Founded in 1931, the Music Institute of Chicago is a nonprofit community music school that leads people toward a lifelong engagement with music by providing widely accessible resources for high-quality music teaching, performing, and service activities—and harnessing the power of music to educate, inspire, and bring comfort to the communities it serves.
The Music Institute believes music is an essential element of a strong, well-educated, and compassionate community; music bolsters the brain, strengthens community bonds, and nourishes the human spirit; and live music and quality music education should be accessible to everyone.
The Music Institute is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education and accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-collegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS). Each year, the Music Institute’s teachers reach thousands of students of all ages and levels of experience. Music Institute locations include Chicago, Evanston, Winnetka, Lincolnshire, Lake Forest, and Downers Grove. The Music Institute offers lessons and classes; public performances and concerts; and service activities through the Community Music School, Academy, Nichols Concert Hall, and ArtsLink and Music as Service initiatives.
Nichols Concert Hall, Evanston August 1 and 2, 2026 at 7:30 pm
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Directed by Susan Hart
Produced by John Macfarlane
Featuring original music and arrangements by John Macfarlane
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The Court
Theseus — Jon McGilberry Hippolyta — Nicole Labun Philostrate — Suzanne Hannau Egeus — Stephen Fedo
The Lovers
Hermia — Rachel Gaunce Helena — Stephanie Stockstill Lysander — Kevin Woodrow Demetrius — Gerrit Wilford
The Mechanicals
Bottom — David Cangelosi Quince — Jeremiah Strickler Flute — Jack Chylinski Snout — Noah Gartner Snug — Reid O’Connell Starveling — Stephen Fedo
The Fairies
Oberon — John Macfarlane Titania — Angela Born Robin Goodfellow — Graham Macfarlane Mustardseed — Suzanne Hannau Cobweb — Nick Johnson Peaseblossom — Allison Macknick Moth — Vivian Macfarlane
Gian Carlo Menotti's beloved one-act opera comes to life in a new production at Nichols Concert Hall.
Staged with live orchestra, Amahl invites you and your family to experience an uplifting story of wonder, generosity, and hope – all in one unforgettable hour.
Conducted by John Macfarlane Directed by Susan Hart
Angela Born – The Mother Graham Macfarlane – Amahl David Cangelosi – Kaspar Noah Gartner – Melchior Khary Laurent – Balthazar Jeremiah Strickler – The Page