Shedd Aquarium and Chicago Sinfonietta Find Harmony in Surprise Collaboration
May 15, 2025
Photo by: Shedd Aquarium/Rachel Mittelstaedt
CHICAGO – Shedd Aquarium hosted musicians from Chicago Sinfonietta for a surprise performance of symphonic music to both the animals and guests in Shedd’s Abbott Oceanarium. The harmonious collaboration was inspired by the recent naming of Shedd’s newest beluga calf, Opus (OH-pus), whose name means “a composition of music.” The name, chosen by Shedd’s members, was in honor of Opus’s father, Beethoven.
Before the aquarium opened, a string quartet from the Chicago Sinfonietta arrived, and players performed around the Secluded Bay habitat—home to the resident beluga whales. Known as the “canaries of the sea,” belugas can produce an impressive and diverse array of sounds, which they use to communicate and navigate.
Two of the musicians entered the habitat and played for several of the adult belugas at Shedd, while a cellist performed a few pieces specifically for Opus.
“Belugas have a natural connection to sound, so we were very curious to see what they would make of the musicians,” said Megan Vens-Policky, an animal care supervisor with Shedd Aquarium. “We are always thinking about creative ways to provide the belugas with enrichment – new sounds, sights and experiences that keep them active and add novelty to their day. This partnership was a fun opportunity to share something the belugas may have never seen or heard before.”
Later that morning, the quartet played a selection of music as guests entered the building, adding a fun and unexpected “surprise and delight” moment for locals and tourists alike.
“As an orchestra known for its innovative concerts and creative programming withing the community, Chicago Sinfonietta is pleased to form a new collaboration with an historic landmark in our community, Shedd Aquarium,” stated Wendy Lewis, interim CEO of Chicago Sinfonietta. “Both Chicago organizations are committed to curating important and thoughtful ways to innovate, inspire and ignite interest in our world and to protect it for the future through artful communication. The opportunity to experience the amazing sounds of our orchestra while in the presence of the majestic beluga whale was unforgettable. “
In partnering, Shedd and the Sinfonietta hope to demonstrate the linkages and harmony between nature and music and underscore the remarkable cultural diversity and experiences that Chicago has to offer.
VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos and broadcast quality video of the collaboration here:
https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e7066895f626d75b2a6&C=50
Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Rachel Mittelstaedt
Video Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Sam Cejtin