Classical Music & Opera

Classical Music & Opera

The world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, a thriving professional theater community and innovative dance companies are all in Chicago. During the summer, music lovers can relax under the stars and gaze at Lake Michigan or the Chicago skyline while enjoying a free Grant Park Music Festival outdoor concert or dance in the park at a Chicago Summer Dance Festival.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago attracts some of the world's best singers for its lavish productions at the Civic Opera House. Chicago Symphony Center is home to the famous Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the site of many other concerts. Performance by other chamber ensembles, concert band, soloists or visiting musicians can be heard almost ever evening. The city is also home to the Joffery Ballet of Chicago and several other dance companies offering everything from classical ballet and modern dance to jazz and tap.

Our Picks

Chicago Shakespeare Theater On Navy Pier

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is one of the fastest-growing producing and presenting theater institutions in America today. The theater is grounded in a dedication to quality, clarity and integrity, which are the hallmarks of every CST production, from Shakespeare to Sondheim.

 (Photo Credit - Ron Solomon)

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Harris Theater for Music and Dance

State-of-the-art, downtown performance center opened its doors on November 8, 2003. The Architects installed cloth panels on the side walls and curtains in the ceiling catwalks so they can tune the room to whatever performance that is going on for the night.

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Joffrey Ballet

This is world-class ballet, presented at the World-Class Auditorium Theatre. Chicago is indeed fortunate to have such a talented dance company. The Joffrey performs both classical ballet and dance that is more socially relevant to our modern times. In either case, the energy and talent of the dancers and choreographers is just amazing.

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Chicago Opera Theater

Founded in 1974 by Alan Stone, Chicago Opera Theater has carved a significant place for itself in the operatic life of Chicago and has reached an audience of hundreds of thousands through its main stage performances, outreach, education and young artist programs.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater On Navy Pier

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is one of the fastest-growing producing and presenting theater institutions in America today. The theater is grounded in a dedication to quality, clarity and integrity, which are the hallmarks of every CST production, from Shakespeare to Sondheim.

 (Photo Credit - Ron Solomon)


Chicago Symphony Center/Orchestra Hall

Rich in tradition. Innovative in vision. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is a musical force in Chicago and around the world. Built in 1904, Symphony Center was designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham, then a trustee of the CSO.
The Grammy award winning ensemble holds more than 150 performances and events a year. The CSO is made up of 107 professional musicians, including two internationally renowned conductors and two award-winning composers-in-residence.

 


Harris Theater for Music and Dance

State-of-the-art, downtown performance center opened its doors on November 8, 2003. The Architects installed cloth panels on the side walls and curtains in the ceiling catwalks so they can tune the room to whatever performance that is going on for the night.


Joffrey Ballet

This is world-class ballet, presented at the World-Class Auditorium Theatre. Chicago is indeed fortunate to have such a talented dance company. The Joffrey performs both classical ballet and dance that is more socially relevant to our modern times. In either case, the energy and talent of the dancers and choreographers is just amazing.