Joffrey Ballet to Stage Ambitious Chicago Premiere of “Liliom” with Complex Musical Demands
The Joffrey Ballet is presenting the Chicago premiere of "Liliom" at the Lyric Opera House, notable for its ambitious soundtrack by Michel Legrand which requires the coordination of two spatially separated ensembles: an onstage big band and a pit orchestra.
Chicago, IL, September 18, 2026 — The Joffrey Ballet is set to present the Chicago premiere of the ballet “Liliom” at the Lyric Opera House. The production is distinguished by its significant musical requirements, featuring a score composed by Michel Legrand.
Central to the production’s unique staging and auditory experience is the necessity to coordinate two distinct musical ensembles performing simultaneously but in separate locations. This intricate musical arrangement involves an onstage big band working in concert with a traditional pit orchestra.
The score, crafted by the late Michel Legrand, known for his film scores and chansons, presents a notable challenge for live performance. Successfully merging the sounds of the larger, on-stage ensemble with the orchestra situated in the pit demands precise timing and masterful musical direction. This dual-ensemble approach is a key characteristic of the “Liliom” production, promising a rich and complex soundscape for the audience.
The choreography and staging for “Liliom” are expected to leverage this unique musical setup to enhance the narrative and atmosphere of the ballet. The specific details regarding the number of musicians in each ensemble or the duration of the run were not provided in the summary. The Joffrey Ballet has a history of presenting challenging and innovative works, and this premiere is anticipated to be a significant event in the Chicago performing arts season.
“Liliom” is based on the play of the same name by Ferenc Molnár. The ballet’s score by Legrand is integral to its dramatic unfolding, and the technical feat of executing it with two spatially separated groups highlights the ambition of this particular staging. The production aims to deliver a memorable theatrical experience that marries visual artistry with sophisticated musical performance.
Story summarized from the original created by Graham Meyer on www.wbez.org, see more information here.
