Chicago: Classical music, opera and dance

Under Daniel Barenboim, who is committed to including more contemporary music in its repertoire, the profile of the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra - based at the Orchestra Hall, 220 S Michigan Ave (tel 312/435-8122 or 312/435-8172, ) - looks like it's being raised yet higher. The 186-member Symphony Chorus performs both classical and contemporary choral works with the CSO, specifically in summer at the open-air Ravinia Festival , 25 miles north of downtown Chicago ( ). The Lyric Opera of Chicago , 20 N Wacker Drive (tel 312/332-2244, ), now under the directorship of William Mason, performs in the beautiful Civic Opera House; its season is from mid-September to early February, and most performances are sold out.

The Joffrey Ballet is the city's prime classically oriented dance company, based at 70 E Lake St (tel 312/739-0120, ). Hubbard Street Dance Chicago , now in its new home at 1147 W Jackson Blvd (tel 312/850-9744, ), is more contemporary but equally talented.

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