chicago for another genre-defying collaboration with the Chicago Philharmonic—this time at The Auditorium, featuring the world premiere of new orchestral arrangements from his latest album Kantos, performed live for the first time with full orchestra.
The program included stunning debuts of four new works:
- Penny Rabbit and Summer Bear
- Atticus in the Desert
- Colorful State
- Escape from Knossos / Icarus
Blending Brazilian jazz, ’70s funk, orchestral rock, and city pop, the performance was a radiant celebration of resilience, identity, and imagination. Tall Tall Trees (aka experimental banjoist Mike Savino) joined Kishi Bashi onstage as a featured guest, contributing his signature psychedelic banjo textures that added a fresh dimension to the orchestral soundscape.
The evening also featured highly anticipated fan favorites like “Honeybody” and “I Am the Antichrist to You,” both brought to life with full orchestra. When Kishi hit the line, “Oh honeybody, whatcha doin’ Sunday?”, the crowd was instantly on their feet—dancing, clapping, and completely immersed in the moment. Led by Artistic Director & Principal Conductor, Scott Speck, the Chicago Philharmonic matched Kishi’s energy every step of the way with sharp, dynamic playing that carried the music’s rhythmic drive, emotional depth, and infectious sense of fun from start to finish.
April 26, 2025 — The Goonies in Concert
We closed out April with an epic celebration: the 40th anniversary of The Goonies, performed live in concert at The Auditorium. Conducted by the one-and-only Thiago Tiberio, who arranged Dave Grusin’s original score for the stage, the film played on the big screen while the Chicago Philharmonic brought every thrilling moment to life.
Thiago welcomed the audience with a gleeful “Hey you guys!,” setting the tone for an evening filled with adventure, humor, and heart. From the energetic Fratelli Chase opening sequence to the surprise burst of John Williams’ Superman theme when Sloth saves the day, and the sweeping music that plays as the kids finally discover the pirate ship, every moment was brought vividly to life by the orchestra.
Thousands packed The Auditorium for this nostalgic night—many dressed as their favorite characters, with a few even bringing Goonies-inspired stuffed animals to watch the film with them. Whether it was someone’s first time seeing the movie or their fortieth, it was a memorable experience for all.
It was a great night for The Goonies, the fans, and the Philharmonic. Goonies never say die—happy 40th!
What’s Next? Check it out!
April reminded us why we do what we do: to spark joy, create connection, and bring bold, unforgettable experiences to the stage. Thank you to our musicians, staff, partners, and—most importantly—you, our audience, for making this month so special.
As we approach the final months of our 35th anniversary season, here’s what’s coming up:
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The Terminator Live in Concert – Friday, June 13 at The Auditorium
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Lindsey Stirling with the Chicago Philharmonic – Thursday, June 26 at Ravinia Festival
Then, we launch our 36th season with an exciting lineup of performances and collaborations:
- Nas with the Chicago Philharmonic – Wednesday, July 2 at Ravinia Festival
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King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard with the Chicago Philharmonic – Wednesday, August 6 at Ravinia Festival
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The Infinity Saga in Concert – Friday, August 29 at Ravinia Festival
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Disney in Concert: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – Saturday, October 25 at The Auditorium
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The Holiday in Concert – Saturday, December 20 at The Auditorium
Explore the full season and get your tickets at chicagophil.org. We can’t wait to share more unforgettable music with you.
Support the Future of Bold, Live Music
Chicago Philharmonic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to presenting thrilling, diverse, and artistically excellent programming across Chicago. If you’ve been inspired by the stories, concerts, and community impact shared above, consider making a donation to help us continue bringing unforgettable musical experiences to the stage—and beyond.