SIDE BY SIDE: Ping Tom Memorial Park

SIDE BY SIDE with the Chicago Philharmonic!

 
Chicago Philharmonic
Scott Speck, Artistic Director & Principal Conductor
And YOU!

Ping Tom Memorial Park
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Rehearsal: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Performance: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

About the Event

Join us for the 11th year of Side by Side with the Chicago Philharmonic, our free, family-friendly summer program presented in partnership with the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks initiative.

Led by Artistic Director & Principal Conductor Scott Speck, this annual event invites musicians all over the Chicagoland community of all ages and skill levels to rehearse and perform alongside Chicago Philharmonic professionals in a welcoming outdoor setting. This year at Ping Tom Memorial Park!

The event will be kicked off with a special spoken word performance by a poet from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, setting the tone for an afternoon of creativity and community.

Bring a blanket, enjoy the music, and take part in one of our most community-centered events of the year.

The schedule for this event includes a free & open rehearsal from 1:30-3:30 PM for anyone who wants to listen, culminating in a performance at 4:30 PM. 

What is Side by Side?

Side by Side with the Chicago Philharmonic is our flagship community engagement program, designed to make orchestral music more accessible and participatory.
Musicians from across the city—students, adults, and seasoned performers—come together to perform a full symphonic program in a relaxed, encouraging environment.

The result is a shared musical experience that builds connection and brings high-quality performance into the heart of the community.

Program: 

This season’s program explores crowd favorites including music from Star Wars, West Side Story, Spirited Away, and more!

Selections include:

• Les Toreadors from Carmen Suite No. 1 – Georges Bizet

• Habanera – Georges Bizet

• Havana – Camila Cabello arr. Victor Lopez

• Selections from West Side Story – Leonard Bernstein, arr. Jack Mason

• Across the Stars from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones – John Williams

• The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme) from Star Wars Suite – John Williams

• One Summer’s Day from Spirited Away – Joe Hisaishi

• Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa

• St. Louis Blues – W.C. Handy

What to bring?

Lawn chairs or a blanket – seating is open on the grass.

Snacks or a picnic – feel free to enjoy food during the concert.

Water – especially on a warm summer day.

Sun protection – sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses.

Your instrument – if you’re performing with us!

Instrument Petting Zoo

In Case of Rain

Weather updates will be posted on our website and social media. We’ll make every effort to proceed safely, rain or shine.

This event is sponsored in part by US Bank & Porillos Hot Dogs.