The Hunchback of Notre Dame - A Concert Presentation

Join us at 2pm or 7:30pm on Saturday, August 19, 2023 for a concert presentation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

The JAM Orchestra is thrilled to be collaborating with Imprint Choir on a concert presentation of Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz’s stunning score to The Hunchback of Notre Dame, inspired by the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the 1996 Disney animated film.

Featuring a dazzling cast of Chicagoland professionals, the vocal forces of Imprint Choir, and the 25-piece JAM Orchestra, this is a rare opportunity to hear this magnificent score performed with the full forces it deserves, in an acoustic space that will enhance the grandeur and dramatic nature of the score.

This version of Hunchback is the definitive version of the score, according to the composers. Incorporating elements of the animated film and the 1999 Berlin stage adaptation Der Glöckner von Notre Dame, Menken & Schwartz were joined by book writer Peter Parnell and director Scott Schwartz to create this new stage adaptation which premiered at La Jolla Playhouse (San Diego, CA) and Paper Mill Play House (Milburn, NJ) in the 2014-15 season. Although the show never went to Broadway, audiences were enthralled with the power of the score and the depth of the characters. Audiences will recognize songs from the film such as Out There, God Help the Outcasts, Hellfire, and Topsy Turvey, brought to life by the full choir and orchestra. This concert is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

An ensemble born through shared passion.

The JAM Orchestra is a unique, multi-genre ensemble that performs from a diverse canon of repertoire, ranging from classical and swing music to Broadway and film scores. We aim to perform each work with the utmost musical integrity including original orchestrations and instrumentation, the way they were meant to be heard. Our goal is to make the orchestra experience accessible to everyone by creating programs that honor both familiar music as well as shed a light on underrepresented musical works and composers, as we strive to present our concerts at the highest quality to a broad spectrum of audience-goers. Featuring some of the finest musicians in Chicago, the JAM Orchestra seeks to create a distinctive and rewarding musical experience for everyone.

The JAM Orchestra is a 501(c)3 non-for-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.