As the starting time neared, 52 musicians onstage in the sweltering heat of Grant Park tuned their instruments and warmed up, awaiting the guest of honor. The Chicago Philharmonic needed this rehearsal to be flawless.
They had received their sheet music two weeks prior, but Wednesday’s rehearsal was the only chance to practice with their guest star, Icelandic-Chinese pop artist Laufey, before their Friday performance at Lollapalooza. It’s thought to be the first time an entire orchestra has played the festival.
The Philharmonic has collaborated with popular artists before, including the Violent Femmes and Tank and the Bangas. However, violinist Eleanor Bartsch remarked, “Lollapalooza is a different beast,” during a break in the lounge area behind the Bud Light stage.
Laufey aims to rekindle appreciation for jazz and classical music among contemporary music lovers. With a warm, commanding voice, she could transform any cover into a classic. She’s remarkably versatile, playing piano, guitar, and cello.
At the start of the rehearsal, with temperatures nearing 90 degrees, executive director Terell Johnson prioritized the performers’ well-being. Laufey then took the stage to light, sweet applause. It was showtime.
Pop artists performing with orchestras isn’t new; for instance, Death Cab for Cutie’s 2012 tour with Magik*Magik Orchestra or Lady Gaga with Tony Bennett. But Laufey brings something uniquely special, noted Bartsch, a violin teacher at Elmhurst University who learned about Laufey from her students.
Bartsch mentioned that seeing someone like Laufey inspires her students. “The orchestra respects her vision for the show, and for my students, it’s heartening and motivating.”
This event will likely be the largest audience many Philharmonic members have ever faced. Bartsch said, “It’s a huge crowd with young people from everywhere, which will bring amazing energy. It’s a fascinating contrast since the music is pretty reserved.”
As they rehearsed, setup for the festival continued around them, creating a sort of beautiful cacophony that the performers embraced. Scott Speck, the Philharmonic’s artistic director, praised the musicians’ ability to adapt to all circumstances.
Seeing the Lollapalooza crowd’s interactive nature will be a new experience for the orchestra, compared to traditional concerts. Johnson anticipated the audience’s involvement would enrich the performance.
An hour into the rehearsal, Laufey and the Philharmonic rehearsed “Bored,” a bonus track from her sophomore album “Bewitched.” The live rendition emphasized her grand voice, transforming the lyrics into a powerful statement.
Violinist Lori Ashikawa views the performance as a chance to engage new audiences. She prefers interacting with audiences over staying in a performer bubble. Relating to the audience enhances her performance, she said.
Johnson believes the organic nuances of live performances might make orchestra collaborations more appealing in pop music. “A track recording is fixed, but live performances offer unpredictable nuances that create a unique experience,” he explained.
By the end of the rehearsal, with the sun blazing, Laufey stepped out of a shaded area and performed as though facing a crowd of thousands, not an empty field.
Laufey and the Chicago Philharmonic will perform at Lollapalooza on Aug. 2 at 6:45 PM. Single-day passes start at $155.