Special Concerts

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RICCARDO MUTI

BARBARA FRITTOLI

SYMPHONY BALL

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 7:00 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Muti conductor Barbara Frittoli soprano (Leonora) Dmitry Belosselskiy bass (Padre Guardiano) Chicago Symphony Chorus Duain Wolfe chorus director Verdi Ballet music and Patria oppressa! from Macbeth Verdi Si redesti il leon di Castiglia from Ernani Verdi Va, pensiero from Nabucco Verdi Act 2 Finale from La forza del destino Verdi Overture to I vespri siciliani

Join us for a special Symphony Ball celebration of the bicentennial of Italy’s greatest opera composer, Giuseppe Verdi. Riccardo Muti conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in some of Verdi’s most popular and rousing choruses, including the invigorating anthem Va, pensiero from Nabucco. Renowned opera stars Barbara Frittoli and Dmitry Belosselskiy sing the impassioned second act of La forza del destino.

Order a Symphony Ball gala package by April 5, 2013 and receive a 10% discount! Gala packages available by calling 312-294-3185.

“Muti went from triumph to triumph revealing the beauty and power

of Verdi’s score.” —THE HUFFINGTON POST

ORQUESTA BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB featuring OMARA PORTUONDO LEGENDARY ARTISTS. SULTRY SOUNDS.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 7:00

The legendary musicians of the Buena Vista social club sparked a worldwide love affair with Cuban music with their first release in 1997, which was later included in Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest albums of all time. Several original members, including Omara Portuondo and Barbito Torres, come to Symphony Center for a night of the infectious energy that made the group an international phenomenon.

VERDI 200th BIRTHDAY SPECTACULAR

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 8:00 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Tatiana Serjan soprano Riccardo Muti conductor Daniela Barcellona mezzo-soprano Chicago Symphony Chorus Mario Zeffiri tenor Duain Wolfe chorus director Ildar Abdrazakov bass Verdi Requiem Mass

With its potent mix of fury and fear, punctuated with hammering chords and explosive bass drum bangs, this is one of Verdi’s most striking choral works. For one night only, Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus celebrate the 200th anniversary of Verdi’s birth by reprising their acclaimed 2009 performances, which sold out months in advance and led to their Grammy® Award-winning recording.

MARIACHI VARGAS de TECALITLÁN THE GREATEST MARIACHI IN THE WORLD

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 3:00

An annual favorite at Symphony Center, the infectiously energetic Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán never disappoints. The band says: “Mariachi taps into man’s raw, naked, powerful, hidden emotions; mariachi songs will take you back to your first love and to your first heartbreak. At our concerts, one minute, you can be in your seat, crying as you mourn a lost love while listening to Me Canse de Rogerle, and another minute, you’ll be out of your seat, dancing to Mariachi Loco, reminded of a joyous occasion.” Expect an invigorating afternoon of legendary Mariachi as only Vargas can deliver.

HALLOWED HAUNTS A MUSICALLY SPOOKY GOOD TIME!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 3:00 Civic Orchestra of Chicago

We invite trick-or-treaters of all ages to get into the Halloween spirit at our annual Hallowed Haunts concert! This spook-tacular afternoon with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago is full of symphonic thrills and chills that will haunt and delight. Don your Halloween costume and join fellow ghosts and ghouls for preconcert activities from 1:30-2:30.

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

JOHN WILLIAMS RETURNS!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 8:00 / Chicago Symphony Orchestra John Williams conductor Gil Shaham violin SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 8:00

Legendary composer John Williams and renowned violinist Gil Shaham join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to perform Williams’ lush and virtuosic Violin Concerto. The work is paired with selections from some of the composer’s most memorable film scores, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. The Extraterrestrial and Lincoln, a 2013 Golden Globe® Award-nominee for which the CSO recorded the original soundtrack.

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR AN ANNUAL FAMILY TRADITION

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 3:00

Ring in your holiday season with the angelic voices of one of the oldest boys’ choirs in the world! An Austrian treasure since 1498, this renowned group delivers soaring performances of everything from medieval to contemporary music. Bring the whole family to enjoy old-world charm from the beloved Vienna Boys Choir.

Due to the length and content of the program, this concert is recommended for ages 8 and up; infants will not be admitted.

A CHANTICLEER CHRISTMAS VOCAL HOLIDAY CHEER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 7:30 FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 7:30 126 E. CHESTNUT STREET

Since Chanticleer first performed on our Symphony Center Presents series in 1995, the choir of male voices has become a hallmark of the holiday season. Be entranced by this Grammy® Award-winning a cappella ensemble as they perform traditional carols, revered sacred works and delightful holiday favorites at the breathtaking and intimate Fourth Presbyterian Church.

“Chanticleer, an ensemble notable both for its unity and for its distinctly individual voices, sings beautifully and is always a pleasure

to hear.” —NEW YORK TIMES

WELCOME YULE! CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS AT SYMPHONY CENTER!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 3:00 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1:30 & 5:30 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 7:00 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 3:00 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1:30 & 5:30 MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 3:00 Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Duain Wolfe creative director and conductor Chicago Symphony Chorus Welcome Yule! Children’s Ensemble Welcome Yule! Dance Ensemble

Whether you’re young or old, naughty or nice, Welcome Yule! is just the ticket for heartwarming holiday cheer. The merry musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus promise a delightful program of new arrangements, cherished carols and some musical surprises. Join the fun with sing-alongs and rollicking traditional tunes, including “Christmas in Chicago.”

Due to the length and content of the program, this concert is recommended for ages 5 and up; infants will not be admitted.

THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BRASS BRILLIANT BRASS. RESOUNDING JOY.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 3:00

The incomparable CSO Brass possess an impressive combination of power, versatility and delicacy. The acclaimed recording of their 2010 program, released on CSO Resound, was praised for its “consummate musicianship, revelatory sound and well-chosen music, idiomatically arranged” (SA-CD.net). Witness our world-famous brass choir in a program of traditional favorites and symphonic masterworks arranged for brass ensemble.

This concert is presented in collaboration with the Midwest Clinic, an international band and orchestra conference.

THESE CONCERTS MAKE A PERFECT ADDITION TO ANY CONCERT SERIES. SAVE UP TO 10% WHEN YOU PURCHASE BY APRIL 5!

CALL 312-294-3000 OR VISIT CSO.ORG FOR PRICES.

SPECIAL CONCERTS

ESTRELLA MORENTE A MAGNETIC EVENING WITH FLAMENCO ROYALTY

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 8:00

Transport yourself to a sultry night in Spain with passionate flamenco singer Estrella Morente. Singing everything from sensual tangos to glittering tarantas, the renowned diva will take your breath away with her emotional vocals and captivating presence.

“She was as lovely to watch as to listen to as she sang and danced, her voice undulating with the ripples of her dress.” —THE TELEGRAPH

THE CHIEFTAINS with Paddy Moloney and Special Guests THE IRISH LEGENDS ARE BACK!

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 8:00

The Chieftains and bagpiper/bandleader Paddy Moloney return to Symphony Center for another rollicking evening of good, old fashioned “craic.” Witness the wonderful storytelling and inspiring music making that make the Chieftains one of the most powerful and entertaining Irish bands of all time.

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR PASSION AND POWER

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 7:30

A whirlwind of bright colors and uplifting voices, South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir takes the stage with a moving and joyful performance of spirituals, gospel tunes and pop hits. Their passion and power will take your senses by storm.

“A cornucopia of remarkable voices.”—NEW YORK TIMES

ZAKIR HUSSAIN and the MASTERS OF PERCUSSION

“A MUSICAL JOURNEY THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.”—Chicago Stage Review FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 8:00

Immerse yourself in the stories and sounds of India with virtuosic tabla player Zakir Hussain and his group of master percussionists. See what audience members have called a divine musical experience that is not to be missed.

“Zakir Hussain is a fearsome technician but also a whimsical inventor, devoted to exuberant play.” —NEW YORK TIMES