Take a walk on the sonic side!
Chicago Philharmonic and the Chicago Park District bring you a curated “sound walk” playlist. Put your headphones on and immerse yourself in the sounds of our city!

The following playlists have been curated by The Chicago Philharmonic Society, and are presented by the Chicago Park District – Night Out in the Parks.
For more information on our nature trails, please visit us at: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/nature

The Gift To Sing – Damien Geter

Damien Geter is a powerful voice in contemporary classical music. A composer and vocalist of exceptional depth, Geter brings both technical mastery and emotional resonance to every piece he creates. “The Gift to Sing,” one of his standout compositions, is a moving work that celebrates the strength and beauty of the human spirit through music. Inspired by the poetry of James Weldon Johnson, the piece offers a stirring blend of classical and spiritual influences, marked by Geter’s signature depth and gravitas. His musical setting transforms the poem’s message into a lush and resonant experience, elevating the listener with each phrase. This song is also a wonderful companion for a reflective walk through the Burnham Wildlife Corridor in Chicago. As you move through the peaceful greenery and along the lakeshore, Geter’s soaring melodies and poignant harmonies echo the quiet strength of nature and the resilience within us all, making the journey feel like a deeply personal and transcendent experience. The Chicago Philharmonic is excited to be working with Geter at this year’s Ear Taxi festival! October 18, 2025 at the Harris Theater.

For more info on the festival, visit: https://www.eartaxifestival.com/

Sonnets of Desire, Longing, and Whimsy — Stacy Garrop

Stacy Garrop is a bold and imaginative force in contemporary classical music, known for her evocative storytelling and deeply expressive compositions. With this piece, the music shimmers with emotional intensity. Garrop’s setting of the text heightens the natural rhythm of the words, transforming them into a choral meditation that is both intimate and expansive. This track is an ideal companion for a contemplative walk through the Burnham Wildlife Corridor in Chicago. As you move along the winding paths and lakefront vistas, Garrop’s music mirrors the shifting light and rustling trees, amplifying the beauty of the moment and evoking a sense of longing that lingers like the moonlight overhead. This work was put out by one of our favorite local labels, Cedille, visit their website to learn more about their amazing work: https://www.cedillerecords.org/

About The Burnham Wildlife Corridor

The Burnham Wildlife Corridor (BWC) is a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness running through Burnham Park. The corridor is composed of 3 main natural areas including the Burnham Centennial Prairie, Burnham Nature Sanctuary, and McCormick Bird Sanctuary. The corridor spans both sides of Lake Shore Drive, and is the largest stretch of natural area along Chicago’s lakefront. Its native prairie, savanna, and woodland ecosystems provide healthy, diverse habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, and offer opportunities for visitors to meaningfully connect to this revitalized public green space in ways that inspire nature exploration, enjoyment, and stewardship.

In the 20th century, much of the blues, R&B, and jazz that would go on to dominate the music scene was coming out of Chicago, specifically the South side, and the work of these artists continues to resonate throughout the city. Listening to this playlist, you can jump from the blues of Muddy Waters to the piano riffs of Lil Hardin Armstrong, or relax to the soothing voice of Mahalia Jackson, all while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna found along the Burnham Wildlife corridor.

The BWC is located runs from McCormick Place south to East 47th Street. For more info visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/burnham-wildlife-corridor