Music director Carlos Kalmar’s vision seemed to lift its eyes to us here on Earth instead of the heavens. The “and there was light” moment resonated without blasting out our eardrums.
The Grant Park Music Festival is going to play out a little differently. From July 2 to August 21, the festival orchestra and chorus will return to their home at Pritzker Pavilion, marking the unofficial opening of public summer events at the venue. Though safety protocols will transform the festival’s sound and duration, Grant Park’s core mission remains intact: The 2021 season includes a healthy offering of programmatic rarities, the chorus will sing its usual six programs, and, yes, lawn spots will remain totally free.