Lollapalooza Welcomes Chicago Philharmonic for a Unique Musical Experience

It was almost showtime at Grant Park, and 52 musicians from the Chicago Philharmonic were busy tuning their instruments in the summer heat, waiting for their special guest to arrive. This was a big moment as they prepared for their performance alongside Icelandic-Chinese pop artist Laufey at Lollapalooza, marking what many believe is a festival first for a full orchestra.

The musicians received their sheet music two weeks ago, but this rehearsal was crucial as it was their only chance to practice with Laufey before the big day on Friday. Having performed with popular artists like the Violent Femmes and Tank and the Bangas, they were excited but knew Lollapalooza was a completely different vibe.

Violinist Eleanor Bartsch noted that Lollapalooza is “kind of another animal,” reflecting the unique atmosphere of a festival compared to traditional concerts. Laufey aims to bring jazz and classical music back into the spotlight, and her versatile talents on piano, guitar, and cello, combined with her warm voice, make her a standout performer.

As they kicked off the rehearsal, executive director Terell Johnson emphasized the well-being of performers amidst the rising temperatures. When Laufey took the stage, the applause was light but warm, setting the tone for the session ahead.

Laufey and the Chicago Philharmonic are set to perform together at Lollapalooza on August 2nd, with single-day passes available starting at $155. The combination of orchestral music with a pop artist isn’t entirely new, as we’ve seen collaborations before, but Laufey brings her unique flair to the mix.

Bartsch, who also teaches at Elmhurst University, expressed the importance of Laufey’s music for younger audiences, stating that it could inspire her students. This performance could potentially be the largest crowd many Philharmonic musicians have faced, promising an exciting experience.

During the rehearsal, the bustling sounds of festival preparations surrounded them – including construction noise and the lively atmosphere of nearby streets. This didn’t seem to faze the musicians; instead, artistic director Scott Speck praised their ability to adapt to the environment.

Johnson pointed out that audience interaction could be quite different at a festival compared to concert halls. At Lollapalooza, they expect responsive crowds, which adds to the energy of the performance.

As they continued through rehearsal, Laufey and the Philharmonic worked on one of her songs, blending her powerful voice with the richness of the orchestra. The sound transformed her lyrics from a modern pop perspective into something more dramatic and impactful.

Violinist Lori Ashikawa highlighted the opportunity to connect with new generations of music lovers during this performance. She believes that breaking away from traditional performer-audience boundaries is essential in today’s music scene, as it helps musicians relate better to their audience.

Near the end of rehearsal, as the sun shone down, Laufey made a bold move, stepping into the spotlight and performing with confidence, as if she were in front of a huge crowd instead of an empty space.