Open Call for String Recordings

ESS looks forward to officially announcing this year’s Sonic Pavilion Festival commissions in the coming weeks, however in the meantime we’re sharing a time-sensitive open call from one of the 2026 Pavilion projects, by violist Whitney Johnson, cellist Lia Kohl, and violinist Macie Stewart.

Calling young and new string players to participate in a composition for the 24-channel overhead trellis sound system above the Great Lawn of Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Recordings will be collected and arranged by Whitney, Lia, and Macie (you can hear their work as a trio here). 

The piece will be played as part of the 2026 Sonic Pavilion Festival, presented by Experimental Sound Studio and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) on September 12th, 13th and 14th. Performances are free and open to the public in downtown Chicago. 

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS JULY 17th AT 11:59 PM

Beginning and intermediate string players are welcome.

Submit your recording via the google form HERE.