The unique collaboration is the first time the festival has had a full orchestra on a stage and is also notable for being the largest single audience in Chicago Philharmonic history, coming as the organization celebrates its 35th anniversary.
— Selena Fragassi, Chicago Sun-Times
CHICAGO PHILHARMONIC LOLLAPALOOZA DEBUT WITH LAUFEY
Photo Credit: Ismael Quintanilla III / C3 Presents
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August 2, 2024, marked a historic day for both the Chicago Philharmonic and the world-renowned Lollapalooza music festival. For the first time in the festival’s 20-year history, a full professional orchestra took the stage, bringing a unique blend of classical elegance and modern jazz to Grant Park. The occasion? A breathtaking collaboration with Icelandic-Chinese pop-jazz sensation Laufey, who has been turning heads and capturing hearts with her genre-defying sound.
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LAUFEY PERFORMS ON THE CATWALK AS THE CHICAGO PHILHARMONIC ACCOMPANIES HER.
Photo Credit: Colin Boyle / Block Club Chicago
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Setting the Scene: A Symphony in the Heart of Lollapalooza
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The sun began its descent over the Chicago skyline as the Chicago Philharmonic, a 51-piece ensemble, took their places on the Bud Light stage. The buzz in the air was palpable, a mix of anticipation and excitement as festival-goers gathered for what was sure to be an unforgettable performance.
As the orchestra members began tuning their instruments, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their excitement building to a fever pitch. When Laufey finally stepped onto the stage, draped in a soft, pastel pink Rodarte gown with puffy tulle sleeves, she was met with an even louder roar of applause. With a gracious smile, she greeted the crowd with the words, “Welcome to the symphony!”—a fitting introduction to what would be an extraordinary musical experience.
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CELLO PLAYERS: ED MOORE, MATT AGNEW. BASS PLAYER: JEREMY ATTANSEO.
Photo Credit: Colin Boyle / Block Club Chicago
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A Dream Realized: Laufey and the Philharmonic Unite
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Laufey’s dream of blending her music with a full orchestra came to life in a way that few could have imagined. Known for her ability to fuse traditional jazz with a modern pop sensibility, Laufey’s performance at Lollapalooza was nothing short of magical. From the opening notes of “Dreamer” to the final strains of “From the Start,” the collaboration between Laufey and the Chicago Philharmonic offered a fresh take on her beloved songs, transforming them into lush, cinematic masterpieces.
The setlist included fan favorites such as “Bewitched,” “Valentine,” and “Falling Behind,” each reimagined with the rich, full-bodied sound of the Chicago Philharmonic. The performance wasn’t just a showcase of technical skill; it was a demonstration of the emotional depth that music can reach when different genres come together in harmony.
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SURPRISE GUEST RAYE JOINS LAUFEY ON STAGE FOR “IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU.”
Photo Credit: Ashley Osborn / C3 Presents
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A Surprise to Remember: Raye Joins the Stage
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As if the evening wasn’t already extraordinary, Laufey delighted the crowd with a surprise guest: UK-based singer-songwriter Raye. The two artists shared a moment of musical chemistry as they performed a duet of the classic jazz standard “It Could Happen to You.” Their voices intertwined with the orchestra’s strings, creating a moment of pure enchantment that left the audience in awe. The duet was a perfect example of how Laufey’s vision of blending genres could bring something timeless into a contemporary context, making it accessible and exciting for all generations.
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SEE PERRY FARRELL’S ORIGINAL POST.
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Festival Founder Shoutout: A Moment to Remember
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Even Perry Farrell, the founder of Lollapalooza, couldn’t contain his excitement about this groundbreaking performance. He shared his admiration, saying, “I have to send a special shoutout to Laufey and the Chicago Philharmonic for achieving something I’ve always dreamed about happening at Lollapalooza. That was such a beautiful moment and I’m so proud to host this magic at Lolla.”
Farrell, who still serves as a creative voice for the festival, spoke with the Chicago Tribune just before Megan Thee Stallion’s headlining concert. Reflecting on his role, he mentioned, “I dream. I think about how we can utilize what we started.” Although others now handle much of the artist lineup, Farrell revealed that he still makes a few key selections each year—among them, Laufey’s performance with the Chicago Philharmonic. He expressed his excitement for this particular collaboration, highlighting it as one of his “tasty picks” for the 2024 festival.
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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR SCOTT SPECK, GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING SINGER-SONGWRITER LAUFEY, AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TERELL JOHNSON.
Photo Credit: Gizel Issa / Chicago Philharmonic
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Executive Reflections: Terell Johnson on the Historic Performance
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Terell Johnson, Executive Director of the Chicago Philharmonic, also reflected on the orchestra’s monumental debut. “After a whirlwind week, I’m pausing to reflect on Chicago Philharmonic’s Lollapalooza debut on Friday. We made Chicago history as the first professional orchestra to ever perform at the famed festival, with 100,000+ people tuning in to celebrate with the Philharmonic and our tremendous collaborator, Laufey. The concert was nothing short of astonishing thanks to Laufey’s brilliant artistry, our talented and hardworking orchestra, and a special guest appearance by the remarkable Raye!”
Johnson further expressed his gratitude, saying, “My deepest thanks go out to Sarah Hicks, Wasserman Music, Black Ink Productions, to my team at Chicago Philharmonic for their tireless efforts, and to Lollapalooza for creating a space for creativity and artistic collaboration in a major way. And most of all, a huge thank you to the tremendously talented Laufey and her team for partnering with us on this groundbreaking performance. As she continues to introduce the symphony to new audiences, Laufey’s music stands as a powerful testament that orchestras are vessels for innovation in music. We are honored to have been part of this journey and are excited to bring even more unforgettable experiences to the city of Chicago. Here’s to our 35th anniversary and many more magical moments and groundbreaking performances ahead!”
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CHICAGO PHILHARMONIC MUSICIANS LINE UP IN FRONT OF CTA BUSES FOR LOLLAPALOOZA SECURITY CHECK.
Photo Credit: Gizel Issa / Chicago Philharmonic
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A Symphony on the Move: CTA to the Rescue!
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While preparing for their Lollapalooza debut, the Chicago Philharmonic faced a unique logistical challenge: How do you get 51 musicians and staff members to Grant Park amidst the city’s heightened security protocols and travel restrictions? The solution came from a beloved Chicago institution—the Chicago Transit Authority, AKA… the CTA.
In a true demonstration of community support, the CTA offered two entire buses dedicated to transporting the whole ensemble to the festival. The idea was sparked by Chicago Philharmonic’s Executive Director, Terell Johnson, who reached out to his colleague, Lester Barclay, Chairman of the CTA. Thanks to their collaboration, the orchestra was able to arrive together, ensuring that every musician made it to the stage safely and on time, ready to perform.
Special thanks go to the incredible CTA bus operators, Tommie Connet and Estrella Guzman, who drove the buses and played a key role in making this journey possible. Their professionalism and dedication ensured a smooth, timely, and safe arrival, allowing the Philharmonic to focus on delivering an unforgettable performance. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Michael Caruthers, General Manager at Chicago Transit Authority, for his invaluable support in making this transportation arrangement possible.
Johnson expressed his gratitude, noting that the partnership with the CTA was instrumental in making their Lollapalooza debut possible. This support not only highlights the importance of community connections but also underscores the city’s commitment to celebrating and facilitating the arts.
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THE VIEW FROM BUD LIGHT STAGE THE DAY OF THE PERFORMANCE
Photo Credit: Gizel Issa / Chicago Philharmonic
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A Milestone for Chicago Philharmonic
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For the Chicago Philharmonic, this performance was more than just another concert; it was a milestone in the orchestra’s history. Performing at Lollapalooza, in front of what is likely the largest single audience the orchestra has ever encountered, represents a bold step in bringing classical music to new and diverse audiences. This collaboration with Laufey is a testament to the Philharmonic’s commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the music world.
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COMMEMORATIVE SIGNED EVENT POSTER AND LAUFEYPALOOZA SHIRT
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As the festival-goers dispersed into the night, the echoes of the evening lingered—a reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and create unforgettable experiences. The Chicago Philharmonic’s performance with Laufey at Lollapalooza was not just a concert; it was a moment of cultural significance, a celebration of music’s ability to unite us all.
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CHICAGO PHILHARMONIC PERFORMING ON STAGE UNDER THE BATON OF GUEST CONDUCTOR SARAH HICKS.
Photo Credit: Gizel Issa / Chicago Philharmonic
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Looking Forward
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As we reflect on this historic collaboration, the Chicago Philharmonic is more excited than ever to continue exploring new and innovative ways to bring orchestral music to a broader audience. This performance at Lollapalooza is just one of many milestones in our 35th anniversary season. Another significant moment on the horizon is our debut at the storied Carnegie Hall in New York City this October, where we will be joined by the acclaimed guest artist Sleeping At Last for Chicago Philharmonic Presents An Evening With Sleeping At Last.
As we continue to celebrate this milestone year, we invite you to join us for more groundbreaking performances and collaborations that push the boundaries of classical music. The journey ahead is full of promise, and we can’t wait to share every moment with you.
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Complete Musician Roster for Laufey with the Chicago Philharmonic at Lollapalooza:
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VIOLIN I
David Perry, CM
Eleanor Bartsch, ACM
Kiju Joh
Karin Gambell
Julimar Gonzalez
Rika Seko
Whun Kim
Jeff Yang
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VIOLIN II
Carmen Kassinger, Pr
Lisa Fako, APr
Caitlin Edwards
Azusa Tashiro
Helen Kim
Lori Ashikawa
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VIOLA
Rose Armbrust Griffin, Pr
Stephanie Block, APr
Robert Switala
Claudia Lasareff-Mironoff
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CELLO
Mara McClain, Pr
Jean Hatmaker, APr
Matthew Agnew
Edward Kelsey Moore
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BASS
Jeremy Attanaseo, Pr
Christian Dillingham, APr
Jonathan Cegys
Doug Johnson
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FLUTE
Mimi Tachouet, Pr
Karin Ursin
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PICCOLO
Karin Ursin
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OBOE
Adele-Marie Buis, Pr
Erica Anderson
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CLARINET
Daniel Won, Pr
Kathy Pirtle
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BASSOON
Hanna Sterba, Pr
Nathaniel Hale
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HORN
Pete Jirousek, Pr
Jeremiah Frederick
Parker Nelson
Angela Bilger
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TRUMPET
Jordan Olive, Pr
Christian Anderson
Wes Skidgel
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TROMBONE
Tom Stark, Pr
Corey Sansolo
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BASS TROMBONE
David Becker, Pr
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TUBA
Matt Gaunt, Pr
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TIMPANI
Robert Everson, Pr
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PERCUSSION
Michael Folker, Pr
Simon Gomez
Andrew Cierny
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HARP
Alison Attar, Pr
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PIANO
Bob Sutter, Pr
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