2023/24 Season Catalog

TOGETHER, AS ONE

CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is proud to present a season like no other. It’s a celebration of unity that illuminates the singular talents that come together to make our city an epicenter of musical brilliance.

Feel the pull of an orchestra that plays as one, and bring your sense of awe and wonder as the city welcomes a dynamic list of musical guests. Join us as we celebrate what’s possible when talents unite.

UNITED IN SOUND. TOGETHER

TOGETHER, AS ONE

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is an artistic force that enriches our lives. The collective experience of its musicians and their endless pursuit of excellence make it one of the most exciting ensembles in the world. The 133rd season celebrates what is possible when great talents unite.

The CSO is a singular voice in the cultural landscape. Its members take the Orchestra’s rich legacy to heart while exemplifying the creative possibilities of a modern ensemble eager to explore contemporary music and offer fresh interpretations of the classics.

As with past seasons, in 2023/24 there are plenty of opportunities to hear CSO members featured as soloists. Three perform the world premieres of contemporary concertos, including Principal Clarinet Stephen Williamson in Christopher Theofanidis’ Indigo Heaven, Principal Flute Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson with Lowell Liebermann’s Flute Concerto No. 2 and Principal Percussion Cynthia Yeh in a new concerto by CSO Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery. Concertmaster Robert Chen leads and performs as soloist in an all-Bach program that also features Principal Oboe William Welter.

In the same way the musicians synergize to create the singular CSO, their music-making brings us TOGETHER, AS ONE .

Your footsteps quicken as you approach the doors to Symphony Center.

A warm, golden glow greets you in the lobby, as does the hum of fellow music lovers eagerly heading to their seats. A friendly usher welcomes you as you enter the hall. Beyond a sea of plush red cushions, you take in the stage covered in music stands and empty chairs. Soon, they will be filled with musicians who will create magical sounds that resonate up toward the bright lights you notice hanging from the acoustical canopy, then out into the hall. You take your seat, observe your surroundings and wait. The lights dim. Silence. A single clap turns into affectionate applause as you and your fellow audience members welcome the artists to the stage. Silence, again. And then at last, music — what you came for — a chance to surrender to an experience you can’t get anywhere else. Whether you are craving stimulation, community, inspiration, novelty or the comfort of music dear to you, you will find it here at this epicenter of musical brilliance and …

COME AS YOU ARE … LEAVE

THE EPICENTER OF MUSICAL BRILLIANCE

Here, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Center Presents bring the greatest musical artists to the heart of the city to inspire its residents and visitors.

Throughout the year, the CSO displays its musical gifts, performing repertoire from five different centuries and representing a broad range of compositional voices. From the great symphonists — Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner, Mahler, Nielsen, Shostakovich, Sibelius and Tchaikovsky — to musical storytellers such as Holst, Ravel, Rimsky-Korsakov, Strauss, Stravinsky and Wagner, the composers featured on the 2023/24 Season display the communicative range of this revered orchestra. Riccardo Muti returns to Chicago to open the season with two weeks of concerts and the annual Symphony Ball in September. His programs will include works that have been highlights of his tenure as the CSO’s 10th music director, as well as the world premiere of Philip Glass’ The Triumph of the Octagon in recognition of the relationship established

with this famed American composer as part of the Orchestra’s ongoing commitment to contemporary music.

The awe-inspiring Chicago Symphony Chorus performs cherished works, including two of the most important oratorios in the repertoire: Handel’s Messiah and Mendelssohn’s dramatic Elijah. Not to be missed are the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus’ performances of Mahler’s transcendent Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection). Also included is one of Brahms’ most admired choral works, his Schicksalslied, or “Song of Destiny,” on a program that is capped by the sopranos and altos of the Chicago Symphony Chorus in the haunting “Neptune” movement of Holst’s The Planets

The Symphony Center Presents series offers ample opportunities to hear both solo and chamber recitals by some of today’s most distinguished artists. The Chamber Music series features two trio performances: one by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, violinist Lisa Batiashvili and cellist Gautier Capuçon and the other with pianist Emanuel Ax, violinist Leonidas Kavakos and cellist Yo-Yo Ma — the latter unequivocally one of the most celebrated musical friendships of our time. In addition to the anticipated return of violinist Maxim Vengerov, who last performed in Orchestra Hall nearly 20 years ago, Mitsuko Uchida returns with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. The Piano series includes recitals by Sir András Schiff, Hélène Grimaud, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Benjamin Grosvenor, Yefim Bronfman and Evgeny Kissin,

as well as the debuts of Bruce Liu and the Jussen brothers in a duo recital. The Orchestra series presents the Staatskapelle Berlin, conducted by the CSO’s ninth music director, Daniel Barenboim, and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.

Opportunities abound in the 2023/24 Season for the musically minded!

SEASON CALENDAR

CSO photography by Todd Rosenberg

23 | 24 A season that will leave you transformed!

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Explore a full list of subscriber rewards on pages 30-31.

SEPTEMBER

DAY SERIES

21 THU C | C1 7:30

22 FRI B | B1 7:30

26 TUE A | A1 7:30

Muti Conducts The Firebird

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Riccardo Muti CONDUCTOR

LIADOV The Enchanted Lake

STRAVINSKY Suite from The Firebird

BRAHMS Symphony No. 2

Riccardo Muti and the CSO open the 2023/24 Season with two pieces capturing the fairy-tale splendor of Russian music. Stravinsky’s suite from The Firebird uses a dynamic orchestral palette to depict infernal dances and a haunting lullaby.

Liadov’s The Enchanted Lake is a softly iridescent portrait of a moonlit night. Composed at an Austrian lakeside resort, Brahms’ Second Symphony captivates with its warm, sunny melodies.

23 SAT 6:30

Symphony Ball: Muti & Kavakos

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Riccardo Muti CONDUCTOR

Leonidas Kavakos VIOLIN

TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto

GIORDANO Intermezzo from Fedora

PUCCINI Intermezzo from Manon Lescaut

LEONCAVALLO Intermezzo from Pagliacci

VERDI Overture to Giovanna d’Arco

Celebrate the start of a new season with Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Ball, an unforgettable red-carpet evening complete with a champagne toast. The “astoundingly virtuosic and blazingly insightful” (The Guardian) Leonidas Kavakos joins the CSO in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Instrumental selections from Italian operas conclude the concert, underscoring the Chicago Tribune’s assertion that “no living conductor knows more about these scores” than Riccardo Muti.

Enhance your concert experience with a gala package including a private preconcert reception for patrons and sponsors in Buntrock Hall and postconcert dinner and dancing at The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

For more information, please email symphonyball@cso.org or call 312-294-3185.

RICCARDO MUTI AND PHILIP GLASS

28 THU B | B1 7:30

29 FRI A | A1 1:30

30 SAT B | B1 7:30

Muti, Glass & Mendelssohn Italian

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Riccardo Muti CONDUCTOR

GLASS The Triumph of the Octagon

W ORLD PREMIERE, CSO COMMISSION

MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 4 (Italian

R. STRAUSS Aus Italien

Join Riccardo Muti and the CSO for a sensuous journey to Italy. Richard Strauss’ Aus Italien whisks the listener through the sun-soaked countryside, past Roman ruins and on to sites in Sorrento and Naples. Mendelssohn’s sparkling Italian Symphony gathers impressions of Mediterranean warmth and traditional dances. A world premiere by the venerable American composer Philip Glass opens the program.

RICCARDO MUTI

“My hope for the future is that this great orchestra will speak to the world from Chicago. The musical world needs the excellence of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It must have support to be able to feed culturally and spiritually the next generations.”

RICCARDO MUTI

OCTOBER

12 THU A | A2 7:30

13 FRI A | A2 1:30

14 SAT A | A1 7:30

15 SUN A 3:00

Jaap van Zweden Conducts

Beethoven 5

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Jaap van Zweden CONDUCTOR

Christian Gerhaher BARITONE

SHEKHAR Lumina

FIRST CSO PERFORMANCE

MAHLER Songs from Des Knaben Wunderhorn

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 5

From its commanding four-note opening to its blazing finish, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony remains the unrivaled expression of struggle and triumph in orchestral music. German baritone Christian Gerhaher, “the foremost art song singer of our time” (The New York Times), performs selections from Mahler’s The Youth’s Magic Horn. Inspired by Hindustani classical music, Nina Shekhar’s shimmering Lumina explores the contrast of light and dark.

13 FRI 8:00

Anoushka Shankar

Sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar — the first Indian woman and youngest-ever Grammy nominee in the world music category — is one of the globe’s leading lights. As the daughter and student of the legendary Ravi Shankar, she is deeply rooted in Indian classical music and has blazed a singular path that encompasses Western classical, pop, electronica, flamenco and other styles.

19 THU C | C2 7:30

20 FRI B | B2 7:30

21 SAT C | C1 7:30

24 TUE A | A2 7:30

Gershwin & Bernstein

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

James Gaffigan CONDUCTOR

Conrad Tao PIANO

BARBER

The School for Scandal Overture

GERSHWIN Piano Concerto in F BERNSTEIN Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

REVUELTAS Sensemayá

An exuberant melding of jazz, blues and classical styles, Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F is an ideal vehicle for Illinois native Conrad Tao, “a personality-plus pianist with a fearless technique” (Chicago Classical Review). Bernstein’s beloved West Side Story dances include themes from the songs “Somewhere” and “Maria.” Barber’s soulful overture and Revueltas’ joyfully raucous Sensemayá frame the program.

22 SUN SCP CHAMBER A | A1 3:00

Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Lisa Batiashvili & Gautier Capuçon

Jean-Yves Thibaudet PIANO

Lisa Batiashvili VIOLIN

Gautier Capuçon CELLO

HAYDN Piano Trio in E Major, Hob. XV:28

RAVEL Piano Trio

MENDELSSOHN Piano Trio No. 2

Three superstar virtuosos team up to perform piano trios spanning three centuries. Delight in the wit and virtuosity of Haydn, the exquisite colors and Basque folk rhythms of Ravel and the rich melodies of Mendelssohn. “What impressed most was the perfect balance between the three: Capuçon’s rich walnut tone, Batiashvili’s leaner, lyrical sweetness and Thibaudet’s lightly pedaled luminosity” (Bachtrack).

GAUTIER CAPU Ç ON

ANOUSHKA SHANKAR

JEAN-YVES THIBAUDET

JAAP VAN ZWEDEN

JAMES GAFFIGAN CONRAD TAO

JESSIE

MONTGOMERY

May 30-June 1

Montgomery Percussion Concerto

WORLD PREMIERE, CSO COMMISSION

June 13-15

Heggie, Higdon, Meyer, Montgomery, Puts The Elements

Oct 30, Dec 3, Mar 3, May 20

CSO MusicNOW

Musical America’s 2023 Composer of the Year Jessie Montgomery’s newly commissioned concerto for percussion is given its world premiere by the CSO.

OCTOBER

26 THU A | A1 7:30

27 FRI A | A1 1:30

28 SAT B | B2 7:30

Mahler 1

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider CONDUCTOR

Jian Wang CELLO

MAHLER Blumine

BLOCH Schelomo

MAHLER Symphony No. 1

Mahler’s First Symphony unfolds with the elemental sounds of nature, footstomping folk dances and a stormy but ultimately heroic finale. Conductor Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider opens with the symphony’s original second movement, Blumine, notable for its gentle trumpet serenade. Distinguished cellist Jian Wang takes center stage for Bloch’s stirring “Hebraic Rhapsody.”

NOVEMBER

2 THU B | B2 7:30

3 FRI B | B2 7:30

4 SAT A | A2 7:30

7 TUE A | A1 7:30

The Planets

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Daniel Harding CONDUCTOR

Chicago Symphony Chorus

SCHUMANN Overture to Manfred, Op. 115

BRAHMS Schicksalslied

HOLST The Planets

Daniel Harding leads Holst’s The Planets, the interstellar orchestral suite that has inspired generations of sci-fi film composers. Experience the ferocity of “Mars,” the golden song of “Jupiter,” the eerie calm of “Saturn” and the haunting off-stage vocals of the ethereal “Neptune.”

The full Chicago Symphony Chorus delights in Brahms’ radiant Schicksalslied (“Song of Destiny”).

4 SAT FAMILY AM 11:00

FAMILY PM 12:45

Family Matinee

Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Create lasting memories for the whole family. Special guests join members of the CSO in fun, engaging and kid-friendly programs.

1 9 THU A | A2 7:30

10 FRI A | A2 1:30

1 1 SAT C | C2 7:30

Rachmaninov 3

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

John Storgårds CONDUCTOR

Stephen Williamson CLARINET

SIBELIUS Pohjola’s Daughter

THEOFANIDIS Indigo Heaven

WORLD PREMIERE, CSO COMMISSION

RACHMANINOV Symphony No. 3

Rachmaninov’s poignant Third Symphony is permeated with dark reminiscences, glittering climaxes and yearning melodies that evoke the Russia he left behind. CSO Principal Clarinet Stephen Williamson solos in a new concerto by celebrated American composer Christopher Theofanidis. Complementing these works is Sibelius’ powerfully atmospheric Pohjola’s Daughter, inspired by the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic detailing the creation of the cosmos.

NIKOLAJ SZEPS-ZNAIDER

CHICAGO SYMPHONY CHORUS

JOHN STORG Å RDS

JIAN WANG

DANIEL HARDING

10 FRI SCP CHAMBER A | A2 7:30

Maxim Vengerov

Maxim Vengerov VIOLIN

Polina Osetinskaya PIANO

CLARA SCHUMANN

Three Romances, Op. 22 BRAHMS Scherzo in C Minor from the F.A.E. Sonata

SCHUMANN Violin Sonata No. 3 in A Minor

PROKOFIEV Five Melodies

PROKOFIEV Violin Sonata in D Major, Op. 94bis

With his golden tone and dazzling technical prowess, Maxim Vengerov is a standard-bearer for the great Russian violin tradition. An artist of searching curiosity, Vengerov performs three intertwined works by Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms. Prokofiev’s mellifluous Five Melodies and exuberant sonata complete the program.

12 SUN SCP PIANO A | A2 3:00

Sir András Schiff

Hungarian-born pianist Sir András Schiff has put his stamp on an extensive repertoire of piano literature, from works by Bach and Beethoven to Schumann, Bartók and Janáček. Described by The Seattle Times as “a master of nuance and musical wisdom,” Schiff has earned his standing as a longtime favorite of Chicago audiences.

16 THU B | B1 7:30

17 FRI WHEATON A 7:30

EDMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL

18 SAT A | A1 7:30

19 SUN A 3:00

The Rite of Spring & Kavakos

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Philippe Jordan CONDUCTOR

Leonidas Kavakos VIOLIN

MUSSORGSKY

A Night on Bald Mountain

SZYMANOWSKI Violin Concerto No. 2 STRAVINSKY The Rite of Spring

A panorama of ancient pagan rituals, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring put modernism squarely on the map. Experience the swaggering and suspenseful ballet score that drove Parisian audiences to riot at its 1913 premiere. Leonidas Kavakos brings an “intense, silken, mercurial” sound (The Guardian) to his rendition of Szymanowski’s folk-inspired Second Violin Concerto. Mussorgsky’s fiery depiction of a witches’ sabbath opens the program.

24 FRI CSO MOVIES A 7:30

25 SAT 7:30

26 SUN 3:00

Fantasia in Concert

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Emil de Cou CONDUCTOR

Join us for a thrilling performance of Disney’s groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia. Magnificent repertoire from the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and The Nutcracker Suite, will be performed by the CSO while Disney’s stunning footage is shown on the big screen. Experience iconic moments and childhood favorites as you never have before!

25 SAT 2:00

Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna

The Vienna Boys Choir rings in the holiday season with a program drawn from its repertoire of Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces and yuletide favorites. Cherished for its vibrant singing style and purity of tone, the choir builds on a history spanning some 500 years.

28 TUE SCP ORCHESTRAS A 7:30

Staatskapelle Berlin

Daniel Barenboim CONDUCTOR

Daniel Barenboim, who has enriched Chicago’s musical life for more than a half century, returns with the venerable Staatskapelle Berlin for an all-Brahms program. One of the world’s oldest orchestras, the Staatskapelle was established in the 16th century and later gave the premieres of major works by Mendelssohn, Wagner and Richard Strauss.

DANIEL BARENBOIM

MAXIM VENGEROV

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR

Musical America’s 2023 Artist of the Year, Grammy Award winner and CSO Artist-in-Residence Hilary Hahn returns to Symphony Center. Experience the fiery intensity of Brahms’ Violin Concerto with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and an intimate recital celebrating the beauty of chamber music.

Dec 7-9

Brahms Violin Concerto

June 9

Hilary Hahn & Friends

CSO Artist-in-Residence

DECEMBER

NOV 30 THU C | C1 7:30

DEC 1 FRI A | A1 1:30

2 SAT B | B1 7:30

5 TUE A | A2 7:30

MTT Conducts Mozart

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Michael Tilson Thomas CONDUCTOR

Orion Weiss PIANO

MOZART Six German Dances, K. 509

FIRST CSO PERFORMANCE

MOZART Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K. 414 BRAHMS (ORCH. SCHOENBERG)

Piano Quartet No. 1

Michael Tilson Thomas lends his fresh insights to a compelling Austro-Germanic program. It includes Mozart’s whirling

Six German Dances and his graceful and tender Piano Concerto No. 12, which features Orion Weiss, acclaimed for his “limpid touch, clean runs and purling legato phrasing” (Chicago Tribune). Schoenberg’s lavishly imaginative orchestration of Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 completes the program.

5 TUE 7:30

6 WED 7:30

A Chanticleer Christmas

FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

126 E. CHESTNUT ST.

The beloved, Grammy-winning men’s chorus brings its “rich, intricately blended sound” (The Washington Post) to its signature holiday celebration. The centuries-spanning program ranges from Renaissance masterworks to roof-raising spirituals. Chicago’s Fourth Presbyterian Church provides a glorious backdrop.

7 THU B | B2 7:30

8 FRI A | A2 1:30

9 SAT C | C1 7:30

Hilary Hahn Plays Brahms

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Mikko Franck CONDUCTOR

Hilary Hahn VIOLIN

BRAHMS Violin Concerto

WAGNER Prelude to Tristan und Isolde

SIBELIUS Symphony No. 7

CSO Artist-in-Residence Hilary Hahn illuminates Brahms’ Violin Concerto, with its ardent beauty and fiery finale. Mikko Franck conducts Wagner’s ecstatic Prelude to Tristan und Isolde before concluding with Sibelius’ Seventh Symphony, an awesome, “time-bending journey” (The Guardian), and the Finnish composer’s crowning symphonic achievement.

9 SAT 10:00 & 11:45

Once Upon a Symphony: The Three Little Pigs

BUNTROCK HALL AT SYMPHONY CENTER

Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

When the Three Little Pigs are sent out into the world by their mother, each chooses to build a house using a different material. With the Big Bad Wolf on the prowl, the pigs are quick to learn whether straw, sticks or bricks can best withstand his ferocious strength. This story explores, through music, how the combination of courage, hard work and individual talent leads to success. Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre. Perfect for ages 3-5

NOTE: This program will also be performed on January 6 and February 10, 2024, at the same times listed above.

1 8 FRI 7:30

1 9 SAT 1:30

10 SUN 3:00

Home Alone in Concert

Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Richard Kaufman CONDUCTOR

Relive John Hughes’ hilarious and heartwarming tale about 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who is left to defend his home against a pair of dimwitted burglars when his family departs for Christmas vacation without him. The 1990 comedy yielded one of John Williams’ most delightful scores. Now hear it performed live by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS

ORION WEISS

MIKKO FRANCK

HOME ALONE IN CONCERT

DECEMBER

14 THU C | C2 7:30

15 FRI A | A1 1:30

16 SAT A | A2 7:30

Bychkov Conducts Brahms

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Semyon Bychkov CONDUCTOR

Renaud Capuçon VIOLIN

DVOŘÁK Carnival Overture

SAINT-SAËNS Violin Concerto No. 3

BRAHMS Symphony No. 4

When Renaud Capuçon and Semyon Bychkov last appeared together with the CSO, sparks flew. The French violinist “made you aware of a searching musical intellect supported by a superb technical arsenal” (Chicago Tribune). The parties reunite in Saint-Saëns’ brilliant Third Violin Concerto. Framing the program are Dvořák’s boisterous portrait of a street carnival and Brahms’ noble and heartrending Fourth Symphony.

15 FRI 7:30

16 SAT 1:30

17 SUN 1:00 & 4:30

22 FRI 7:30

23 S AT 1:30

Merry, Merry Chicago! Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Thomas Wilkins CONDUCTOR

Symphony Center’s beloved tradition continues with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing familiar carols and festive holiday songs. Thomas Wilkins conducts this celebration guaranteed to inspire holiday cheer in listeners of all ages.

19 TUE 7:30

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass

Michael Mulcahy CONDUCTOR

A December staple, the annual concert by the legendary CSO brass draws in listeners from around the world. The ensemble offers a virtuosic showcase of traditional favorites and symphonic masterworks arranged for brass ensemble. Presented in collaboration with the Midwest Clinic, an International Band and Orchestra Conference.

21 THU A | A1 7:30

22 FRI A | A2 1:30

23 SAT B | B2 7:30

Sir Andrew Conducts

Handel’s Messiah

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Sir Andrew Davis CONDUCTOR

Joélle Harvey SOPRANO

Jennifer Johnson Cano

MEZZO-SOPRANO

Matthew Polenzani TENOR

John Relyea BASS

Chicago Symphony Chorus

HANDEL (ORCH. DAVIS) Messiah

Experience the power of nearly 100 voices in magnificent harmony. From “The Trumpet Shall Sound” to the rousing “Hallelujah” Chorus, Handel’s Messiah is packed with regal choral passages, exultant arias and glittering instrumental fireworks. The award-winning Chicago Symphony Chorus and four world-class soloists join Sir Andrew Davis in this mustsee holiday favorite.

SIR ANDREW DAVIS

CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BRASS

HÉLÈNE GRIMAUD

SEMYON BYCHKOV

THOMAS WILKINS

JANUARY

21 SUN SCP PIANO A | A1 3:00

Lucas & Arthur Jussen SCP DEBUT

MOZART Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448

SCHUBERT Fantasy in F Minor, D. 940

KULENTY VAN...

STRAVINSKY The Rite of Spring

Dutch brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen comprise one of today’s most sought-after piano duos. Critics have marveled at how they “move as a single organism” (The Boston Globe) and play with “flair and instinctive collusion” (The Scotsman). Their Symphony Center recital debut features music by Mozart, Schubert and Kulenty, capped off with Stravinsky’s ferocious two-piano version of The Rite of Spring

FEBRUARY

3 SAT SCP CHAMBER A | A2 7:30

Ax, Kavakos & Ma

Emanuel Ax PIANO

Leonidas Kavakos VIOLIN

Yo-Yo Ma CELLO

Featuring an all-Beethoven program

Previous visits by this classical superstar trio have been essential events on the Chicago cultural calendar. The three return with an all-Beethoven program that includes the composer’s symphonic music arranged for piano trio. “One could only marvel at how intuitive and spontaneous these performances were,” raves the Chicago Tribune, “with each player kindling immediate responses from his colleagues.”

4 SUN SCP PIANO A | A2 3:00

Hélène Grimaud

J.S. BACH (ARR. BUSONI)

Chaconne from BWV 1004

BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109

SCHUMANN Kreisleriana

Prodigious pianist Hélène Grimaud, whose “performances attempt, whenever possible, to shake up conventional pianistic wisdom” (The New Yorker), climbs three summits of the piano literature. Busoni’s colossal arrangement of Bach’s solo-violin Chaconne paves the way for Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 109, a work of volatility and ravishing poetry, and Schumann’s alternately flamboyant and introspective Kreisleriana

1 8 THU C | C1 7:30

10 SAT C | C2 7:30

Seong-Jin Cho Plays

Beethoven

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Gemma New CONDUCTOR CSO DEBUT

Seong-Jin Cho PIANO CSO DEBUT

KERNIS Musica Celestis

FIRST CSO PERFORMANCE

BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 3

MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 3 (Scottish)

Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto is a landmark of his dark and restless middle period, here featuring Seong-Jin Cho, whose 2018 Chicago debut offered “about as thrilling a display of sheer powerhouse keyboard bravura as one is ever likely to encounter” (Chicago Classical Review). Gemma New conducts the program, which closes with Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony, evoking highland mists, warring clans and long-lost folk dances.

9 FRI CSO MOVIES A 7:30

An American in Paris in Concert

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Constantine Kitsopoulos CONDUCTOR

Witness the 1951 MGM musical — starring Gene Kelly as an American ex-GI who falls for a Parisian woman played by Leslie Caron — on the big screen while the CSO performs the score live. Featuring the treasured songs of George and Ira Gershwin, the movie culminates in an iconic ballet sequence, choreographed by Kelly himself. Paris never felt so magnificent.

15 THU A | A2 7:30

17 SAT B | B1 7:30

18 SUN A 3:00

Sheku Kanneh-Mason Plays Elgar

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Paavo Järvi CONDUCTOR

Sheku Kanneh-Mason CELLO CSO DEBUT

BEETHOVEN Leonore Overture No. 3

ELGAR Cello Concerto

NIELSEN Symphony No. 5

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, hailed by The New Yorker as “a cellist of blazing sensitivity,” makes his CSO debut in Elgar’s rhapsodic Cello Concerto.

Paavo Järvi conducts Nielsen’s Fifth Symphony, a visceral, dramatic work exploring humanity’s potential for conflict, born in the aftermath of World War I. Beethoven’s jubilant hymn to liberty opens the program.

SHEKU KANNEH-MASON SEONG-JIN CHO

FEBRUARY

17 SAT FAMILY AM 11:00

F AMILY PM 12:45

Family Matinee

Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Create lasting memories for the whole family. Special guests join members of the CSO in fun, engaging and kid-friendly programs.

23 FRI B | B1 7:30

24 SAT A | A1 7:30

27 TUE A | A1 7:30

Tchaikovsky & Shostakovich

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Hannu Lintu CONDUCTOR

Behzod Abduraimov PIANO CSO DEBUT

SAARIAHO Ciel d’hiver

FIRST CSO PERFORMANCE

TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No. 1

MUSSORGSKY (ORCH. SHOSTAKOVICH)

Prelude to Khovanshchina

SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 9

With his Ninth Symphony, Shostakovich delivered a tragicomic work with nods to Haydn and circus tunes. Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov makes his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s thrilling First Piano Concerto. Mussorgsky’s radiant Khovanshchina prelude and Saariaho’s ethereal Winter Sky round out the program.

25 SUN SCP PIANO A | A1 3:00

Pierre-Laurent Aimard

MOZART Fantasy in D Minor, K. 397

SWEELINCK Fantasia chromatica

MOZART Fantasy in C Minor, K. 475

VOLKONSKY Musica stricta (Fantasia ricercata)

MOZART Fantasy in F Minor

C.P.E. BACH Fantasy in C Major

MOZART Fantasy in C Minor, K. 396

BEETHOVEN Fantasy in G Minor, Op. 77

BENJAMIN Fantasy on Iambic Rhythm

Pierre-Laurent Aimard, “a brilliant musician and an extraordinary visionary” (The Wall Street Journal), presents an enthralling exploration of the keyboard fantasy. Anchored by four of Mozart’s kaleidoscopic fantasies, Aimard’s program spans the glittering intricacies of Dutch Baroque master Sweelinck, Beethoven’s mercurial Op. 77 and Benjamin’s 1985 Fantasy on Iambic Rhythm.

MARCH

1 FRI A | A1 1:30

2 SAT C | C1 7:30

5 TUE A | A2 7:30

Blomstedt Conducts

Beethoven 7

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Herbert Blomstedt CONDUCTOR

SCHUBERT Symphony No. 6

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 7

Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is treasured by generations of music fans for its whirling dance rhythms and majestic Allegretto movement. It is a calling card for conductor Herbert Blomstedt, whose Beethoven recordings “remain beacons of good taste, with a distinctive spiritual power shining through the music” (The New York Times). Composed in his youth, Schubert’s exuberant Sixth Symphony draws inspiration from Beethoven.

1 7 THU B | B1 7:30

1 8 FRI A | A2 1:30

1 9 SAT B | B2 7:30

12 TUE A | A1 7:30

Gil Shaham Plays

Mendelssohn

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Jakub Hrůša CONDUCTOR

Gil Shaham VIOLIN

R. STRAUSS

Death and Transfiguration

MENDELSSOHN Violin Concerto

LUTOSŁAWSKI

Concerto for Orchestra

Experience the “brilliant and incisive” (Chicago Tribune) Gil Shaham in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, ever popular for its mix of vigor and finesse. Richard Strauss’ tone poem explores the ultimate mystery of death and what might lie beyond. Lutosławski’s 1954 Concerto for Orchestra is a symphonic showpiece that draws on Polish folk songs and Baroque forms.

HANNU LINTU

PIERRE-LAURENT AIMARD

GIL SHAHAM

CSO Concertmaster Robert Chen and Principal Oboe William Welter are featured as soloists in an all-Bach program, offering the opportunity to experience the individual virtuosity and combined brilliance of these CSO musicians.

Mar 28-Apr 2

J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in E Major

J.S. Bach Concerto for Oboe and Violin in C Minor

CSO Concertmaster The Louis C. Sudler Chair, endowed by an anonymous benefactor

CSO Principal Oboe The Nancy and Larry Fuller Principal Oboe Chair

As the 2023/24 Season continues to highlight the artistic excellence of members of the CSO, Principal Flute Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson brings his signature agility and warmth to a newly commissioned concerto composed for him by Lowell Liebermann.

STEFÁN RAGNARHÖSKULDSSON

FLUTE

CSO Principal Flute

The Erika and Dietrich M. Gross Principal Flute Chair

10 SUN SCP PIANO A | A1 3:00

Benjamin Grosvenor

CHOPIN Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23

CHOPIN Sonata No. 2 in B-flat Minor, Op. 35

BRETT DEAN New Work

SCP CO-COMMISSION

LISZT Sonata in B Minor

Following his 2022 CSO debut with Chopin’s Second Piano Concerto, British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor returns to Symphony Center with two of the composer’s commanding solo pieces. Completing the program is Liszt’s wild and visionary Sonata in B Minor paired beautifully with a new work by Australian composer Brett Dean. “Grosvenor’s playing is thoughtful and fresh, with flecks of rubato, quizzical pauses and tumbling fast-fingered runs” (The Times of London).

14 THU A | A1 7:30

15 FRI A | A1 1:30

16 SAT C | C2 7:30

Also sprach Zarathustra

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Jakub Hrůša CONDUCTOR

Josef Špaček VIOLIN CSO DEBUT

R. STRAUSS Also sprach Zarathustra

MARTINŮ Violin Concerto No. 1

BARTÓK Suite from

The Miraculous Mandarin

Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra — with its iconic opening popularized in 2001: A Space Odyssey — sets the tone for a program of dazzling, otherworldly pieces. Bartók’s pantomime ballet, The Miraculous Mandarin, is a lurid, supernatural tale rendered in arresting colors. Czech violinist Josef Špaček takes on Martinů’s tuneful and vivacious Violin Concerto No. 1.

15 FRI 8:00

Max Raabe & Palast Orchester

Get ready to party like it’s 1929. Singer and bandleader Max Raabe founded the Palast Orchester to pay tribute to the music and style of Germany’s Weimar Era. With a repertoire that includes Kurt Weill, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter standards, the 12-piece band brings to life the madcap fun and sophistication of Jazz-Age Berlin with a wry, contemporary edge.

21 THU C | C2 7:30

22 FRI WHEATON A 7:30

EDMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL

23 SAT A | A2 7:30

24 SUN A 3:00

Mahler 4

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Susanna Mälkki CONDUCTOR

Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson FLUTE

Ying Fang SOPRANO

WAGNER Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin

LIEBERMANN Flute Concerto No. 2 WORLD PREMIERE, CSO COMMISSION

MAHLER Symphony No. 4

Susanna Mälkki conducts a thoughtprovoking program anchored by Gustav Mahler’s Fourth Symphony. This celestial score, which includes a cryptic dance of death, is announced with sleigh bells and a rustic melody that ends with a child’s view of heaven, delivered here by soprano Ying Fang. CSO Principal Flute Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson is the soloist in a newly commissioned concerto written for him by the esteemed Lowell Liebermann.

26 TUE SCP CHAMBER A | A2 7:30

Mahler Chamber Orchestra & Mitsuko Uchida

Mahler Chamber Orchestra

Mitsuko Uchida

PIANO AND CONDUCTOR

MOZART Piano Concerto No. 17, K. 453

WIDMANN Choralquartett

MOZART Piano Concerto No. 22, K. 482

Mitsuko Uchida leads the Mahler Chamber Orchestra in two of Mozart’s greatest piano concertos — both rich in emotional layers with moods ranging from the majestic to the melancholy. Uchida “stands as one of the leading Mozarteans of our day,” writes the Chicago Tribune, celebrated for “the sense of wonder and discovery she characteristically brings to his music.”

BENJAMIN GROSVENOR

MAX RAABE & PALAST ORCHESTER

JAKUB HR ŮŠA

SUSANNA M Ä LKKI

YING FANG

MARCH

28 THU B | B2 7:30

29 FRI A | A1 1:30

APR 2 TUE A | A2 7:30

The Music of Bach

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Robert Chen LEADER AND VIOLIN

William Welter OBOE

J.S. BACH Brandenburg

Concerto No. 3

J.S. BACH Violin Concerto in E Major

C.P.E. BACH Sinfonia in E-flat Major

FIRST CSO PERFORMANCE

J.S. BACH Concerto for Oboe and Violin in C Minor

J.S. BACH Orchestral Suite No. 1

Be transported to Zimmermann’s Coffee House, the Leipzig café where J.S. Bach introduced many of his instrumental works. CSO Concertmaster Robert Chen leads the dazzling Third Brandenburg

Concerto, kaleidoscopic Violin Concerto in E Major and buoyant and graceful Orchestral Suite No. 1. Chen also teams up with Principal Oboe William Welter in Bach’s exquisite Concerto for Oboe and Violin.

APRIL

4 THU A | A1 7:30

5 FRI B | B2 7:30

6 SAT C | C2 7:30

Klaus Mäkelä & Yuja Wang

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Klaus Mäkelä CONDUCTOR

Yuja Wang PIANO

ZINOVJEV Batteria

UNITED STATES PREMIERE

BARTÓK Piano Concerto No. 2

SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 10

Bartók’s Second Piano Concerto is an exhilarating showcase for Yuja Wang, whom the San Francisco Chronicle called “quite simply the most dazzlingly, uncannily gifted pianist in the concert world today.” Electric conductor Klaus Mäkelä frames the program with Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony, a searing portrait of the composer’s tormented life in Stalinist Russia, and the U.S. premiere of Sauli Zinovjev’s vibrant Batteria.

6 SAT 10:00 & 11:45

Once Upon a Symphony: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

BUNTROCK HALL AT SYMPHONY CENTER

Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

When young Goldilocks stumbles upon a quaint cottage and goes inside to explore, she has no idea it belongs to three bears who are on their way home! With this classic story as a guide, young audiences are invited to experience the wide and wonderful world of the forest through Goldilocks’ eyes and playfully explore some of the responsibilities that come along with growing older. Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre. Perfect for ages 3-5

NOTE: This program will also be performed on April 20 and May 18, 2024, at the same times listed above.

7 SUN SCP CHAMBER A | A1 3:00

PRIORITY ACCESS CONCERT

Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott

Yo-Yo Ma CELLO

Kathryn Stott PIANO

FAURÉ Berceuse

SÉRGIO ASSAD Menino

DVOŘÁK Songs My Mother Taught Me

FAURÉ Papillon

KABALEVSKY Cello Sonata

PÄRT Spiegel im Spiegel

FRANCK Sonata

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott, longtime friends and collaborators, offer an afternoon filled with musical intimacy and expressive fireworks. Their program encompasses the grand, richly melodic sonatas of Franck and Kabalevsky, the lilting warmth of Dvořák’s Songs My Mother Taught Me and the meditative beauty of Pärt’s “Mirror in Mirror,” plus lyrical gems by Fauré and Sérgio Assad.

11 THU C | C2 7:30

12 FRI B | B1 7:30

13 SAT A | A1 7:30

Mendelssohn Elijah

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

James Conlon CONDUCTOR

Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha

SOPRANO CSO DEBUT

Ashley Dixon MEZZO-SOPRANO

Issachah Savage TENOR

Lucas Meachem BARITONE

Chicago Symphony Chorus

MENDELSSOHN Elijah

The 19th century’s most enduring oratorio, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, sung here in English, depicts the story of the biblical prophet Elijah, complete with his ascent to heaven on a flaming chariot. James Conlon leads the assembled forces, including Chicago favorite Lucas Meachem in the mighty title role and the Chicago Symphony Chorus performing the work’s pensive and ecstatic ensembles.

YUJA WANG

ISSACHAH SAVAGE

KLAUS M Ä KEL Ä

MASABANE CECILIA RANGWANASHA

WILLIAMSON STEPHEN

CLARINET

CSO Principal Clarinet

Stephen Williamson, known for his great dynamic depth and impeccable precision, highlights the legacy of celebrated American composer Christopher Theofanidis in the world premiere of the clarinet concerto Indigo Heaven.

Nov 9-11

Theofanidis Indigo Heaven

WORLD PREMIERE, CSO COMMISSION

CSO Principal Clarinet

14 SUN SCP PIANO A | A2 3:00

Yefim Bronfman

Program to include:

SCHUBERT Sonata in A Minor, D. 784

BARTÓK Sonata

Yefim Bronfman, a pianist who plays “with blazing power in the big Russian manner, tempered with subtlety and nuance” (Chicago Tribune), brings a selection of remarkable sonatas. The program includes Schubert’s A Minor Sonata, a deeply personal work written just as the composer was coming to terms with his incurable illness, and Bartók’s Sonata, with its propulsive rhythms and folklike themes.

18 THU B | B1 7:30

19 FRI WHEATON A 7:30

EDMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL

20 SAT B | B2 7:30

21 SUN A 3:00

Chopin & Tchaikovsky

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Tugan Sokhiev CONDUCTOR

Yulianna Avdeeva PIANO CSO DEBUT

PANUFNIK Heroic Overture

FIRST CSO PERFORMANCE

CHOPIN Piano Concerto No. 1

TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 1 (Winter Dreams)

Tugan Sokhiev conducts Tchaikovsky’s youthful First Symphony, nicknamed Winter Dreams for its cozy evocation of Russian winters. Chopin’s exuberant Piano Concerto No. 1 features Russian pianist Yulianna Avdeeva, described by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as “a one-woman powerhouse” who “stole the show.” Andrzej Panufnik’s Heroic Overture, composed in 1952, is a tribute to the courageous spirit of the Polish people.

25 THU A | A2 7:30

26 FRI B | B1 7:30

27 SAT A | A2 7:30

CSO x Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Giancarlo Guerrero CONDUCTOR

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Wynton Marsalis TRUMPET

JOHN ADAMS The Chairman Dances

SHOSTAKOVICH Suite for Variety Orchestra No. 1

MARSALIS All-American Pep from Swing Symphony

PROKOFIEV Selections from Romeo and Juliet

Two mighty orchestras present a rousing, jazz-meets-classical event. Discover selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, alternating between the original orchestral version performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and imaginative new jazz arrangements presented by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Both ensembles join forces for a selection from Wynton Marsalis’ Swing Symphony, which The Telegraph calls “a journey through jazz history and the sounds of America itself.”

28 SUN SCP ORCHESTRAS A 3:00

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Sir Simon Rattle CONDUCTOR

MAHLER Symphony No. 6

Marking his first season as its chief conductor, Sir Simon Rattle leads the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in Mahler’s mighty Sixth Symphony. Sir Simon has been celebrated for his “complete command” (The New York Times) of this piece, one of the composer’s darkest and most impassioned symphonies. Its vast panorama includes cowbells to evoke the Austrian countryside and fateful hammer blows in its final movement.

YULIANNA AVDEEVA

YEFIM BRONFMAN

SIR SIMON RATTLE TUGAN SOKHIEV

WYNTON MARSALIS

2 THU B | B2 7:30

4 SAT B | B1 7:30

Sheherazade

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Elim Chan CONDUCTOR CSO DEBUT

Paul Jacobs ORGAN

WEBER Overture to Der Freischütz

BARBER Toccata festiva

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Sheherazade

Elim Chan leads Rimsky-Korsakov’s sumptuous symphonic suite Sheherazade, inspired by the legendary heroine and tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Paul Jacobs, “a virtuoso of dazzling technical acumen” (The New York Times), performs Barber’s Toccata festiva, an exuberant showcase for organ containing echoes of J.S. Bach.

3 FRI CSO MOVIES A 7:30

5 SUN 3:00

Close Encounters of the Third Kind in Concert

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Richard Kaufman CONDUCTOR

Chicago Symphony Chorus

Immerse yourself in Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi masterpiece with John Williams’ pioneering score performed by the CSO. The film stars Richard Dreyfuss as an Indiana utility worker who experiences a close encounter with a UFO. Nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Original Score, Close Encounters of the Third Kind remains as powerful and engrossing today as it did at its 1977 premiere.

1 9 THU C | C1 7:30

10 FRI B | B2 7:30

11 SAT C | C1 7:30

Mozart & Stravinsky

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider

CONDUCTOR AND VIOLIN

MOZART Violin Concerto No. 2

KREISLER Liebesleid

STRAVINSKY Suite from Pulcinella

MOZART Symphony No. 38 (Prague)

The versatile Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider leads the CSO as soloist in Mozart’s richly melodic Violin Concerto No. 2 and Kreisler’s wistful Liebesleid. Trading violin bow for baton, Szeps-Znaider conducts Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, a neoclassical gem that shines a spotlight on the Orchestra’s principal players, and Mozart’s Prague Symphony, a work of grand gestures and profound, melodious depth.

11 SAT FAMILY AM 11:00

F AMILY PM 12:45

Family Matinee

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Create lasting impressions for the whole family. Special guests join the CSO in this fun, engaging and kid-friendly program.

16 THU A | A1 7:30

17 FRI A | A2 1:30

18 SAT A | A1 7:30

21 TUE A | A1 7:30

Helmchen Plays Beethoven

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Kazuki Yamada CONDUCTOR CSO DEBUT

Martin Helmchen PIANO

TAKEMITSU How slow the Wind FIRST CSO PERFORMANCE

BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 1

FRANCK Symphony in D Minor

Martin Helmchen, “who brings both freshness and expressive depth to everything he plays” (Chicago Classical Review), takes on Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto, a work of youthful bravura and pensive elegance. To open the program, Kazuki Yamada conducts Takemitsu’s shimmering How slow the Wind and Franck’s D Minor Symphony, featuring a mix of soaring lyricism and brooding intensity.

MARTIN HELMCHEN

ELIM CHAN

KAZUKI YAMADA

19 SUN SCP PIANO A | A1 3:00

Evgeny Kissin

BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90

BRAHMS Four Ballades, Op. 10

RACHMANINOV

Moments musicaux, Op. 16

PROKOFIEV Sonata No. 7 in B-flat Major, Op. 83

An Evgeny Kissin recital is unfailingly an event, showcasing the Russian pianist’s “formidable blend of technical prowess and exploratory fervor” (San Francisco Chronicle). This season in Orchestra Hall, Kissin surveys the lyrical charm and invention of Beethoven’s Op. 90 Sonata, Brahms’ deeply melodic Four Ballades, Rachmaninov’s ruminative, jewel-like Moments musicaux and Prokofiev’s incisive and hard-driving Sonata No. 7.

23 THU B | B1 7:30

24 FRI B | B2 7:30

25 SAT C | C2 7:30

Salonen Conducts

Mahler Resurrection

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Esa-Pekka Salonen CONDUCTOR

Mari Eriksmoen SOPRANO CSO DEBUT

Karen Cargill MEZZO-SOPRANO

Chicago Symphony Chorus

MAHLER Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection)

In his Second Symphony, Mahler constructs a universe all his own, exploring themes of death and afterlife using a massive orchestra, offstage brass and percussion, chorus and vocal soloists. Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen guides listeners on this journey from the great, tragic opening march, through pastoral dances and gentle songs to a final tableau of trumpet calls, percussive thunderbolts and the hymn of resurrection.

30 THU C | C1 7:30

31 FRI A | A2 1:30

JUNE 1 SAT B | B2 7:30

Montgomery & Bruckner 7

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Manfred Honeck CONDUCTOR

Cynthia Yeh PERCUSSION

MONTGOMERY Percussion Concerto

WORLD PREMIERE, CSO COMMISSION

BRUCKNER Symphony No. 7

Conductor Manfred Honeck leads the CSO in two captivating works. Principal Percussion Cynthia Yeh takes the spotlight in the premiere of a new concerto by Jessie Montgomery, the CSO’s Mead Composer-in-Residence. Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony awes with its breadth, drama and rapturous intensity. This enthralling score includes a radiant tribute to Bruckner’s idol, Richard Wagner, and a boisterous Austrian country dance.

EVGENY KISSIN

ESA-PEKKA SALONEN CHICAGO SYMPHONY CHORUS

MANFRED HONECK

CSO Principal Percussion Cynthia Yeh takes the spotlight in this thrilling program featuring a new concerto written for her by Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery, highlighting Yeh’s profound ability to express the poetry within the music.

May 30-June 1

Montgomery Percussion Concerto WORLD PREMIERE, CSO COMMISSION

YEH

PERCUSSION

CSO Principal Percussion

2 SUN SCP PIANO A | A2 3:00

Bruce Liu SCP DEBUT

RAMEAU Selections from Pièces de clavecin

CHOPIN Variations on Là ci darem la mano from Mozart’s Don Giovanni

RAVEL Miroirs

LISZT Réminiscences de Don Juan

Bruce Liu’s meteoric rise “to rock-star status in the classical music world” (Globe and Mail) after winning the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition has put this young Canadian pianist on the global map. His Chicago debut features several inventive keyboard works by Rameau, the delicate poetry of Ravel’s Miroirs and pianistic responses to Mozart’s Don Giovanni by Chopin and Liszt.

4 TUE 7:30

Shaken, Not Stirred

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

John Morris Russell CONDUCTOR

Capathia Jenkins VOCALS

Enjoy a concert featuring iconic music from the ageless James Bond movie franchise, including hits from Skyfall, Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and more. John Morris Russell conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra alongside Broadway star and vocal powerhouse Capathia Jenkins in this salute to the notorious secret agent.

6 THU A | A2 7:30

7 FRI B | B1 7:30

8 SAT A | A2 7:30

11 TUE A | A2 7:30

Ravel Boléro

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Stéphane Denève CONDUCTOR

Jean-Yves Thibaudet PIANO

BOULANGER D’un matin de printemps

SAINT-SAËNS Piano Concerto No. 5 (Egyptian)

DEBUSSY Ibéria

RAVEL Boléro

Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet brings his customary joie de vivre to Saint-Saëns’ Egyptian Concerto, inspired by a trip down the Nile in 1896. Conductor

Stéphane Denève unpacks the French fascination with Spanish culture in Debussy’s sultry Ibéria and Ravel’s ever-popular Boléro, with its sensuously hypnotic theme building to a volcanic climax.

9 SUN SCP CHAMBER A | A1 3:00

Hilary Hahn & Friends

Hilary Hahn VIOLIN

CSO Artist-in-Residence and Musical America’s 2023 Artist of the Year Hilary Hahn returns to Symphony Center for an afternoon showcasing the intimate beauty of chamber music. Hahn “cuts a tightly controlled, even economical figure on stage, letting her multilayered tone — decadent, dense, yet ringing with an irresistible sheen — speak for itself” (Chicago Tribune).

13 THU C | C2 7:30

14 FRI A | A2 1:30

15 SAT C | C1 7:30

The Elements with Joshua Bell

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Juraj Valčuha CONDUCTOR

Joshua Bell VIOLIN

WEBER Overture to Oberon

HEGGIE, HIGDON, MEYER MONTGOMERY, PUTS

The Elements

FIRST CSO PERFORMANCE

SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 1

Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell presents The Elements, a suite of five works for violin and orchestra, commissioned by Bell and written by leading American composers Jake Heggie (Fire), Jennifer Higdon (Air), Edgar Meyer (Water), CSO Mead Composerin-Residence Jessie Montgomery (Ether) and Kevin Puts (Earth). Conductor Juraj Valčuha frames the program with Weber’s Oberon Overture and Shostakovich’s jaunty, mischievous First Symphony.

BRUCE LIU

JOSHUA BELL

CAPATHIA JENKINS

JOHN MORRIS RUSSELL

20 THU B | B2 7:30

21 FRI A | A1 1:30

22 SAT B | B1 7:30

23 SUN A 3:00

Tchaikovsky Pathétique & Trifonov

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Lahav Shani CONDUCTOR

Daniil Trifonov PIANO

RACHMANINOV (ORCH. STOKOWSKI)

Prelude in C-sharp Minor

BATES Piano Concerto

FIRST CSO PERFORMANCE

TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique)

Lahav Shani conducts Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique, a symphony that the composer premiered less than a week before his death and was later nicknamed for the passion and suffering it expresses. Daniil Trifonov takes the spotlight in former CSO Mead Composer-in-Residence

Mason Bates’ Piano Concerto, a journey through three stylistic sound worlds, from Renaissance dance music to Romantic-era brooding to a contemporary finale imbued with strains of jazz and minimalism.

27 THU 7:30

28 FRI CSO MOVIES A 7:30

29 SAT 7:30

Hisaishi Conducts Hisaishi

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Joe Hisaishi CONDUCTOR CSO DEBUT

One of the most celebrated Japanese composers of our time, Joe Hisaishi has produced music for 10 Hayao Miyazaki films, including Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), and has also composed the music for Takeshi Kitano films. His credits include Sonatine (1993), the Oscar-winning Spirited Away (2001) and Departures (2008). Hisaishi conducts the CSO in his much-anticipated latest symphony alongside musical highlights from his most captivating compositions.

Save the dates for these concerts — details to be announced soon. Sign up for email at cso.org to receive the latest updates!

OCT 21 SAT 1:30 FREE

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band

APR 19 FRI 7:30

Gateways Festival Orchestra

Anthony Parnther CONDUCTOR

APR 24 WED 8:00

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

LAHAV SHANI

DANIIL TRIFONOV

JOE HISAISHI

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SERIES PACKAGES

CURATED

Tuesdays at 7:30 A

The Tuesday A series offers a grand tour of symphonic masterworks, including Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, Franck’s Symphony in D Minor and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with soloist Gil Shaham. Then step into the 20th century and delight in gleaming showpieces, including Holst’s The Planets, Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite and Ravel’s Boléro.

A Full 10-concert series

A1 5-concert selection

A2 5-concert selection

9/26 A1 Muti Conducts The Firebird

10/24 A2 Gershwin & Bernstein

11/7 A1 The Planets

12/5 A2 MTT Conducts Mozart

2/27 A1 Tchaikovsky & Shostakovich

3/5 A2 Blomstedt Conducts Beethoven 7

3/12 A1 Gil Shaham Plays Mendelssohn

4/2 A2 The Music of Bach

5/21 A1 Helmchen Plays Beethoven

6/11 A2 Ravel Boléro

Thursdays at 7:30 A

The taut virtuosity of the CSO is on full display in the Thursday A series, which gathers Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Mahler’s First, Rachmaninov’s Third and Shostakovich’s Tenth. Other highlights include Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra, Handel’s Messiah and Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with piano luminary Yuja Wang.

A Full 10-concert series

A1 5-concert selection

A2 5-concert selection

10/12 A2 Jaap van Zweden Conducts Beethoven 5

10/26 A1 Mahler 1

11/9 A2 Rachmaninov 3

12/21 A1 Sir Andrew Conducts Handel’s Messiah

2/15 A2 Sheku Kanneh-Mason Plays Elgar

3/14 A1 Also sprach Zarathustra

4/4 A1 Klaus Mäkelä & Yuja Wang

4/25 A2 CSO x Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

5/16 A1 Helmchen Plays Beethoven

6/6 A2 Ravel Boléro

BAdd excitement to your Thursdays with thrilling scores such as Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade, Holst’s The Planets, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony. Esteemed soloists include Hilary Hahn in Brahms’ Violin Concerto, Daniil Trifonov performing Mason Bates’ Piano Concerto and Gil Shaham in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto.

B Full 10-concert series

B1 5-concert selection B2 5-concert selection

9/28 B1 Muti, Glass & Mendelssohn Italian

11/2 B2 The Planets

11/16  B1 The Rite of Spring & Kavakos

12/7 B2 Hilary Hahn Plays Brahms

3/7 B1 Gil Shaham Plays Mendelssohn

3/28 B2 The Music of Bach

4/18 B1 Chopin & Tchaikovsky

5/2 B2 Sheherazade

5/23 B1 Salonen Conducts Mahler Resurrection

6/20 B2 Tchaikovsky Pathétique & Trifonov

CTake a journey in the Thursday C series. Witness the fairy-tale splendor of Stravinsky’s The Firebird, the Shakespearean saga of Bernstein’s West Side Story and the biblical tale of Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah. The musical travels continue with Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony and Mozart’s Prague Symphony.

C Full 10-concert series

C1 5-concert selection

C2 5-concert selection

9/21

Muti Conducts The Firebird

2/8

3/21

5/9 C1 Mozart & Stravinsky

5/30 C1 Montgomery & Bruckner 7

6/13 C2 The Elements with Joshua Bell

Fridays at 1:30 A

Variety is the spice of this “TGIF” series. Enjoy landmark symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Mahler and Bruckner. Discover the Baroque intricacies of Bach and Handel. Plus, hear preeminent soloists including Gil Shaham performing Mendelssohn, Hilary Hahn in Brahms and Joshua Bell introducing an exhilarating new cycle by five leading American composers.

A Full 16-concert series

A1 8-concert selection

A2 8-concert selection

9/29 A1 Muti, Glass & Mendelssohn Italian

10/13 A2 Jaap van Zweden Conducts Beethoven 5

10/27 A1 Mahler 1

11/10 A2 Rachmaninov 3

12/1 A1 MTT Conducts Mozart

12/8 A2 Hilary Hahn Plays Brahms

12/15 A1 Bychkov Conducts Brahms

12/22 A2 Sir Andrew Conducts Handel’s Messiah

3/1 A1 Blomstedt Conducts Beethoven 7

3/8 A2 Gil Shaham Plays Mendelssohn

3/15 A1 Also sprach Zarathustra

3/29 A1 The Music of Bach

5/17 A2 Helmchen Plays Beethoven

5/31 A2 Montgomery & Bruckner 7

6/14 A2 The Elements with Joshua Bell

6/21 A1 Tchaikovsky Pathétique & Trifonov

Vivid Russian masterworks highlight the Friday B series. It spans Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with powerhouse soloist Behzod Abduraimov, Stravinsky’s suites from The Firebird and Pulcinella, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet — performed in collaboration with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra — and Shostakovich’s gripping Ninth and Tenth symphonies.

B Full 10-concert series

B1 5-concert selection

B2 5-concert selection

9/22 B1 Muti Conducts The Firebird

10/20 B2 Gershwin & Bernstein

11/3 B2 The Planets

2/23 B1 Tchaikovsky & Shostakovich

4/5 B2 Klaus Mäkelä & Yuja Wang

4/12 B1 Mendelssohn Elijah

4/26 B1 CSO x Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

5/10 B2 Mozart & Stravinsky

5/24 B2 Salonen Conducts Mahler Resurrection

6/7 B1 Ravel Boléro

AThis 10-concert series offers a perfect night on the town. Experience bold masterworks, including Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Brahms’ Fourth Symphony, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Holst’s The Planets. Celestial scores including Mahler’s Fourth Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Elijah complete this series.

A Full 10-concert series

A1 5-concert selection

A2 5-concert selection

10/14 A1 Jaap van Zweden Conducts Beethoven 5

11/ 4 A2 The Planets

11/18 A1 The Rite of Spring & Kavakos

12/16 A2 Bychkov Conducts Brahms

2/24 A1 Tchaikovsky & Shostakovich

3/23 A2 Mahler 4

4/13 A1 Mendelssohn Elijah

4/27 A2 CSO x Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

5/18 A1 Helmchen Plays Beethoven

6/8 A2 Ravel Boléro

BThis far-reaching series spans music from the United States, Austria, Denmark, Great Britain, Poland and Russia. Journey south with Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, visit snowy landscapes in Tchaikovsky’s Winter Dreams Symphony and immerse yourself in ancient Persia in Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade. Plus, hear brilliant concertos by Elgar and Mendelssohn featuring cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and violinist Gil Shaham.

B Full 10-concert series

B1 5-concert selection

B2 5-concert selection

9/30 B1 Muti, Glass & Mendelssohn Italian

10/28 B2 Mahler 1

12/2 B1 MTT Conducts Mozart

12/23 B2 Sir Andrew Conducts Handel’s Messiah

2/17 B1 Sheku Kanneh-Mason Plays Elgar

3/9 B2 Gil Shaham Plays Mendelssohn

4/20 B2 Chopin & Tchaikovsky

5/4 B1 Sheherazade

6/1 B2 Montgomery & Bruckner 7

6/22 B1 Tchaikovsky Pathétique & Trifonov

CRevel in the grandeur of big, heartfelt symphonies including Mahler’s Second, Sibelius’ Seventh, Rachmaninov’s Third and Shostakovich’s Tenth. Hilary Hahn illuminates Brahms’ Violin Concerto, Conrad Tao performs Gershwin’s exuberant Piano Concerto in F and Yuja Wang tackles Bartók’s electrifying Second Piano Concerto.

C Full 10-concert series

C1 5-concert selection

C2 5-concert selection

10/21 C1 Gershwin & Bernstein

11/11 C2 Rachmaninov 3

12/9 C1 Hilary Hahn Plays Brahms

2/10 C2 Seong-Jin Cho Plays Beethoven

3/2 C1 Blomstedt Conducts Beethoven 7

3/16 C2 Also sprach Zarathustra

4/6 C2 Klaus Mäkelä & Yuja Wang

5/11 C1 Mozart & Stravinsky

5/25 C2 Salonen Conducts

Mahler Resurrection

6/15 C1 The Elements with Joshua Bell

Sundays at 3:00

The Sunday series features distinctive soloists and an expansive repertoire. Leonidas Kavakos performs Szymanowski’s Violin Concerto No. 2, Sheku Kanneh-Mason plays Elgar’s Cello Concerto, CSO Principal Flute Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson presents the world premiere of Liebermann’s Flute Concerto No. 2 and Daniil Trifonov delivers Bates’ Piano Concerto. Jaap van Zweden conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Tugan Sokhiev leads the CSO in Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony, Winter Dreams.

A 6-concert series

10/15 Jaap van Zweden Conducts Beethoven 5

11/19 The Rite of Spring & Kavakos

2/18 Sheku Kanneh-Mason Plays Elgar

3/24 Mahler 4

4/2 1 Chopin & Tchaikovsky

6/23 Tchaikovsky Pathétique & Trifonov

CSO at Wheaton

Fridays at 7:30

The CSO and internationally acclaimed conductors and guest artists perform symphonic masterworks in the heart of the western suburbs. Witness conductors Philippe Jordan, Susanna Mälkki and Tugan Sokhiev leading the CSO in works by Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, Mahler and more. CSO Principal Flute Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson, legendary violinist Leonidas Kavakos and debuting pianist Yulianna Avdeeva are among the soloists featured in this exhilarating series.

A 3-concert series

Edman Memorial Chapel, 401 E. Franklin St., Wheaton College

11/17 The Rite of Spring & Kavakos

3/22 Mahler 4

4/19 Chopin & Tchaikovsky

CSO at the Movies

Fridays at 7:30

Experience the thrill of watching cherished films on the big screen alongside the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Join us for a riveting performance of Disney’s groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia; the MGM musical An American in Paris, and Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi masterpiece Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Plus, enjoy an evening with celebrated composer Joe Hisaishi, whose acclaimed film scores include Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, conducting the CSO in highlights from his most captivating compositions.

A 4-concert series

11/24 Fantasia

2/9 An American in Paris

5/3 Close Encounters of the Third Kind

6/28 Hisaishi Conducts Hisaishi

CSO MusicNOW

NEW DAYS & TIMES

Mondays at 7:30 & Sundays at 4:30*

Curated by CSO Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery, the season features exhilarating performances of works written by today’s composers in Chicago’s most exciting contemporary music series. Savor the bold and unexpected with four striking concerts! Programs to be announced.

A 4-concert series

10/30, 12/3*, 3/3*, 5/20

CSO FOR KIDS

Once Upon a Symphony®

Saturdays at 10:00 or 11:45

Once Upon a Symphony programs combine vibrant music played by members of the CSO, storytelling and enchanting visuals to create a unique and magical concert experience. Programs are designed specially to introduce the youngest audience members to the amazing world of classical music. Perfect for ages 3-5.

Buntrock Hall at Symphony Center

12/9, 1/6, 2/10 The Three Little Pigs

4/6, 4/20, 5/18 Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Subscribe to both programs and save! Bundled pricing available on page 41.

Family Matinees

Saturdays at 11:00 AM or 12:45 PM

A great next step for Once Upon a Symphony graduates, the Family Matinee series features fun and engaging kid-friendly programs. Special guests join members of the CSO in treasured classical music performances guaranteed to create unforgettable memories for the whole family. Programs to be announced. Perfect for ages 5-12.

AM | PM 3-concert series

11/4, 2/17, 5/11

The CSO offers weekday concerts exclusively for school groups. Please encourage the teachers in your life to contact the Negaunee Music Institute for more information at 312-294-3076.

Piano

Sundays at 3:00

Revel in solo and duo piano performances by acclaimed recitalists assembled on the Symphony Center Presents Piano series. Hear piano masterworks by Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Lizst and Prokofiev, along with a new work by Australian composer Brett Dean, performed by Symphony Center favorites including Evgeny Kissin, Sir András Schiff and Yefim Bronfman, as well as series debuts by Lucas & Arthur Jussen and Bruce Liu.

A Full 8-concert series A1 4-concert selection A2 4-concert selection

11/12 A2 Sir András Schiff 3/10 A1 Benjamin Grosvenor

1/21 A1 Lucas & Arthur Jussen 4/14 A2 Yefim Bronfman

2/4 A2 Hélène Grimaud 5/19 A1 Evgeny Kissin

2/25 A1 Pierre-Laurent Aimard 6/2 A2 Bruce Liu

Chamber Music

Evenings at 7:30 & Sundays at 3:00*

The most illustrious names in classical music perform dazzling virtuosic recitals and intimate collaborations. Delight in two programs featuring legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma, plus watch as superstar pianist Mitsuko Uchida leads the Mahler Chamber Orchestra in two of Mozart’s greatest piano concertos. Explore three famous piano trios performed by three outstanding soloists and recitals by renowned violinists CSO Artist-in-Residence Hilary Hahn and Maxim Vengerov, returning to Symphony Center after a 17-year absence.

A Full 6-concert series A1 3-concert selection

A1 3-concert selection A2 3-concert selection

10/22* A1 Jean-Yves Thibaudet, 3/26 A2 Mahler Chamber Orchestra & Lisa Batiashvili & Mitsuko Uchida

Gautier Capuçon 4/7* A1 Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott

11/10 A2 Maxim Vengerov 6/9* A1 Hilary Hahn & Friends

2/3 A2 Ax, Kavakos & Ma

Orchestras

Tuesday at 7:30 & Sunday at 3:00*

Symphony Center welcomes two of the world’s finest orchestras led by today’s most distinguished conductors. Daniel Barenboim returns to Chicago leading the venerable Staatskapelle Berlin in an all-Brahms program, and Sir Simon Rattle brings Mahler’s mighty Sixth Symphony in his first U.S. tour as the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra’s chief conductor.

A 2-concert series

11/28 Staatskapelle Berlin

Daniel Barenboim CONDUCTOR

4/28* Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Sir Simon Rattle CONDUCTOR

SIR ANDR Á S SCHIFF

YO-YO MA

CURATED SERIES PRICES — subscribe to a curated series and save up to 40%!

CREATE YOUR OWN SERIES — save 15%

CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS

CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS

Orchestra Hall Seating Charts

Orchestra Hall Seating Charts

CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS Visit cso.org/seats for additional seating charts.

Orchestra Hall Seating Charts

For additional seating charts, visit cso.org/seats

For additional seating charts, visit cso.org/seats

For additional seating charts, visit cso.org/seats

CSO & SCP CLASSICAL, MOVIES & MERRY, MERRY CHICAGO!

FAMILY, JAZZ, WORLD & FOLK

SUPPORT YOUR ORCHESTRA

With the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at its core, the mission of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association is to enrich, inspire and transform lives through music, community engagement and education — locally, nationally and internationally. Our ability to uphold this mission is reliant on the support of the many generous donors that give each season.

Gifts to the CSOA support not only the work of the world-renowned Orchestra, but also the ability to host guest artists and ensembles — including jazz musicians, pianists and touring orchestras — through the Symphony Center Presents series. When you attend a concert at Symphony Center, you experience the breadth and depth of music under one roof.

Your support also makes possible the community and educational programs of the Negaunee Music Institute, such as CSO for Kids concerts, the Percussion Scholarship Program and special performances and events in community centers across the city. These programs, and many more, are made available completely free or at very low costs thanks to thousands of generous donors.

If the music and programs of the CSOA have impacted your life, help ensure they have the greatest impact on the lives of others by making a donation today.

Make a gift today.

cso.org/makeagift | 312-294-3100

Thank you for your support of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association.

OUR SPONSORS

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association is grateful for the generous support of these leading sponsors.

Zell Family Foundation

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation

Julius N. Frankel Foundation The Negaunee Foundation

Randy L. and Melvin† R. Berlin Family Fund for the Canon

Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund

Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich Gross

Ling Z. and Michael C. Markovitz

Anonymous

Sargent Family Foundation

The Artist in Residence at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is made possible through a generous gift from James and Brenda Grusecki.

The Civic Orchestra of Chicago is generously sponsored by The Julian Family Foundation, which also provides major funding for the Civic Fellowship program.

Major support for CSO MusicNOW is generously provided by the Zell Family Foundation, the Sargent Family Foundation, the Sally Mead Hands Foundation and The Julian Family Foundation.

Generous support for CSO concerts, guest artists and guest conductors has been provided by the Juli Plant Grainger Fund for Artistic Excellence and the Grainger Fund for Excellence.

Generous support for the Chicago Symphony Chorus has been provided by The Grainger Foundation.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Merry, Merry Chicago! Symphony Ball and CSO Tuesday series media partner:

SCP Jazz series, CSO MusicNOW series and select special concerts media partner:

SCP Jazz series media partners: Symphony Ball and Corporate Night media partner:

MUSIC FINDER

COMPOSERS

Adams, John p. 24

Assad, Sérgio p. 22

Bach, Carl Philipp Emanuel p. 18, 22

Bach, Johann Sebastian p. 17, 22

Barber, Samuel p. 10, 25

Bartók, Béla p. 21, 22, 24

Bates, Mason p. 29

Beethoven, Ludwig van p. 10, 17, 18, 25, 26

Benjamin, George p. 18

Bernstein, Leonard p. 10

Bloch, Ernest p. 12

Boulanger, Lili p. 28

Brahms, Johannes p. 8, 12, 13, 15, 16, 26

Bruckner, Anton p. 26

Chopin, Frédéric p. 21, 24, 28

Dean, Brett p. 21

Debussy, Claude p. 28

Dvořák, Antonin p. 16, 22

Elgar, Edward p. 17

Fauré, Gabriel p. 22

Franck, César p. 22, 25

Gershwin, George p. 10

Giordano, Umberto p. 8

Glass, Philip p. 9

Handel, George Frederic p. 16

Haydn, Franz Joseph p. 10

Heggie, Jake p. 28

Higdon, Jennifer p. 28

Hisaishi, Joe p. 29

Holst, Gustav p. 12

Kabalevsky, Dmitri p. 22

Kernis, Aaron Jay p. 17

Kreisler, Fritz p. 25

Kulenty, Hanna p. 17

Leoncavallo, Ruggero p. 8

Liadov, Anatoly p. 8

Liebermann, Lowell p. 21

Liszt, Franz p. 21, 28

Lutosławski, Witold p. 18

Mahler, Gustav p. 10, 12, 21, 24, 26

Marsalis, Wynton p. 24

Martinů, Bohuslav p. 21

Mendelssohn, Felix p. 9, 10, 17, 18, 22

Meyer, Edgar p. 28

Montgomery, Jessie p. 26, 28

Mozart, Wolfgang p. 15, 17, 18, 21, 25

Mussorgsky, Modest p. 13, 18

Nielsen, Carl p. 17

Panufnik, Sir Andrzej p. 24

Pärt, Arvo p. 22

Prokofiev, Sergei p. 13, 24, 26

Puccini, Giacomo p. 8

Puts, Kevin p. 28

Rachmaninov, Sergei p. 12, 26, 29

Rameau, Jean-Philippe p. 28

Ravel, Maurice p. 10, 28

Revueltas, Silvestre p. 10

Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai p. 25

Saariaho, Kaija p. 18

Saint-Saëns, Camille p. 16, 28

Schubert, Franz p. 17, 18, 24

Schumann, Clara p. 13

Schumann, Robert p. 12, 13, 17

Shekhar, Nina p. 10

Shostakovich, Dmitri p. 18, 22, 24, 28

Sibelius, Jean p. 12, 15

Strauss, Richard p. 9, 18, 21

Stravinsky, Igor p. 8, 13, 17, 25

Sweelinck, Jan Pieterszoon p. 18

Szymanowski, Karol p. 13

Takemitsu, Toru p. 25

Tchaikovsky, Pyotr p. 8, 18, 24, 29

Theofanidis, Christopher p. 12

Verdi, Giuseppe p. 8

Volkonsky, Andrei p. 18

Wagner, Richard p. 15, 21

Weber, Carl Maria von p. 25, 28

Widmann, Jörg p. 21

Williams, John p. 15, 25

Zinovjev, Sauli p. 22

CONDUCTORS

Barenboim, Daniel p. 13

Blomstedt, Herbert p. 18

Bychkov, Semyon p. 16

Chan, Elim p. 25

Conlon, James p. 22

Davis, Sir Andrew p. 16 de Cou, Emil p. 13

Denève, Stéphane p. 28

Franck, Mikko p. 15

Gaffigan, James p. 10

Guerrero, Giancarlo p. 24

Harding, Daniel p. 12

Hisaishi, Joe p. 29

Honeck, Manfred p. 26

Hrůša, Jakub p. 18, 21

Järvi, Paavo p. 17

Jordan, Philippe p. 13

Kaufman, Richard p. 15, 25

Kitsopoulos, Constantine p. 17

Lintu, Hannu p. 18

Mäkelä, Klaus p. 22

Mälkki, Susanna p. 21

Mulcahy, Michael p. 16

Muti, Riccardo p. 8, 9

New, Gemma p. 17

Parnther, Anthony p. 29

Rattle, Sir Simon p. 24

Russell, John Morris p. 28

Salonen, Esa-Pekka p. 26

Shani, Lahav p. 29

Sokhiev, Tugan p. 24

Storgårds, John p. 12

Szeps-Znaider, Nikolaj p. 12, 25

Tilson Thomas, Michael p. 15

Uchida, Mitsuko p. 21

Valčuha, Juraj p. 28

van Zweden, Jaap p. 10

Wilkins, Thomas p. 16

Yamada, Kazuki p. 25

INSTRUMENTALISTS / VOCALISTS

Abduraimov, Behzod p. 18

Aimard, Pierre-Laurent p. 18

Avdeeva, Yulianna p. 24

Ax, Emanuel p. 17

Batiashvili, Lisa p. 10

Bell, Joshua p. 28

Bronfman, Yefim p. 24

Capuçon, Gautier p. 10

Capuçon, Renaud p. 16

Cargill, Karen p. 26

Chen, Robert p. 22

Cho, Seong-Jin p. 17

Dixon, Ashley p. 22

Eriksmoen, Mari p. 26

Fang, Ying p. 21

Gerhaher, Christian p. 10

Grimaud, Hélène p. 17

Grosvenor, Benjamin p. 21

Hahn, Hilary p. 15, 28

Harvey, Joélle p. 16

Helmchen, Martin p. 25

Höskuldsson, Stefán Ragnar p. 21

Jacobs, Paul p. 25

Jenkins, Capathia p. 28

Johnson Cano, Jennifer p. 16

Jussen, Arthur p. 17

Jussen, Lucas p. 17

Kanneh-Mason, Sheku p. 17

Kavakos, Leonidas p. 8, 13, 17

Kissin, Evgeny p. 26

Liu, Bruce p. 28

Ma, Yo-Yo p. 17, 22

Marsalis, Wynton p. 24, 29

Meachem, Lucas p. 22

Osetinskaya, Polina p. 13

Polenzani, Matthew p. 16

Rangwanasha, Masabane Cecilia p. 22

Relyea, John p. 16

Savage, Issachah p. 22

Schiff, Sir András p. 13

Shaham, Gil p. 18

Shankar, Anoushka p. 10

Špaček, Josef p. 21

Stott, Kathryn p. 22

Szeps-Znaider, Nikolaj p. 25

Tao, Conrad p. 10

Thibaudet, Jean-Yves p. 10, 28

Trifonov, Daniil p. 29

Uchida, Mitsuko p. 21

Vengerov, Maxim p. 13

Wang, Jian p. 12

Wang, Yuja p. 22

Weiss, Orion p. 15

Welter, William p. 21

Williamson, Stephen p. 12

Yeh, Cynthia p. 26

ENSEMBLES

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra p. 24

Chanticleer p. 15

Chicago Symphony Chorus p. 12, 16, 22, 25, 26

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass p. 16

Gateways Festival Orchestra p. 29

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis p. 24, 29

Mahler Chamber Orchestra p. 21

Max Raabe & Palast Orchester p. 21

“The President’s Own”

United States Marine Band p. 29

Staatskapelle Berlin p. 13

Vienna Boys Choir p. 13