7 minute read
Special Concerts
A jubilant celebration to launch the 2014/15 season
Saturday, September 20, 7:00
Symphony Ball : Muti Conducts Beethoven 9
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Muti conductor Camilla Nylund soprano Ekaterina Gubanova mezzo-soprano Christopher Ventris tenor Eric Owens bass Chicago Symphony Chorus Duain Wolfe chorus director Beethoven Symphony No. 9
The Women’s Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra proudly presents Symphony Ball, a prestigious gala evening of music and celebration that launches the 2014/15 season. Enjoy a festive preconcert reception at Symphony Center, followed by a spectacular concert as Music Director Riccardo Muti leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Beethoven’s jubilant Ninth Symphony. Gala patrons will continue their evening with postconcert dinner and dancing at the Palmer House.
The greatest mariachi in the world
Sunday, September 28, 3:00
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán
Based in Mexico City, Mariachi Vargas is considered the greatest mariachi in the world. Their annual program at Symphony Center continues to delight audiences with infectious energy and joyful interaction. Don’t miss what is “without doubt the best display of mariachi virtuosity” (Los Angeles Times).
— Two Grammy ® Award-winning masters
Friday, October 17, 8:00
Chris Thile & Edgar Meyer
Bassist Edgar Meyer and mandolinist Chris Thile of Punch Brothers team up as composers/performers to cross traditional boundaries in a diverse program of original music. Expect an intelligent, entertaining performance from these two MacArthur Fellows, whose long history of collaborations will bring a soon-to-be-released recording of new material on Nonesuch.
Halloween fun for the whole family
Saturday, October 25, 3:00
Hallowed Haunts 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.
Save up to 10% when you add these thrilling concerts to your subscription. Call 312-294-3000 or visit cso.org for prices.
Dynamic skill and artistry
Sunday, November 2, 3:00
China NCPA Orchestra
Lu Jia conductor Yuja Wang piano Qigang The Five Elements Suite for Orchestra Ravel Piano Concerto in G Major Dvorˇák Symphony No. 8 Established in March 2010, the NCPA Orchestra is the orchestra in residence at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China. Witness the dynamic skill and artistry of this ensemble and pianist Yuja Wang, “simply the most important pianist to appear in recent years, period” (The Detroit News), in a program featuring Ravel’s gorgeous Concerto in G Major and Dvorˇák’s songful Eighth Symphony.
Wednesday, November 5, 7:30
Mazowsze
Mazowsze, the magnificent State Song and Dance Ensemble of Poland, returns to Chicago. With 100 dancers, singers and musicians in 1,500 costumes, Mazowsze will astound you with an amazing kaleidoscopic display of dazzling movement, vibrant color and stunning beauty. See an unforgettable program that “makes tradition and the sheer love of dancing and music-making seem vital and enduring” (The New York Times).
— An afteroon of old-world holiday charm
Saturday, November 29, 3:00
Vienna Boys Choir Christmas in Vienna
Ring in the holiday season with the enchanting sounds of the Vienna Boys Choir when they return for their annual Thanksgiving performance! This legendary choir has captivated millions with their incredible musicianship and unique charm. Enjoy an afternoon filled with holiday favorites, secular music and popular folk songs.
Experience your favorite Pixar movies as you never have before!
Pixar in Concert
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Richard Kaufman conductor Bring your family for an unforgettable Thanksgiving weekend concert as the CSO plays music from your favorite Pixar movies. Memorable scores from Pixar’s 14 films including Up, the Toy Story trilogy and their latest release, Monsters University, will be played live with visually stunning clips of some of the most beloved characters in cinematic history.
Presentation licensed by Disney Music Publishing © Disney/Pixar
— An orchestra of voices
A Chanticleer Christmas
Fourth Presbyterian Church 126 E. Chestnut Street Chanticleer’s annual performances in Chicago are the perfect way to spark your holiday spirit. This Grammy ® Awardwinning “orchestra of voices” will perform traditional Christmas music ranging from Baroque classics to 21st-century favorites in Chicago’s beautiful Fourth Presbyterian Church.
These concerts make a perfect addition to any concert series. Save up to 10% when you purchase by August 7, 2014.
A lively Irish holiday celebration
Sunday, December 7, 3:00
THE Chieftains Christmas
Join the Chieftains, Ireland’s world-class musical ambassadors, for a spirited Christmas celebration. This magical program brings the warmth of an Irish pub to Orchestra Hall with ancient Irish melodies, lively dancing and craic, the Irish word for great fun.
— The glorious sounds of the CSO Brass
Thursday, December 18, 3:00
THE Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass
Witness the staggering power, amazing precision and brilliant virtuosity that make the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass the best in the world. These acclaimed musicians will present 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.
“A must-see holiday spectacle” —Chicago Sun-Times
Saturday, December 13, 3:00 Sunday, December 14, 1:30 & 5:30 Friday, December 19, 7:00 Saturday, December 20, 3:00 Sunday, December 21, 3:00 Monday, December 22, 3:00 Tuesday, December 23, 3:00
Welcome Yule ! 20th Anniversary Members of the
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Duain Wolfe creative director and conductor Chicago Symphony Chorus Welcome Yule! Children’s Ensemble Welcome Yule! Dance Ensemble
Now entering its 20th season, Welcome Yule! has thrilled audiences of all ages with musical holiday magic featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Save your spot in Orchestra Hall for this special milestone program that will feature new surprises and old favorites.
Celebrating 15 years of international collaboration
Friday, March 6, 8:00
The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo -Yo Ma
The Silk Road Ensemble, which brings together musicians and composers from more than 20 countries, comes to Symphony Center with founder and CSO Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant Yo-Yo Ma. These international all-stars celebrate their 15th anniversary with a diverse program of repertoire from around the world, new music by members of the group and commissions by acclaimed composers. Experience what Ma calls “the bond of mutual respect, friendship and trust that is palpable every time we’re on stage.”
SPECIAL CONCERTS
Celebrating over six decades of Pierre Boulez
Sunday, March 15, 3:00
Boulez : Piano Works
Pierre-Laurent Aimard piano Tamara Stefanovich piano Boulez Notations, for Piano Boulez Piano Sonata No. 1 Boulez Piano Sonata No. 2 Boulez Movements from Piano Sonata No. 3 Boulez Incises Boulez une page d’éphéméride Boulez Structures, Book II One of 20th-century music’s definitive voices and musical mavericks, Pierre Boulez has been actively involved in composition, conducting and music-making for over 60 years. His innovative approach to sound and structure radically transformed the landscape of modern music. A longtime collaborator and close associate of Boulez, Pierre-Laurent Aimard joins Tamara Stefanovich in this intimate celebration of the visionary composer’s keyboard works for his 90th birthday.
Astounding strength and unmatched skill
Monday, March 16, 7:30
Kodo
As the world’s premier taiko ensemble, Kodo is forging new directions for traditional Japanese drumming. Pounding out marvelous rhythms with thrilling ferocity, precision, dexterity and athleticism, these performers showcase absolute mastery of the drums. “Kodo can raise the roof” (The New York Times).
“Irresistible. The celebration of an era.”—L.A. Times
Wednesday, April 8, 8:00
Max Raabe & Palast Orchester : Golden Age
Max Raabe & Palast Orchester embody the high style and musical glory of the 1920s and ’30s, capturing the wit and flair of an era with suave modern chic. Max’s droll wit, understated lyrics and tenderly expressive baritone are matched by his stellar 12-piece band in virtuosic recreations of swing and cabaret hits.
