2020/21 The Biggest Names in Classical Music
mitsuko uchida
SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS
welcome
to the 2020/21 season at symphony center
Experience a glittering array of the world’s finest classical artists in intimate performances and thrilling collaborations, including:
The return of the legendary Berliner Philharmoniker he exceptional pairing of Mitsuko Uchida and the Mahler T Chamber Orchestra performing sublime Mozart piano concertos
xciting concerts to add to your order at exclusive subscriber prices, E including Itzhak Perlman revisiting his iconic In the Fiddler’s House and Lang Lang performing Bach’s Goldberg Variations
And much, much more!
lang lang
evgeny kissin anna vinnitskaya
paul lewis
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amanda forsyth
hicago favorites and rising-star pianists in recital, including C Evgeny Kissin, Emanuel Ax, Leif Ove Andsnes, Seong-Jin Cho and Anna Vinnitskaya
gautier capuçon
the best way to experience the season is to subscribe. curated series Save up to 30% on the best seats in the house, which you can renew every year, plus enjoy free exchanges and exclusive pricing on additional concerts.
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cso.org
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symphony center presents
chamber music Experience the most illustrious names in classical music in intimate chamber music performances featuring works ranging from wellloved classics to modern masterpieces.
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joshua bell
mitsuko uchida
jean-yves thibaudet
4-concert series oct 18 sun | 3:00
joshua bell violin Alessio Bax piano
One of the most celebrated violinists of his era, Joshua Bell is praised for “his trademark glowing sound and effortless virtuosity” (The New York Times). He returns to Symphony Center in recital with award-winning Italian pianist Alessio Bax.
dec 13 sun | 2:00
jean-yves thibaudet piano lisa batiashvili violin gautier capuçon cello
note time
Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 1 Ravel Piano Trio Mendelssohn Piano Trio No. 2
Three incomparable artists, called “a supergroup to savor and a joy to behold” (The Arts Desk), come together for an imaginative recital of three famous trios by Shostakovich, Mendelssohn and Ravel.
mar 21 sun | 3:00
mahler chamber orchestra mitsuko uchida piano and conductor
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 18 in B-flat Major, K. 456 Janáček Mládí Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467
M itsuko Uchida and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra are “an ideal match—a pianist of impeccable Mozartean credentials and an orchestra of acute sensitivity and musical awareness” (The Guardian). Hear this perfect pairing perform Mozart concertos ranging in mood from sunny to dramatically striking.
apr 25 sun | 3:00
jerusalem quartet pinchas zukerman violin and viola amanda forsyth cello
Bruckner Adagio from String Quintet in F Major Dvořák String Sextet in A Major, Op. 48 Brahms String Sextet No. 1 in B-flat Major, Op. 18 Witness the melodic brilliance of this all-star string sextet in a program of late Romantic works. “It is rare to find playing as beautiful...radiant warmth and feeling flowed everywhere” (Vancouver Classical Music).
pinchas zukerman
cso.org
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symphony center presents
orchestras The world’s top orchestras led by today’s preeminent conductors come to Chicago.
yannick nÉzet-sÉguin
lisa batiashvili
valery gergiev
kirill petrenko
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3-concert series berliner philharmoniker
nov 15 sun | 7:00
berliner philharmoniker
Ives Central Park in the Dark Norman Unstuck R. Strauss Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks R. Strauss Ein Heldenleben
Kirill Petrenko conductor
The legendary Berliner Philharmoniker returns to Chicago, 11 years since its last appearance, with new chief conductor Kirill Petrenko. Hear one of the world’s finest orchestras, which Richard Strauss called the “most intelligent, splendid and freshest orchestra I know,” in a program featuring two of the composer’s most popular works.
feb 14 sun | 3:00
mariinsky orchestra
Valery Gergiev conductor Alexandre Kantorow piano
Prokofiev Three Selections from Romeo and Juliet Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2 Mahler Symphony No. 5
The internationally lauded Mariinsky Orchestra, one of Russia’s oldest institutions, presents a riveting program of Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky and Mahler’s epic Fifth Symphony. “The orchestra, under musical director Valery Gergiev, moves as if with a single mind and always with purposeful passion” (The Times, London).
mar 13 sat | 8:00
chamber orchestra of europe
Yannick Nézet-Séguin conductor Lisa Batiashvili violin
Brahms Violin Concerto Brahms Symphony No. 3
Dynamic conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin and “the finest chamber orchestra in the world” (BBC 2 Television) are an enchanting combination with “a sheer joy of playing that resonates with every single note” (Kölnische Rundschau). Experience them in an all-Brahms program featuring “the gorgeous tone and fabulous technique” (The New York Times) of Lisa Batiashvili.
cso.org
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symphony center presents
piano Be transformed by the power and passion of solo piano recitals. This unparalleled lineup of internationally acclaimed pianists from around the world ranges from rising stars to returning Chicago favorites.
anna vinnitskaya
leif ove andsnes
evgeny kissin
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sundays at 3:00 E Full 10-concert series
/
A
5-concert selection /
oct 4
richard goode
E / B
Mozart Sonata in F Major, K. 533/494 Mozart Rondo in A Minor, K. 511 Brahms Seven Fantasies, Op. 116 Chopin Mazurka in C Major, Op. 56, No. 2 Chopin Three Mazurkas, Op. 59 Debussy Images, Book II Debussy Selected Etudes Debussy L’isle joyeuse
B
5-concert selection
Richard Goode is hailed for his “majestic, profound readings” (The New York Times). Hear one of today’s most revered pianists in a program of playful, touching and intricate works from Mozart to Debussy.
nov 1
anna vinnitskaya
E / A
Schumann Arabesque in C Major, Op. 18 Schumann Sonata No. 1 in F-sharp Minor, Op. 11 Tchaikovsky Selection from The Seasons Ravel Valses nobles et sentimentales Ravel La valse
“A true lioness at the keyboard” (The Washington Post), Anna Vinnistkaya debuts at Symphony Center with a program of popular works including Schumann’s wistful Arabesque and Ravel’s whirling La valse.
jan 24
leif ove andsnes
E / A
Schumann Three Romances, Op. 28 Janáček On an Overgrown Path, Book I Bartók Three Burlesques Schumann Carnaval
With his trademark “poetic elegance, unyielding clarity and nuanced touch” (Chicago Sun-Times), Leif Ove Andsnes performs the first book of Janáček’s intimate, evocative cycle On an Overgrown Path and Schumann’s festive and scenic Carnaval.
feb 21
paul lewis
E / B
Mendelssohn Selections from Songs Without Words Mozart Sonata in A Major, K. 331 Haydn Piano Sonata in D Major, Hob. XVI:24 Scriabin Five Preludes, Op. 74 Mussorgsky Pictures from an Exhibition
Paul Lewis brings “his customary intelligence and intensity” (The Guardian) to a wide-ranging program including Mozart’s energetic Sonata in A Major and Mussorgsky’s most famous piano work, Pictures from an Exhibition.
cso.org
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more piano mar 14
emanuel ax
E / A
Program to include: Brahms Six Piano Pieces, Op. 118 Norman Suspend Chopin Andante spianato and Grande polonaise brillante, Op. 22 Chopin Polonaise-Fantasy in A-flat Major, Op. 61
Admired worldwide for his “overwhelming authority as musician, technician and probing intellect” (Los Angeles Times), Emanuel Ax returns with a program that pairs Brahms’ beloved Six Piano Pieces with Andrew Norman’s Suspend, a rumination on the Brahmsian dualities of freedom and solitude.
mar 28
seong-jin cho
E / B
Schumann Humoreske Szymanowski Masques Chopin Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 20 Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat Minor, Op. 31 Chopin Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 39 Chopin Scherzo No. 4 in E Major, Op. 54
Seong-Jin Cho was brought to the world’s attention in 2015 when he won First Prize at the International Chopin Competition. He brings his “poetic and fiery temperament” (Los Angeles Times) to Chopin’s brilliant, virtuosic scherzos in his Symphony Center debut.
apr 18
evgeny kissin
E / A
Chopin Nocturne in B Major, Op. 62, No. 1 Chopin Impromptu No. 1 in A-flat Major, Op. 29 Chopin Impromptu No. 2 in F-sharp Major, Op. 36 Chopin Impromptu No. 3 in G-flat Major, Op. 51 Chopin Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 20 Chopin Polonaise No. 6 in A-flat Major, Op. 53 Berg Sonata, Op. 1 Khrennikov Dance, Op. 5, No. 3 Khrennikov Five Pieces, Op. 2 Gershwin Three Preludes
Legendary Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin returns for a recital that features Chopin’s enchanting Impromptus and Nocturne in B Major. “It was in the Chopin where Kissin’s special gifts shone the brightest” (Chicago Tribune).
emanuel ax
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seong-jin cho
sundays at 3:00 E Full 10-concert series
/
A
5-concert selection /
B
5-concert selection
may 9
maurizio pollini
E / B
Schoenberg Three Piano Pieces, Op. 11 Schoenberg Six Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19 Beethoven Sonata No. 29 in B-flat Major, Op. 106 (Hammerklavier)
Celebrated for music-making of matchless sophistication, unshakable concentration and unyielding integrity, Maurizio Pollini occupies a special place among the ranks of today’s great pianists. Hear this “towering musical presence” (Gramophone) in his annual recital appearance at Symphony Center.
may 23
marc-andré hamelin
E / B
C.P.E. Bach Rondo in C Minor Schubert Sonata in A Major, D. 959 Schumann Waldszenen Ravel Gaspard de la nuit
Marc-André Hamelin brings his “commanding technique” (The New York Times) to a program that includes Schumann’s pastoral Waldszenen and Ravel’s fantastical suite Gaspard de la nuit.
jun 6
david fray
E / A
All-Schubert Program
Praised by The New York Times for a Schubert performance that was “beautifully played and rapturously received,” David Fray returns to Symphony Center for an all-Schubert recital.
david fray
marc-andré hamelin
cso.org
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more music at symphony center These concerts make a perfect addition to any concert series. Enjoy exclusive savings as a subscriber. Visit cso.org/addons for pricing.
oct 3 sat | 6:30
2020 symphony ball: beethoven 5
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Muti conductor Yefim Bronfman piano
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 Beethoven Symphony No. 5
Celebrate at the annual Symphony Ball concert and the culmination of the Beethoven anniversary. Yefim Bronfman, a “leonine virtuoso” (Chicago Tribune), brings the power and poetry of the Third Piano Concerto to life. Riccardo Muti and the CSO perform Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony.
oct 25 sat | 3:00
ttend the concert, or attend the concert and the Ball for the complete experience. A Gala packages include premium concert seating, plus postconcert dinner and dancing at the Four Seasons. Call 312-294-3185 or email symphonyball@cso.org for more information.
china ncpa orchestra Lü Jia conductor Wu Wei sheng
Chen Itinéraire d’une illusion Unsuk Chin Šu, for sheng and orchestra Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4
yefim bronfman
riccardo muti
One of China’s most prestigious ensembles, the National Centre of the Performing Arts Orchestra, presents a program of contemporary and classical works including Unsuk Chin’s glistening Šu, a concerto for the ancient Chinese mouth organ, written for sheng virtuoso Wu Wei. The program concludes with Tchaikovsky’s powerfully dramatic Fourth Symphony.
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itzhak perlman
lang lang
jan 26 tue | 7:30
orpheus chamber orchestra branford marsalis alto saxophone
Rossini Overture to The Barber of Seville Rodrigo Suite from Soleriana Debussy Rhapsody for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra Ibert Concertino da camera for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra Turina La oración del torero Bryan Carmen, Jazz Suite on Themes by Bizet
Branford Marsalis collaborates with the innovative Orpheus Chamber Orchestra for a program that explores the intersection of jazz and classical, from Debussy’s jazz-inspired Rhapsody to a newly commissioned work by Courtney Bryan that uses Bizet’s famous themes from Carmen.
mar 7 sun | 3:00
lang lang piano
Bach Goldberg Variations
“The hottest artist on the classical music planet” (The New York Times), piano phenomenon Lang Lang comes back to Chicago for a solo performance of Bach’s towering masterpiece, the Goldberg Variations.
may 2 sun | 7:00
itzhak perlman violin in the fiddler’s house
Featuring: Hankus Netsky music director, saxophone and piano Andy Statman clarinet and mandolin Members of the Brave Old World and Klezmer Conservatory Band Beloved violinist Itzhak Perlman revisits his iconic project In the Fiddler’s House, a charming journey through traditional klezmer music, in celebration of its 25th anniversary. “With klezmer, Perlman appears to be perfectly at home . . . the look of sheer delight that continually illuminates his face underscores the sense of discovery that touches almost every note he plays” (Los Angeles Times).
cso.org
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curated series prices  save up to 30% FLYNN GALLERY 1G Gallery 2G Gallery (Partial View) KREHBIEL UPPER BALCONY 1U Upper Balcony 2U Upper Balcony (Partial View) FADIM LOWER BALCONY 1L Lower Balcony 2L Lower Balcony 3L Lower Balcony 4L Lower Balcony 5L Lower Balcony Boxes Right Boxes Left MELK MAIN FLOOR 1M Main Floor 2M Main Floor 3M Main Floor 4M Main Floor 5M Main Floor BOX SEATS
STAGE
GRAY TERRACE 1T Left and Right 2T Center Left and Center Right
Chamber
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Orchestras
Piano E
Piano A
Piano B
4-concert series Save 30%
3-concert series Save 30%
10-concert series Save 30%
5-concert series Save 20%
5-concert series Save 20%
1M
208
298
419
262
217
2M
176
249
358
228
182
3M
164
190
305
192
156
4M
148
159
279
179
140
5M
144
142
279
179
140
1B
316
406
736
458
382
1L
236
336
491
308
253
2L
196
298
407
252
214
3L
188
267
375
234
194
4L
176
246
356
225
182
5L
172
226
340
214
174
1U
n/a
n/a
239
146
128
2U
n/a
n/a
230
138
125
1G
120
114
223
135
119
2G
112
97
217
132
116
1T
168
186
476
306
238
2T
108
141
476
306
238
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