Music of the Baroque and 40 Chicago Public School Students Light Up Riverwalk in Free Concert

On Sunday, September 9 2026, the Chicago Riverwalk transformed into an open‑air concert hall as a crowd of residents and visitors gathered to hear a rare collaboration between a seasoned professional ensemble and a group of eager young voices.

The program opened with Music of the Baroque, a chorus and orchestra that has been a staple of Chicago’s classical scene for more than five decades. Under the baton of conductor Andrew Megill, the group presented a selection of 18th‑century works that set a bright, baroque tone for the afternoon. The ensemble, now in its 56th season under the title “Heights of Genius,” had been invited to perform as part of the Riverwalk’s Sunday series, a free‑music initiative that has expanded since 2022.

Joining the orchestra were 40 students from Chicago Public Schools (CPS), drawn from several elementary and middle schools across the district. They are part of CPS’s Voice Teaching program, overseen by the Department of Student Voice & Engagement. The students received coaching from the ensemble’s vocal director and rehearsed for several weeks before stepping onto the Riverwalk stage. This was the first time that Voice Teaching students had performed in a public concert setting outside of a school venue.

The Riverwalk itself—spanning 1.25 miles along the south bank of the Chicago River—has long been a hub for dining, art, and community events. The concert took place near the Outer Drive Bridge, a popular gathering spot that attracts locals and tourists alike. CBS News Chicago reported that a sizable audience lingered after the performance to stroll along the waterfront and enjoy nearby cafés.

CPS officials said the partnership was designed to showcase the district’s commitment to arts education and to give students a real‑world performance experience. The Voice Teaching program’s coordinator, who spoke to the outlet, noted that the students had rehearsed for several weeks and were proud to share their work with the community.

Music of the Baroque’s director confirmed that the ensemble’s participation was part of a broader outreach effort. “We’re always looking for ways to bring our music to new audiences,” the director said. “Working with CPS students was a natural fit because it aligns with our mission to support music education.”

The concert remained free and open to the public, in keeping with the Riverwalk’s policy of providing free cultural programming. Promotion came through the Riverwalk’s social‑media channels and local news outlets, and CBS News Chicago highlighted the community impact of the performance.

While the exact number of attendees was not reported, CBS described the crowd as “large.” The Riverwalk’s open‑air capacity typically allows for several thousand spectators, and the event coincided with the launch of Music of the Baroque’s 2026‑27 season, which will feature a series of concerts throughout the year.

This collaboration between a professional ensemble and a public‑school program exemplifies a growing trend in Chicago’s music scene: integrating educational initiatives with community outreach. By giving students a platform to perform publicly, CPS and Music of the Baroque aim to inspire future musicians and strengthen the city’s cultural fabric.

The Riverwalk’s free concert series continues to run on Sundays, offering a mix of classical, jazz, and contemporary performances. The next scheduled event is a jazz concert on September 16, 2026, featuring local musicians from the Chicago Jazz Festival.

In summary, the September 9 concert brought together professional musicians and CPS students in a public setting, drawing a large audience to the Riverwalk and highlighting the city’s commitment to accessible music education and community engagement.