Executive Director Terell Johnson reflects on Chicago Philharmonic’s sold-out La La Land in Concert weekend with composer Justin Hurwitz.
Dear Friends,
Here’s to the ones who dream.
Last weekend, the Chicago Philharmonic performed two sold-out concerts of La La Land in Concert with two-time Academy Award winning composer Justin Hurwitz at The Auditorium. With more than 7,500 people in the audience across two concerts, it was a powerful reminder of how the magic of film and live music can bring people together.
We had the pleasure of working with La La Landcomposer and two-time Academy Award winner Justin Hurwitz, who conducted the performances. He shared that he actually orchestrated City of Stars right here in Chicago—while waiting for a flight at O’Hare:
“I grew up in Wisconsin…and I was visiting my family when I wrote the piano part of City of Stars. I had to go back to LA and I ended up having to orchestrate it at O’Hare. So I remember, like it was yesterday, I was in my headphones, and I was writing all the violin parts and the glockenspiel and bass clarinet. And everything from City of Stars I wrote at O’Hare.”
Justin was all in—dynamic on the podium and generous offstage. After the concert, he stayed for hours to sign posters and records for hundreds of fans.
The score calls for a full jazz band embedded within the orchestra—all Chicago Philharmonic musicians—and they delivered with skill and style. I couldn’t be more proud of this orchestra’s versatility and musicianship.
Piano soloist Bob Sutter was a standout in a night full of top-tier performances—receiving standing ovations from the crowd for his musical portrayal of Ryan Gosling’s on-screen character Sebastian Wilder. Lead trumpet Rob Parton hit screaming high notes with aplomb and lead saxophone Jacob Scesney gave incredible jazz solos.
Concerts like this get to the heart of what we’re about at Chicago Philharmonic. Artistic excellence, collaboration, and making music that moves people.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at our next concert.
Warm Regards,
Photography by Kyle Dunleavy.
📸 Got photos? Tag us at @chicagophilharmonic—we’d love to see your favorite moments!
Up Next: More Film Concerts with Chicago Philharmonic!
The magic continues with more iconic films performed live to picture at The Auditorium.
The Goonies In Concert – 40th Anniversary
Saturday, April 26, 2025
The Terminator in Concert
Friday, June 13, 2025
Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story in Concert – 30th Anniversary
Saturday, June 14, 2025