Classical Music/Opera in Chicago

A significant part of Chicago's lively theater scene are the vibrant classical music venues and performers. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera of Chicago are two nationally and internationally renowned companies. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is over 110 years old and offers fantastic performances year round of varying styles. The Lyric Opera puts on spectacularly grand performances in the equally grand Civic Opera House, an Art Deco style building that is the second largest opera house in America. Chicago houses another opera company, the Chicago Opera Theater, which doesn't have the same acclaim, but has a collection of very talented performers. During the summer months the Grant Park Symphony Chorus, along with many guest artists and classical music companies come to Chicago to play at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion outdoor theater. This is a great activity if traveling during the warm months. For contemporary international classical artists, check out the performance line-up at the very modern Harris Theater in Millennium Park, as well as at the Auditorium Theater in the South Loop. To see some of the greater Chicago-areas' finest musicians take a trip to the Pick-Staiger Auditorium on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, IL. This acoustically balanced theater hosts an array of performances from university students to artists from around the country. The Old Town School of Folk Music is another Chicago gem for showcasing local musicians, as well as international artists.

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