season catalog (pdf)

Chicago SymphonyOrchestra

Riccardo Muti zell music director

Symphony CenterPresents

2016/17 season

season highlights

table of contents

In troubled times, culture and beauty are vital to our lives because Art has the immense power to regenerate the soul. We find solace in the fact that the universe is based on a harmony of movements and a harmony of sounds. Through the act of singing and playing together we find a “concord” of purpose, inspiration and feeling. If all this were to be swept away, we would lose our history and our humanity. This is why the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and I invite you to participate in this musical dialogue. In this spirit of healing discourse, I hope you will strengthen your relationship with the CSO by engaging deeply and often in the rich cultural offerings of the Orchestra’s 2016/17 season.

Riccardo Muti

4 Muti Conducts the Complete Brahms Symphonies

7 Beethoven Piano Concerto Cycle at Symphony Center

8 Vocal & Choral Masterpieces

11 Celebrating Sergei Prokofiev

12 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Series

24 Symphony Ball

34 CSO at the Movies

35 CSO Family Matinees/Once Upon a Symphony®

34 Symphony Center Presents Jazz Series

36 Symphony Center Presents Series 36 Chamber Music

38 Piano

40 Orchestras

41 MusicNOW

42 Holiday Concerts

43 Special Concerts

47 CSO Media and Sponsors

24 How to Renew Guide center insert

24 Season Grid and Chronological Calendar center fold-out

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Welcome

4 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents

Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra illuminate the orchestral scores of Johannes Brahms with performances of his four symphonies in May 2017. The CSO, with deep roots in the German musical tradition, will shine in these timeless works guided by Muti’s impeccable balance of classical precision and romantic expression. Don’t miss what are sure to be memorable interpretations of four pillars of the symphonic repertoire.

Muti Conducts the Complete Brahms Symphonies

May 4–9Brahms’ Symphonies 1 & 2

September 22–27Strauss’ Don Juan & Bruckner 7

September 29–October 1Beethoven 7 & Martucci’s La canzone dei ricordi with Joyce DiDonato

October 13Community Concert at Apostolic Church of God

October 14 & 18Mussorgsky’s Pictures from an Exhibition

October 15Symphony BallBeethoven 5 & Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with Daniil Trifonov

February 16–18Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4with Yefim Bronfman

February 23–25Prokofiev’s Ivan the Terrible

March 16–21Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3with Mitsuko Uchida

April 27–29Beethoven’s Emperor Concertowith Radu Lupu

June 22–25Muti Conducts Italian Opera Masterworks including works by Verdi, Puccini & Boito

May 11–13Brahms’ Symphonies 3 & 4

2016/17 programs led by Riccardo Muti will feature:

“This Brahms was one of Muti’s finest achievements…All of the Italian conductor’s considerable musical strengths were manifest—the seamless string ensemble, tonal elegance, expressive detailing, freedom of instrumental solos and unbridled brilliance—coming together in a magisterial performance of fire and nobility.”—Chicago Classical Review

the randy and melvin berlin family fund for the canon provides support for artistic excellence in the programming of core classical orchestral repertoire, recognizing and demonstrating the impact of great masters on the legacy of the chicago symphony orchestra.

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Five piano virtuosos—Radu Lupu, Yefim Bronfman, Mitsuko Uchida, Richard Goode and Emanuel Ax— bring their celebrated artistry to the dramatic piano concertos of Ludwig van Beethoven. This survey features the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Riccardo Muti (Concerto Nos. 3–5) and David Afkham (Concerto No. 1), along with guest ensemble Budapest Festival Orchestra under the baton of Iván Fischer (Concerto No. 2). From the glittering classicism of the early concertos to the rich complexity of the well-known Emperor, each of these works is a tour de force.

Beethoven Piano Concerto Cycle at Symphony Center

Piano Concerto No. 1 Chicago Symphony Orchestra David Afkham conductorEmanuel Ax piano oct 20–22 Piano Concerto No. 2 Budapest Festival Orchestra Iván Fischer conductorRichard Goode pianofeb 8 Piano Concerto No. 3 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Muti conductorMitsuko Uchida pianomar 16–21 Piano Concerto No. 4 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Muti conductor Yefim Bronfman pianofeb 16–18 Piano Concerto No. 5 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Muti conductorRadu Lupu pianoapr 27–29

“Ax’s Beethoven combines power and attack with exquisite delicacy and pinpoint articulation.”—limelight magazine

“Goode is one of the great pianists of our time and he might well be without equal when it comes to the music of Beethoven.”—denver post

“Mitsuko Uchida casts spells with Beethoven.”—the independent

“Bronfman is made for Beethoven, given the strong lyricism, intelligence and technique in this pianist’s arsenal.”—the new criterion

“Lupu played the Beethoven Concerto as if he were displaying a set of rare jewels, each appearing when he pressed individual keys.”—chicago sun-times

photos above, top row: emanuel ax, richard goodebottom row: yefim bronfman, radu lupu

facing page: mitsuko uchida with the cso


Witness the captivating combination of voice and orchestra in performances featuring the Chicago Symphony Chorus and acclaimed soloists. The 2016/17 season brings a wealth of vocal and choral works, including Requiem settings by Johannes Brahms and Gabriel Fauré. Renowned mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato makes her CSO debut under the baton of Riccardo Muti, who also leads the Orchestra and Chorus in a season finale of opera masterworks.

Vocal & Choral Masterpieces

September 29–October 1Muti Conducts Martucci’s La canzone dei ricordiJoyce DiDonato mezzo-soprano

November 10–12Van Zweden Conducts Brahms’ A German RequiemChristiane Karg soprano | Michael Nagy baritoneChicago Symphony Chorus | Duain Wolfe chorus director

December 1–3Kraemer Conducts Handel’s Fireworks featuring Zadok the Priest, Silete venti and Laudate pueri Dominum Amanda Forsythe sopranoChicago Symphony Chorus | Duain Wolfe chorus director

February 23–25Muti Conducts Prokofiev’s Ivan the TerribleGérard Depardieu narratorSasha Cooke mezzo-soprano | Mikhail Petrenko bassChicago Symphony Chorus | Duain Wolfe chorus directorChicago Children’s Choir | Josephine Lee artistic director

March 30–April 1Haitink Conducts Mahler’s Das Lied von der ErdeSarah Connolly mezzo-sopranoStephen Gould tenor

April 13–15Dutoit Conducts the Fauré RequiemChen Reiss sopranoMatthias Goerne baritoneChicago Symphony Chorus | Duain Wolfe chorus director

June 22–25Muti Conducts Italian Opera Masterworks including works by Verdi, Puccini and BoitoRiccardo Zanellato bassChicago Symphony Chorus | Duain Wolfe chorus directorChicago Children’s Choir | Josephine Lee artistic director

“The performance Muti drew from his Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus combined dedicated musicality and deep religious feeling to produce one of the great musical events of the season.”—Chicago Tribune

photos first row: joyce didonato, christiane karg, michael nagysecond row: amanda forsythe, gÉrard depardieu, sasha cookethird row: mikhail petrenko, sarah connolly, stephen gouldfourth row: chen reiss, matthias goerne, riccardo zanellato

facing page: chicago symphony chorus

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The CSO honors the 125th anniversary of Sergei Prokofiev’s birth with a variety of the great Russian composer’s masterpieces. Among the works featured this season are two of his most popular concertos: the Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by Denis Kozhukhin, and the Violin Concerto No. 1, performed by Vadim Gluzman. The crown jewel of this homage is a presentation of Prokofiev’s gripping score from Sergei Eisenstein’s film Ivan the Terrible, conducted by Riccardo Muti and narrated by internationally-acclaimed actor Gérard Depardieu. Celebrate the legacy of Sergei Prokofiev, one of the towering voices of 20th-century music.

Celebrating Sergei Prokofiev

October 6–8Selections from CinderellaJames Gaffigan conductor

November 17–22Piano Concerto No. 2Emmanuel Krivine conductorDenis Kozhukhin piano

December 8–10Violin Concerto No. 1Neeme Järvi conductorVadim Gluzman violin

December 15–18Suite from Romeo and JulietMichael Tilson Thomas conductor

February 23–25Ivan the Terrible Riccardo Muti conductorA film screening of Ivan the Terrible will be presented during the week of these concerts. Stay tuned for details.

April 6–11Symphony No. 5Charles Dutoit conductor

photo above: sergei prokofiev

facing page: riccardo muti conducts the chicago symphony orchestra and chorus


thursday A 10 concerts at 8:00 | 5-concert series: Thu F or Thu GSEP 22 OCT 27 NOV 17 DEC 1 MAR 9 APR 6 APR 27 MAY 18 JUN 1 JUN 22

series highlightSeptember 22 FMuti Conducts Strauss & BrucknerRiccardo Muti conductormussorgsky A Night on Bald Mountain r. strauss Don Juan bruckner Symphony No. 7Riccardo Muti opens the season with Mussorgsky’s tone poem A Night on Bald Mountain, followed by Strauss’ orchestral showpiece Don Juan. Bruckner’s magnificent Seventh Symphony completes the concert.

October 27 GSibelius’ Violin Concerto & Strauss’ Also sprach ZarathustraAndrés Orozco-Estrada conductor cso debutBaiba Skride violin cso debutkodÁly Dances of Galántasibelius Violin Concerto ives The Unanswered Question r. strauss Also sprach Zarathustra

November 17 FDvořák’s Symphony No. 8Emmanuel Krivine conductor cso debutDenis Kozhukhin piano liszt Les préludesprokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2 dvořÁk Symphony No. 8

December 1 GHandel’s Royal FireworksNicholas Kraemer conductorAmanda Forsythe soprano Chicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus director handel Zadok the Priesthandel Concerto grosso, Op. 6, No. 7handel Laudate pueri Dominumhandel Silete ventihandel Music for the Royal Fireworks

March 9 FSalonen & Yo-Yo MaEsa-Pekka Salonen conductorYo-Yo Ma cello john adams Slonimsky’s Earboxsalonen Cello Concerto cso co-commission, world premierestravinsky Petrushka

series highlightApril 6 GDutoit Conducts ProkofievCharles Dutoit conductorTruls Mørk cello glinka Overture to Ruslan and LudmiladvořÁk Cello Concerto prokofiev Symphony No. 5Norwegian cellist Truls Mørk, who “enthralls the audience from the first to last note” (The Strad), performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto under the baton of Charles Dutoit. Dutoit also leads the CSO in Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony, which the composer called “a symphony of the greatness of the human spirit, a song of praise of free and happy mankind.”

April 27 FMuti, Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto & LupuRiccardo Muti conductorRadu Lupu pianoWomen of the Chicago Symphony Chorus Duain Wolfe chorus directorbeethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor)liszt Dante Symphony

series highlightMay 18 GSmetana’s Má vlastJakub Hrůša conductor cso debutsmetana Má vlastThe Moldau, Smetana’s much-loved portrayal of Bohemia’s mighty river, is one of six tone poems in the composer’s musical portrait of his homeland. Rarely performed in its entirety, Má vlast (My Fatherland) is an extraordinary cycle that traces the history of the Czech people and evokes the rich natural beauties of the countryside.

June 1 FStrauss’ Der Rosenkavalier SuiteJuraj Valčuha conductor cso debutChristian Tetzlaff violinhaydn Symphony No. 85 (The Queen) szymanowski Violin Concerto No. 1j. strauss, jr. Emperor Waltzr. strauss Suite from Der Rosenkavalier

series highlight June 22 GMuti Conducts Italian Opera MasterworksSee description on facing page.

photos left to right: andrÉs orozco-estrada, baiba skride, charles dutoit, radu lupu

Choose Your Concert Series CSO Main series debuts are indicated

series highlight

Muti Conducts Italian Opera Masterworks A grand season finale of choral and orchestral treasures by Verdi, Puccini & Boito

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Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Riccardo Muti conductor Riccardo Zanellato bassChicago Symphony Chorus | Duain Wolfe chorus directorChicago Children’s Choir | Josephine Lee artistic director

verdi Overture to Nabucco

verdi Gli arredi festivi from Nabucco

verdi Va, pensiero from Nabucco

verdi Anvil Chorus from Il trovatore

verdi Patria oppressa from Macbeth

verdi Overture to I vespri siciliani

puccini Intermezzo to Act 3 from Manon Lescaut

mascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana

boito Prologue to Mefistofele

Performed June 22–25Series: Thursday A, Thursday G, Friday B, Saturday B, Saturday H, Sunday A


thursday B 10 concerts at 8:00 | 5-concert series: Thu H or Thu ISEP 29 OCT 20 NOV 10 DEC 8 FEB 16 MAR 2 MAR 30 APR 20 MAY 4 JUN 8

series highlightSeptember 29 HMuti, Martucci & DiDonatoRiccardo Muti conductorJoyce DiDonato mezzo-soprano cso debutcatalani Contemplazione martucci La canzone dei ricordi beethoven Symphony No. 7Joyce DiDonato, “one of the finest singers of our time” (Gramophone), makes her much-anticipated CSO debut under the baton of Riccardo Muti in Martucci’s La canzone dei ricordi (Song of Remembrance).

October 20 IShostakovich, Beethoven & AxDavid Afkham conductorEmanuel Ax pianobeethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 shostakovich Symphony No. 10

series highlightNovember 10 IBrahms’ A German RequiemJaap van Zweden conductorChristiane Karg soprano cso debutMichael Nagy baritone cso debutChicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus director mozart Masonic Funeral Musicwagner Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde brahms A German RequiemOf Brahms’ A German Requiem, Clara Schumann wrote, “It is a truly tremendous piece of art which moves the entire being in a way little else does.” Jaap van Zweden returns to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in this emotional work. Mozart’s Masonic Funeral Music and Wagner’s groundbreaking Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde open the program.

December 8 HNeeme Järvi Returns with Sibelius & ProkofievNeeme Järvi conductorVadim Gluzman violinglazunov Concert Waltz No. 1 prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1sibelius Suite from Kareliasibelius Symphony No. 5

February 16 HMuti, Beethoven & BronfmanRiccardo Muti conductorYefim Bronfman piano rossini Overture to Semiramidebeethoven Piano Concerto No. 4mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 (Reformation)

series highlightMarch 2 ISalonen, John Adams & The Rite of SpringEsa-Pekka Salonen conductorLeila Josefowicz violindebussy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun john adams Scheherazade.2 stravinsky The Rite of SpringEsa-Pekka Salonen leads the CSO in Stravinsky’s pioneering masterpiece The Rite of Spring in a program that also celebrates John Adams’ 70th birthday with Scheherazade.2, performed by Leila Josefowicz.

March 30 HHaitink Conducts MahlerBernard Haitink conductorSarah Connolly mezzo-soprano cso debutStephen Gould tenorhaydn Symphony No. 60 (Il distratto)mahler Das Lied von der Erde

April 20 IDohnányi ConductsBeethoven’s Pastoral SymphonyChristoph von Dohnányi conductorRobert Chen violinpÄrt FratresbartÓk Violin Concerto No. 1 beethoven Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral)

May 4 IMuti Conducts Brahms’ Symphonies 1 & 2Riccardo Muti conductorbrahms Symphony No. 1 brahms Symphony No. 2

June 8 HMozart MasterpiecesManfred Honeck conductorPaul Lewis pianoRegula Mühlemann soprano cso debut mozart Overture to La clemenza di Titomozart Exsultate, jubilatemozart Piano Concerto No. 27mozart Laudamus te from Mass in C Minormozart Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Diomozart Symphony No. 35 (Haffner)

photos left to right: riccardo muti, david afkham, christiane karg, robert chen

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thursday C 10 concerts at 8:00 | 5-concert series: Thu D or Thu EOCT 6 NOV 3 DEC 15 FEB 9 FEB 23 MAR 16 APR 13 MAY 11 MAY 25 JUN 15

October 6 DProkofiev’s Cinderella & Vine’s Five HallucinationsJames Gaffigan conductorMichael Mulcahy trombonefranck Le chasseur maudit vine Five Hallucinations for Trombone and Orchestra cso co-commission, world premiereprokofiev Selections from Cinderella

series highlightNovember 3 EJames Levine Returns with Symphonie fantastiqueJames Levine conductorschoenberg Five Pieces for Orchestrastravinsky The Song of the Nightingale berlioz Symphonie fantastiqueJames Levine makes his long-awaited return to the CSO podium with three masterpieces of orchestral color. Schoenberg described his Five Pieces for Orchestra as a “ceaseless flow of colors, rhythm and mood.” Levine closes the program with Berlioz’s epic Symphonie fantastique.

December 15 DTilson Thomas Conducts Romeo and JulietMichael Tilson Thomas conductorGautier CapuÇon cello stravinsky Scènes de balletsaint-saËns Cello Concerto No. 1 prokofiev Suite from Romeo and Juliet

February 9 EVivaldi, Corelli & Vivica GenauxFabio Biondi conductor and violin cso debutVivica Genaux mezzo-soprano Arias by giacomelli, vivaldi, veracini and ariosticorelli Concerto grosso, Op. 6, No. 4 vivaldi Violin Concerto in D Major, RV 222 vivaldi Violin Concerto in E Major, RV 271 (L’amoroso)vivaldi Violin Concerto in A Minor, RV 357 (La stravaganza)corelli Concerto grosso in F Major, Op. 6, No. 12

February 23 DMuti Conducts Prokofiev’s Ivan the TerribleRiccardo Muti conductorGérard Depardieu narratorSasha Cooke mezzo-sopranoMikhail Petrenko bassChicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus directorChicago Children’s ChoirJosephine Lee artistic director prokofiev Ivan the Terrible

March 16 DMuti, Beethoven & UchidaRiccardo Muti conductorMitsuko Uchida pianorossini Overture to La scala di seta beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 samuel adams New Work cso commission, world premiereschumann Symphony No. 4

April 13 EDutoit Conducts the Fauré RequiemCharles Dutoit conductorChen Reiss soprano cso debutMatthias Goerne baritoneChicago Symphony Chorus Duain Wolfe chorus directorwagner Good Friday Music from Parsifalhonegger Symphony No. 3 (Liturgique)faurÉ Requiem

May 11 EMuti Conducts Brahms’ Symphonies 3 & 4Riccardo Muti conductorbrahms Symphony No. 3brahms Symphony No. 4

May 25 DGershwin & DvořákJesÚs López-Cobos conductorturina Danzas fantásticas gershwin Piano Concerto in FdvořÁk Symphony No. 6

June 15 EMälkki, Marsalis & John WilliamsSusanna Mälkki conductorBranford Marsalis saxophonesbizet Symphony in C faurÉ Pavane for Soprano Saxophone williams Escapades for Alto Saxophone from Catch Me If You Canmelinda wagner Proceed, Moon cso commission, world premieredebussy Ibéria

photos left to right: james levine, michael mulcahy, vivica genaux, jesÚs lÓpez-cobos


friday A 8 concerts at 1:30SEP 30 OCT 21 NOV 18 DEC 16 MAR 10 APR 14 MAY 12 JUN 9

series highlightSeptember 30Muti, Martucci & DiDonatoRiccardo Muti conductorJoyce DiDonato mezzo-soprano cso debutcatalani Contemplazione martucci La canzone dei ricordi beethoven Symphony No. 7Joyce DiDonato, “one of the finest singers of our time” (Gramophone), makes her much-anticipated CSO debut under the baton of Riccardo Muti in Martucci’s La canzone dei ricordi (Song of Remembrance). Beethoven’s celebratory Seventh Symphony is a whirlwind of kinetic energy.

October 21Shostakovich, Beethoven & AxDavid Afkham conductorEmanuel Ax pianobeethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 shostakovich Symphony No. 10

November 18Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8Emmanuel Krivine conductor cso debutDenis Kozhukhin piano liszt Les préludesprokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2 dvořÁk Symphony No. 8

December 16Tilson Thomas Conducts Romeo and JulietMichael Tilson Thomas conductorGautier CapuÇon cello stravinsky Scènes de balletsaint-saËns Cello Concerto No. 1 prokofiev Suite from Romeo and Juliet

series highlightMarch 10Salonen & Yo-Yo MaSee description on facing page.

series highlightApril 14Dutoit Conducts the Fauré RequiemCharles Dutoit conductorChen Reiss soprano cso debutMatthias Goerne baritoneChicago Symphony Chorus Duain Wolfe chorus directorwagner Good Friday Music from Parsifalhonegger Symphony No. 3 (Liturgique)faurÉ RequiemCharles Dutoit conducts a moving Easter weekend program that culminates in a presentation of Fauré’s beloved Requiem, “one of the most sublime works in the sacred classical canon” (BBC Music). Wagner’s serene Good Friday Music offers a striking contrast with Honegger’s World War II-inspired Liturgique Symphony.

May 12Muti Conducts Brahms’Symphonies No. 3 & 4Riccardo Muti conductorbrahms Symphony No. 3brahms Symphony No. 4

June 9Mozart MasterpiecesManfred Honeck conductorPaul Lewis pianoRegula Mühlemann soprano cso debut mozart Overture to La clemenza di Titomozart Exsultate, jubilatemozart Piano Concerto No. 27mozart Laudamus te from Mass in C Minormozart Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Diomozart Symphony No. 35 (Haffner)

photos top to bottom: riccardo muti, emmanuel krivine, chen reiss, paul lewis

series highlight

salonen & yo-yo ma

Conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen “displays the kind of complete musicianship rarely encountered today” (Boston Globe). Cellist Yo-Yo Ma intoxicates audiences with his prodigious artistry and joyful music-making. Be there as Ma performs the world premiere of Salonen’s Cello Concerto in a concert that also features Stravinsky’s spellbinding Petrushka and John Adams’ homage to “the wit and hyper energetic activity of my friend,” the late Russian-American composer and critic Nicolas Slonimsky.

Chicago Symphony OrchestraEsa-Pekka Salonen conductorYo-Yo Ma cello

john adams Slonimsky’s Earboxsalonen Cello Concerto cso co-commission, world premierestravinsky Petrushka

Performed March 9–11Series: Thursday A, Thursday F, Friday A,Saturday A, Saturday E

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friday B 8 concerts at 1:30OCT 7 NOV 11 DEC 9 FEB 17 APR 7 MAY 5 MAY 19 JUN 23

October 7Prokofiev’s Cinderella & Vine’s Five HallucinationsJames Gaffigan conductorMichael Mulcahy trombonefranck Le chasseur maudit vine Five Hallucinations for Trombone and Orchestra cso co-commission, world premiereprokofiev Selections from Cinderella

series highlightNovember 11Brahms’ A German RequiemJaap van Zweden conductorChristiane Karg soprano cso debutMichael Nagy baritone cso debutChicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus director mozart Masonic Funeral Musicwagner Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde brahms A German RequiemOf Brahms’ A German Requiem, Clara Schumann wrote, “It is a truly tremendous piece of art which moves the entire being in a way little else does.” Jaap van Zweden returns to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in this emotional work. Mozart’s Masonic Funeral Music and Wagner’s groundbreaking Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde open the program.

December 9Neeme Järvi Returns withSibelius & ProkofievNeeme Järvi conductorVadim Gluzman violinglazunov Concert Waltz No. 1 prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1sibelius Suite from Kareliasibelius Symphony No. 5

series highlightFebruary 17Muti, Beethoven & BronfmanRiccardo Muti conductorYefim Bronfman piano rossini Overture to Semiramidebeethoven Piano Concerto No. 4mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 (Reformation)Rossini’s lively Overture to Semiramide opens this performance featuring Yefim Bronfman in Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto. One of Mendelssohn’s grandest symphonic works, the Reformation Symphony was written to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession, the creed of the Lutheran Church.

April 7Dutoit Conducts ProkofievCharles Dutoit conductorTruls Mørk cello glinka Overture to Ruslan and LudmiladvořÁk Cello Concerto prokofiev Symphony No. 5

May 5Muti Conducts Brahms’Symphonies 1 & 2Riccardo Muti conductorbrahms Symphony No. 1 brahms Symphony No. 2

series highlightMay 19Smetana’s Má vlastJakub Hrůša conductor cso debutsmetana Má vlastThe Moldau, Smetana’s much-loved portrayal of Bohemia’s mighty river, is one of six tone poems in the composer’s musical portrait of his homeland. Rarely performed in its entirety, Má vlast (My Fatherland) is an extraordinary cycle that traces the history of the Czech people and evokes the rich natural beauties of the countryside. June 23Muti Conducts Italian Opera MasterworksChicago Symphony OrchestraRiccardo Muti conductorRiccardo Zanellato bassChicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus directorChicago Children’s ChoirJosephine Lee artistic directorverdi Overture to Nabuccoverdi Gli arredi festivi from Nabuccoverdi Va, pensiero from Nabuccoverdi Anvil Chorus from Il trovatoreverdi Patria oppressa from Macbethverdi Overture to I vespri sicilianipuccini Intermezzo to Act 3 from Manon Lescautmascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticanaboito Prologue to Mefistofele

photos top to bottom: james gaffigan, jaap van zweden, riccardo muti, duain wolfe

October 6–8Carl VineFive Hallucinations for Trombone and Orchestra cso co-commissionfeaturing Michael MulcahyJames Gaffigan conducts a special co-commission between the CSO and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra by one of Australia’s leading composers, Carl Vine, with fellow Australian and CSO trombonist Michael Mulcahy as featured soloist.commissioned by the edward f. schmidt family commissioning fund.

March 9–11Esa-Pekka SalonenCello Concerto cso co-commissionfeaturing Yo-Yo MaEsa-Pekka Salonen joins forces with Yo-Yo Ma for an electrifying premiere presentation of Salonen’s Cello Concerto, the latest in the award-winning composer/conductor’s impressive output.commissioned by the mrs. harold c. smith fund.

March 16–21Samuel AdamsWorld Premiere cso commissionRiccardo Muti conducts a premiere by CSO Mead Composer- in-Residence Samuel Adams, whose works have been described as “wondrously alluring” (The San Francisco Chronicle) and “thoroughly ingenious” (The San Francisco Examiner).commissioned by the louise durham mead fund.

June 15–17Melinda WagnerProceed, Moon cso commissionSusanna Mälkki leads the CSO in Proceed, Moon by Pulitzer Prize winner Melinda Wagner, hailed as an “eloquent, poetic voice in contemporary music” (American Record Guide).

John Adams, one of the most pivotal figures in 20th-century classical music, celebrates his 70th birthday on February 15, 2017. In honor of this great American composer, Esa-Pekka Salonen presents two weeks of concerts pairing works by Adams with Stravinsky, Debussy and Salonen himself.

March 2–7john adams Scheherazade.2

March 9–11john adams Slonimsky’s Earbox

2016/17 world premieres

celebrating john adams

HEARITFIRSTIn the 2016/17 season, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will premiere four works by some of the world’s leading contemporary composers.

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friday C 5 concerts at 8:00SEP 23 DEC 2 FEB 3 MAR 31 APR 28

September 23Muti Conducts Strauss & BrucknerRiccardo Muti conductormussorgsky A Night on Bald Mountain r. strauss Don Juan bruckner Symphony No. 7

series highlightDecember 2Handel’s Royal FireworksNicholas Kraemer conductorAmanda Forsythe soprano Chicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus director handel Zadok the Priesthandel Concerto grosso, Op. 6, No. 7handel Laudate pueri Dominumhandel Silete ventihandel Music for the Royal Fireworks George Frideric Handel was a master composer of both orchestral and choral music, penning some of the most influential and famous vocal compositions of the Baroque era. Nicholas Kraemer, a leading specialist in Handel’s music, leads a program of some of the composer’s most resplendent works ranging from the stirring anthem Zadok the Priest to the jubilant Music for the Royal Fireworks.

series highlightFebruary 3Tovey Conducts Britten & TchaikovskyBramwell Tovey conductorwalton Orb and Sceptrebritten The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestratchaikovsky Act 2 from Sleeping BeautyBramwell Tovey, “one of the most versatile and charismatic musicians in the world” (MusicalAmerica.com), makes his CSO subscription series debut with a program featuring Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, the composer’s famous theme and variations that spotlight each section of the ensemble. Tchaikovsky’s music from Act 2 from Sleeping Beauty contains one of his most beloved waltzes.

March 31Haitink Conducts MahlerBernard Haitink conductorSarah Connolly mezzo-soprano cso debutStephen Gould tenorhaydn Symphony No. 60 (Il distratto)mahler Das Lied von der Erde

series highlight April 28Muti, Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto & LupuRiccardo Muti conductorRadu Lupu pianoWomen of the Chicago Symphony Chorus Duain Wolfe chorus directorbeethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor)liszt Dante SymphonyRiccardo Muti leads Radu Lupu, who is “as close to being the embodiment of pure music as one can get” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), in Beethoven’s noble Emperor Concerto. Liszt’s Dante Symphony is a symphonic poem full of fire and fury that depicts Dante’s Divine Comedy.

photos top to bottom: nicholas kraemer, amanda forsythe, bernard haitiink, bramwell tovey

friday D 5 concerts at 8:00OCT 14 NOV 4 FEB 10 FEB 24 JUN 16

October 14Muti Conducts MussorgskyRiccardo Muti conductorJohn Sharp cellodvořÁk Husitská Overture schumann Cello Concerto hindemith Concert Music for Brass and String Orchestramussorgsky, orch. ravel Pictures from an Exhibition

series highlightNovember 4James Levine Returns with Symphonie fantastiqueJames Levine conductorschoenberg Five Pieces for Orchestrastravinsky The Song of the Nightingale berlioz Symphonie fantastiqueJames Levine makes his long-awaited return to the CSO podium with three masterpieces of orchestral color. Schoenberg described his Five Pieces for Orchestra as a “ceaseless flow of colors, rhythm and mood.” Levine closes the program with Berlioz’s epic Symphonie fantastique.

February 10Vivaldi, Corelli & Vivica GenauxFabio Biondi conductor and violin cso debutVivica Genaux mezzo-soprano Arias by giacomelli, vivaldi, veracini and ariosticorelli Concerto grosso, Op. 6, No. 4 vivaldi Violin Concerto in D Major, RV 222 vivaldi Violin Concerto in E Major, RV 271 (L’amoroso)vivaldi Violin Concerto in A Minor, RV 357 (La stravaganza)corelli Concerto grosso in F Major, Op. 6, No. 12

series highlightFebruary 24Muti Conducts Prokofiev’s Ivan the TerribleRiccardo Muti conductorGérard Depardieu narratorSasha Cooke mezzo-sopranoMikhail Petrenko bassChicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus directorChicago Children’s ChoirJosephine Lee artistic director prokofiev Ivan the TerribleThe collaboration between Sergei Prokofiev and director Sergei Eisenstein was one of the most brilliant in 20th-century art. Riccardo Muti leads the CSO and Chicago Symphony Chorus in Prokofiev’s music from Eisenstein’s epic film Ivan the Terrible, the riveting story of a bloodthirsty tyrant, with narration by internationally-renowned actor Gérard Depardieu. series highlightJune 16Mälkki, Marsalis & John WilliamsSusanna Mälkki conductorBranford Marsalis saxophonesbizet Symphony in C faurÉ Pavane for Soprano Saxophone williams Escapades for Alto Saxophone from Catch Me If You Canmelinda wagner Proceed, Moon cso commission, world premieredebussy Ibéria Finnish conductor Susanna Mälkki leads Branford Marsalis in an eclectic concert featuring Fauré’s Pavane (arranged for soprano saxophone and orchestra), and music from Steven Spielberg’s film Catch Me If You Can, composed by John Williams. A world premiere by Pulitzer Prize winner Melinda Wagner and Debussy’s evocative Ibéria, rich with the colors and rhythms of Spain, complete this imaginative program.

photos top to bottom: riccardo muti, john sharp, fabio biondi, sasha cooke

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saturday A 10 concerts at 8:00 | 5-concert series: Sat E or Sat FOCT 1 NOV 5 NOV 19 DEC 17 FEB 18 MAR 11 APR 15 MAY 20 JUN 3 JUN 17

October 1 EMuti, Martucci & DiDonatoRiccardo Muti conductorJoyce DiDonato mezzo-soprano cso debutcatalani Contemplazione martucci La canzone dei ricordi beethoven Symphony No. 7

November 5 FJames Levine Returns with Symphonie fantastiqueJames Levine conductorschoenberg Five Pieces for Orchestrastravinsky The Song of the Nightingale berlioz Symphonie fantastique

November 19 EDvořák’s Symphony No. 8Emmanuel Krivine conductor cso debutDenis Kozhukhin piano liszt Les préludesprokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2 dvořÁk Symphony No. 8

series highlightDecember 17 FTilson Thomas Conducts Romeo and JulietMichael Tilson Thomas conductorGautier CapuÇon cello stravinsky Scènes de balletsaint-saËns Cello Concerto No. 1 prokofiev Suite from Romeo and Juliet Michael Tilson Thomas conducts his own suite from Prokofiev’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Complementing this are Stravinsky’s diverting Scènes de ballet and Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1, performed by acclaimed French cellist Gautier Capuçon.

February 18 FMuti, Beethoven & BronfmanRiccardo Muti conductorYefim Bronfman piano rossini Overture to Semiramidebeethoven Piano Concerto No. 4mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 (Reformation)

series highlightMarch 11 ESalonen & Yo-Yo MaEsa-Pekka Salonen conductorYo-Yo Ma cello john adams Slonimsky’s Earboxsalonen Cello Concerto cso co-commission, world premierestravinsky PetrushkaStravinsky’s ballet about the lovelorn puppet Petrushka remains one of the most striking orchestral works of the modern repertoire. Esa-Pekka Salonen couples Petruskha with John Adams’ equally playful Slonimsky’s Earbox and the world premiere of Salonen’s own Cello Concerto, played by the legendary Yo-Yo Ma.

April 15 EDutoit Conducts the Fauré RequiemCharles Dutoit conductorChen Reiss soprano cso debutMatthias Goerne baritoneChicago Symphony Chorus Duain Wolfe chorus directorwagner Good Friday Music from Parsifalhonegger Symphony No. 3 (Liturgique)faurÉ Requiem

series highlightMay 20 FSmetana’s Má vlastJakub Hrůša conductor cso debutsmetana Má vlastThe Moldau, Smetana’s much-loved portrayal of Bohemia’s mighty river, is one of six tone poems in the composer’s musical portrait of his homeland. Rarely performed in its entirety, Má vlast (My Fatherland) is an extraordinary cycle that traces the history of the Czech people and evokes the rich natural beauties of the countryside.

June 3 EStrauss’ Der Rosenkavalier SuiteJuraj Valčuha conductor cso debutChristian Tetzlaff violinhaydn Symphony No. 85 (The Queen) szymanowski Violin Concerto No. 1j. strauss, jr. Emperor Waltzr. strauss Suite from Der Rosenkavalier

series highlightJune 17 FMälkki, Marsalis & John Williams See description on facing page.

photos left to right: riccardo muti, denis kozhukhin, jakub hrŮŠa, juraj valČuha

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series highlight

mälkki, marsalis & john williamsFinnish conductor Susanna Mälkki leads Branford Marsalis in an eclectic concert featuring Fauré’s Pavane (arranged for saxophone and orchestra), and music from Steven Spielberg’s film Catch Me If You Can, composed by John Williams. A world premiere by Pulitzer Prize winner Melinda Wagner and Debussy’s evocative Ibéria, rich with the colors and rhythms of Spain, complete this imaginative program.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Susanna Mälkki conductor | Branford Marsalis saxophones

bizet Symphony in CfaurÉ Pavane for Soprano Saxophonejohn williams Escapades for Alto Saxophone from Catch Me If You Canmelinda wagner Proceed, Moon cso commission, world premieredebussy Ibéria

Performed June 15–17Series: Thursday C, Thursday E, Friday D, Saturday A, Saturday F

Muti, Beethoven 5& TrifonovThe Women’s Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association proudly presents a rousing finale to the CSO’s 125th anniversary celebration. Enjoy a festive preconcert reception for all ticketholders at Symphony Center, followed by Riccardo Muti leading the CSO in a recreation of the Orchestra’s very first program from October 16 and 17, 1891. Gala partrons will continue their evening with postconcert dinner and dancing. Don’t miss this rare and thrilling occasion!

Saturday, October 15 5:00 Preconcert reception 6:00 Concert followed by a gala dinner and dancing

Chicago Symphony OrchestraRiccardo Muti conductorDaniil Trifonov piano

wagner A Faust Overturebeethoven Symphony No. 5tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1dvořÁk Husitská Overture


symphony ball 125th anniversary celebration—a recreation of the cso’s first performances on october 16 & 17, 1891

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contents include

2 Subscriber Rewards

3 Renewal Instructions

4 Payment Plans

5 Parking

6 Prices & Seat Maps

How to Renew Guide2016/17 season


saturday B 10 concerts at 8:00 | 5-concert series: Sat G or Sat HOCT 29 DEC 10 FEB 4 MAR 18 APR 1 APR 22 MAY 6 MAY 27 JUN 10 JUN 24

October 29 GSibelius’ Violin Concerto & Strauss’ Also sprach ZarathustraAndrés Orozco-Estrada conductor cso debutBaiba Skride violin cso debutkodÁly Dances of Galántasibelius Violin Concerto ives The Unanswered Question r. strauss Also sprach Zarathustra

December 10 HNeeme Järvi Returns withSibelius & ProkofievNeeme Järvi conductorVadim Gluzman violinglazunov Concert Waltz No. 1 prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1sibelius Suite from Kareliasibelius Symphony No. 5

February 4 GTovey Conducts Britten & TchaikovskyBramwell Tovey conductorwalton Orb and Sceptrebritten The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestratchaikovsky Act 2 from Sleeping Beauty

March 18 HMuti, Uchida & BeethovenRiccardo Muti conductorMitsuko Uchida pianorossini Overture to La scala di seta beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 samuel adams New Work cso commission, world premiereschumann Symphony No. 4

series highlightApril 1 GHaitink Conducts MahlerSee description on facing page.

April 22 HDohnányi ConductsBeethoven’s Pastoral SymphonyChristoph von Dohnányi conductorRobert Chen violinpÄrt FratresbartÓk Violin Concerto No. 1 beethoven Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral)

series highlightMay 6 GMuti Conducts Brahms’ Symphonies 1 & 2Riccardo Muti conductorbrahms Symphony No. 1 brahms Symphony No. 2In the first of two programs devoted to Brahms’ symphonies, Riccardo Muti presents the First and Second of the cycle. The First Symphony, its drumbeat opening one of the most arresting in symphonic literature, shows Brahms triumphantly meeting the daunting challenge posed by Beethoven’s mighty symphonic cycle. The Second Symphony, composed just months later, reflects Brahms’ summer in an idyllic lakeside town.

May 27 HGershwin & DvořákJesús López-Cobos conductorturina Danzas fantásticas gershwin Piano Concerto in FdvořÁk Symphony No. 6

June 10 GMozart MasterpiecesManfred Honeck conductorPaul Lewis pianoRegula Mühlemann soprano cso debut mozart Overture to La clemenza di Titomozart Exsultate, jubilatemozart Piano Concerto No. 27mozart Laudamus te from Mass in C Minormozart Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Diomozart Symphony No. 35 (Haffner)

June 24 HMuti Conducts Italian Opera MasterworksChicago Symphony OrchestraRiccardo Muti conductorRiccardo Zanellato bassChicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus directorChicago Children’s ChoirJosephine Lee artistic directorverdi Overture to Nabuccoverdi Gli arredi festivi from Nabuccoverdi Va, pensiero from Nabuccoverdi Anvil Chorus from Il trovatoreverdi Patria oppressa from Macbethverdi Overture to I vespri sicilianipuccini Intermezzo to Act 3 from Manon Lescautmascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticanaboito Prologue to Mefistofele

photos left to right: riccardo muti, vadim gluzman, neeme jÄrvi, mitsuko uchida

photo top: bernard haitinkphotos bottom: sarah connolly, stephen gould

series highlight

Das Lied von der ErdeChicago Symphony Orchestra | Bernard Haitink conductorSarah Connolly mezzo soprano | Stephen Gould tenor

haydn Symphony No. 60 (Il distratto) | mahler Das Lied von der Erde

Over the last 10 years, Bernard Haitink and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra have explored Mahler’s legacy, taking Chicago audiences on a symphonic journey through landscapes of rich musical wisdom and piercing detail. Now they turn to one of the best loved of all his pieces, his Song of the Earth, a setting of poems that perfectly embodied Mahler’s bittersweet view of the shortness of human life, and provoked from him some of the most delicate, beautiful and haunting music he ever wrote.

Performed March 30–April 1Series: Thursday B, Friday C, Saturday B

Haitink Conducts


saturday C 5 concerts at 8:00OCT 22 DEC 3 FEB 25 APR 8 MAY 13

series highlightOctober 22Shostakovich, Beethoven & AxDavid Afkham conductorEmanuel Ax pianobeethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 shostakovich Symphony No. 10Emanuel Ax, a Chicago favorite, performs Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto with David Afkham. Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony is a riveting portrait of Stalin’s regime.

series highlightDecember 3Handel’s Royal FireworksNicholas Kraemer conductorAmanda Forsythe soprano Chicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus director handel Zadok the Priesthandel Concerto grosso, Op. 6, No. 7handel Laudate pueri Dominumhandel Silete ventihandel Music for the Royal Fireworks George Frideric Handel was a master composer of both orchestral and choral music, penning some of the most influential and famous vocal compositions of the Baroque era. Nicholas Kraemer, a leading specialist in Handel’s music, leads a program of some of the composer’s most resplendent works ranging from the stirring anthem Zadok the Priest to the jubilant Music for the Royal Fireworks.

series highlightFebruary 25Muti Conducts Prokofiev’s Ivan the TerribleSee description on facing page.

April 8Dutoit Conducts ProkofievCharles Dutoit conductorTruls Mørk cello glinka Overture to Ruslan and LudmiladvořÁk Cello Concerto prokofiev Symphony No. 5

series highlight May 13Muti Conducts Brahms’ Symphonies 3 & 4Riccardo Muti conductorbrahms Symphony No. 3brahms Symphony No. 4Riccardo Muti completes his exploration of Brahms’ symphonies with Symphony Nos. 3 and 4, cornerstones of the symphonic repertoire. The Third Symphony, the shortest of the cycle, is Brahms at his most personal and introspective. The Fourth Symphony ends with an exquisitely crafted theme and variations that culminate in an earth-shattering minor chord.

photos top to bottom: riccardo muti, emanuel ax, gÉrard depardieu, mikhail petrenko

series highlight

cso.org 312-294-3000 29

TERRIBLEIVAN the

Muti Conducts Prokofiev’s

The collaboration between Sergei Prokofiev and director Sergei Eisenstein was one of the most brilliant in 20th-century art. Riccardo Muti leads the CSO and Chicago Symphony Chorus in Prokofiev’s music from Eisenstein’s epic film Ivan the Terrible, the riveting story of a bloodthirsty tyrant, with

narration by internationally-renowned actor Gérard Depardieu.

A film screening of Ivan the Terrible will be presented during the week of these concerts. Stay tuned for details.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Riccardo Muti conductor

Gérard Depardieu narrator

Sasha Cooke mezzo-soprano | Mikhail Petrenko bass

Chicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus director

Chicago Children’s ChoirJosephine Lee artistic director

Performed February 23–25Series: Thursday C, Friday D, Saturday Cimage from sergei eisenstein’s film, ivan the terrible


saturday D 5 concerts at 8:00OCT 8 NOV 12 FEB 11 MAR 4 APR 29

series highlightOctober 8Prokofiev’s Cinderella & Vine’s Five HallucinationsJames Gaffigan conductorMichael Mulcahy trombonefranck Le chasseur maudit vine Five Hallucinations for Trombone and Orchestra cso co-commission, world premiereprokofiev Selections from CinderellaJames Gaffigan, “a talented force to be reckoned with” (The Examiner), presents the world premiere of Australian composer Carl Vine’s Five Hallucinations. CSO trombonist Michael Mulcahy, who hails from Sydney, Australia, performs this special co-commission by the CSO and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Gaffigan also leads Prokofiev’s interpretation of the enchanting fairy tale Cinderella, full of sparkling orchestration.

series highlightNovember 12Brahms’ A German RequiemJaap van Zweden conductorChristiane Karg soprano cso debutMichael Nagy baritone cso debutChicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus director mozart Masonic Funeral Musicwagner Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde brahms A German RequiemOf Brahms’ A German Requiem, Clara Schumann wrote, “It is a truly tremendous piece of art which moves the entire being in a way little else does.” Jaap van Zweden returns to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in this emotional work. Mozart’s Masonic Funeral Music and Wagner’s groundbreaking Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde open the program.

February 11Vivaldi, Corelli & Vivica GenauxFabio Biondi conductor and violin cso debutVivica Genaux mezzo-soprano Arias by giacomelli, vivaldi, veracini and ariosticorelli Concerto grosso, Op. 6, No. 4 vivaldi Violin Concerto in D Major, RV 222 vivaldi Violin Concerto in E Major, RV 271 (L’amoroso)vivaldi Violin Concerto in A Minor, RV 357 (La stravaganza)corelli Concerto grosso in F Major, Op. 6, No. 12

March 4Salonen, John Adams & The Rite of SpringEsa-Pekka Salonen conductorLeila Josefowicz violindebussy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun john adams Scheherazade.2 stravinsky The Rite of Spring

series highlight April 29Muti, Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto & LupuRiccardo Muti conductorRadu Lupu pianoWomen of the Chicago Symphony Chorus Duain Wolfe chorus directorbeethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor)liszt Dante SymphonyRiccardo Muti leads Radu Lupu, who is “as close to being the embodiment of pure music as one can get” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), in Beethoven’s noble Emperor Concerto. Liszt’s Dante Symphony is a symphonic poem full of fire and fury that depicts Dante’s Divine Comedy.

photos top to bottom: michael nagy, riccardo muti, esa-pekka salonen, chicago symphony orchestra and chorus

cso.org 312-294-3000 31

sunday A 6 concerts at 3:00OCT 30 DEC 18 MAR 19 APR 23 JUN 4 JUN 25

October 30Sibelius’ Violin Concerto & Strauss’ Also sprach ZarathustraAndrés Orozco-Estrada conductor cso debutBaiba Skride violin cso debutkodÁly Dances of Galántasibelius Violin Concerto ives The Unanswered Question r. strauss Also sprach Zarathustra

December 18Tilson Thomas Conducts Romeo and JulietMichael Tilson Thomas conductorGautier CapuÇon cello stravinsky Scènes de balletsaint-saËns Cello Concerto No. 1 prokofiev Suite from Romeo and Juliet

series highlightMarch 19Muti, Beethoven & UchidaRiccardo Muti conductorMitsuko Uchida pianorossini Overture to La scala di seta beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 samuel adams New Work cso commission, world premiereschumann Symphony No. 4Riccardo Muti leads Rossini’s Overture to La scala di seta and Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto, performed by Mitsuko Uchida, an artist who “guides the audience through every conceivable emotion” (The Telegraph). Muti closes the program with a world premiere by Mead Composer-in-Residence Samuel Adams and Schumann’s Fourth Symphony, in which the composer departed from the standard symphonic form to make a groundbreaking “symphony in one movement.”

series highlightApril 23Dohnányi ConductsBeethoven’s Pastoral SymphonyChristoph von Dohnányi conductorRobert Chen violinpÄrt FratresbartÓk Violin Concerto No. 1 beethoven Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral)One of the world’s most distinguished conductors, Christoph von Dohnányi leads the CSO in Arvo Pärt’s other worldly Fratres, followed by Bartók’s Violin Concerto, performed by CSO Concertmaster Robert Chen. Beethoven’s evocative portrait of nature, his Pastoral Symphony, closes the program.

June 4Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier SuiteJuraj Valčuha conductor cso debutChristian Tetzlaff violinhaydn Symphony No. 85 (The Queen) szymanowski Violin Concerto No. 1j. strauss, jr. Emperor Waltzr. strauss Suite from Der Rosenkavalier June 25Muti Conducts Italian Opera MasterworksChicago Symphony OrchestraRiccardo Muti conductorRiccardo Zanellato bassChicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus directorChicago Children’s ChoirJosephine Lee artistic directorverdi Overture to Nabuccoverdi Gli arredi festivi from Nabuccoverdi Va, pensiero from Nabuccoverdi Anvil Chorus from Il trovatoreverdi Patria oppressa from Macbethverdi Overture to I vespri sicilianipuccini Intermezzo to Act 3 from Manon Lescautmascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticanaboito Prologue to Mefistofele

photos top to bottom: michael tilson thomas, gautier capuÇon, christoph von dohnÁnyi, christian tetzlaff


tuesday A 5 concerts at 7:30OCT 18 NOV 8 MAR 21 MAY 30 JUN 13

series highlightOctober 18Muti Conducts MussorgskyRiccardo Muti conductorJohn Sharp cellodvořÁk Husitská Overture schumann Cello Concerto hindemith Concert Music for Brass and String Orchestramussorgsky, orch. ravel Pictures from an ExhibitionCSO Principal Cello John Sharp, praised for his “exceptional lyric sensibility and a flawless technique” (Chicago on the Aisle), is given the spotlight in Schumann’s Cello Concerto. Mussorgsky’s Pictures from an Exhibition is a signature showpiece for the CSO. It provides a rousing conclusion to a program that also features Hindemith’s thrilling Concert Music for Brass and String Orchestra.

November 8James Levine Returns with Symphonie fantastiqueJames Levine conductorschoenberg Five Pieces for Orchestrastravinsky The Song of the Nightingale berlioz Symphonie fantastique

series highlightMarch 21Muti, Beethoven & UchidaRiccardo Muti conductorMitsuko Uchida pianorossini Overture to La scala di seta beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 samuel adams New Work cso commission, world premiereschumann Symphony No. 4Riccardo Muti leads Rossini’s Overture to La scala di seta and Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto, performed by Mitsuko Uchida, an artist who “guides the audience through every conceivable emotion” (The Telegraph). Muti closes the program with a world premiere by Mead Composer-in-Residence Samuel Adams and Schumann’s Fourth Symphony, in which the composer departed from the standard symphonic form to make a groundbreaking “symphony in one movement.”

May 30Gershwin & DvořákJésus López-Cobos conductorturina Danzas fantásticas gershwin Piano Concerto in FdvořÁk Symphony No. 6

series highlight June 13Mozart MasterpiecesManfred Honeck conductorPaul Lewis pianoRegula Mühlemann soprano cso debut mozart Overture to La clemenza di Titomozart Exsultate, jubilatemozart Piano Concerto No. 27mozart Laudamus te from Mass in C Minormozart Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Diomozart Symphony No. 35 (Haffner) Manfred Honeck is joined by two distinguished soloists in an all-Mozart program. In her United States debut, Swiss soprano Regula Mühlemann sings Exsultate, jubilate with its joyous “Allelujah” finale, and British pianist Paul Lewis will perform Mozart’s final piano concerto. The concert ends with Mozart’s lighthearted Haffner Symphony.

photos top to bottom: riccardo muti, regula mÜhlemann, manfred honeck

cso.org 312-294-3000 33

cso tuesday series concerts are sponsored by united airlines. tuesday B 5 concerts at 7:30SEP 27 NOV 22 MAR 7 APR 11 MAY 9

series highlightSeptember 27Muti Conducts Strauss & BrucknerRiccardo Muti conductormussorgsky A Night on Bald Mountain r. strauss Don Juan bruckner Symphony No. 7Riccardo Muti opens the season with Mussorgsky’s tone poem A Night on Bald Mountain, followed by Strauss’ orchestral showpiece Don Juan. Bruckner’s magnificent Seventh Symphony completes the concert.

November 22Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8Emmanuel Krivine conductor cso debutDenis Kozhukhin piano liszt Les préludesprokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2 dvořÁk Symphony No. 8

March 7Salonen, John Adams & The Rite of SpringEsa-Pekka Salonen conductorLeila Josefowicz violindebussy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun john adams Scheherazade.2 stravinsky The Rite of Spring

series highlightApril 11Dutoit Conducts ProkofievCharles Dutoit conductorTruls Mørk cello glinka Overture to Ruslan and LudmiladvořÁk Cello Concerto prokofiev Symphony No. 5Norwegian cellist Truls Mørk, who “enthralls the audience from the first to last note” (The Strad), performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto under the baton of Charles Dutoit. Dutoit also leads the CSO in Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony, which the composer called “a symphony of the greatness of the human spirit, a song of praise of free and happy mankind.”

series highlight May 9Muti Conducts Brahms’ Symphonies 1 & 2Riccardo Muti conductorbrahms Symphony No. 1 brahms Symphony No. 2In the first of two programs devoted to Brahms’ symphonies, Riccardo Muti presents the first and second of the cycle. The First Symphony, its opening one of the most arresting in symphonic literature, shows Brahms triumphantly meeting the daunting challenge posed by Beethoven’s mighty symphonic cycle. The Second Symphony, composed just months later, reflects Brahms’ summer in an idyllic lakeside town.

photos top to bottom: esa-pekka salonen, leila josefowicz, chicago symphony orchestra


3 fridays at 8:00NOV 25 MAR 3 MAY 26

Enjoy hits ranging from Hollywood’s Golden Age to today’s blockbusters accompanied live by the incomparable Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Save your seat for three thrilling nights of musical movie magic.

This is one of our most popular series and tickets sell out quickly. Add this package to your order today!

featuringNovember 25

Chicago Symphony OrchestraRichard Kaufman conductor

Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming masterpiece comes to the big screen at Symphony Center. Experience the unforgettable adventure about a little lost alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy, with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams’ Academy Award®-winning score live.

at theCSOMovies

Spectacular artists. Unforgettable concerts. Artists and dates will be announced in April 2016!

PRESENTSCENTERSYMPHONY

Jazz

Experience your favorite films in a whole new way

©a.m.p.a.s. ®e.t. the extra-terrestrial is a trademark and copyright of universal studios. licensed by universal studios licensing llc. all rights reserved.

IN CONCERT

Final two programs will be announced soon!

cso.org 312-294-3000 35

3 saturdays at 11:00 am A or 12:45 pm BThe 2016/17 Family Matinee series features incredible stories—and sounds—of courage. Celebrate bravery through a spotlight on the musical superheroes of the CSO, the tale of Don Quixote’s valiant and hilarious journey through Spain and Prokofiev’s famous story of a fearless boy who stands up for his friends in the face of a dangerous wolf.

Enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience of hearing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in fun and engaging programs tailored for the young people in your life.

6 saturdays at 10:00 and 11:45 amThe Three Little Pigs DEC 3 FEB 4 FEB 25

The Bremen Town Musicians MAR 11 APR 8 MAY 13

Start your child’s engaging journey into the world of music with Once Upon a Symphony featuring small-ensemble performances by members of the CSO accompanied by vivid storytelling, sets, costumes and images.

For all CSO Family Matinee and Once Upon a Symphony concerts, extend the fun with FREE preconcert adventures in the Rotunda, featuring activities with partner organizations and music educators.

November 5

Members of the Chicago Symphony OrchestraTania Miller conductorFeaturing music by beethoven, copland and mussorgsky

February 11 strauss’

Chicago Symphony OrchestraEdwin Outwater conductor

April 29 prokofiev’s

Members of the Chicago Symphony OrchestraMatthew Aucoin conductorMagic Circle Mime Company guest artists

Perfect for ages 3–5

Magical musical moments for children ages 5 and up

FAMILYCSO

Matinees

Don Quixote

Peter and the Wolf

Symphonic Superheroes


4-concert seriesThe 2016/17 Symphony Center Presents Chamber Music series features the astonishing talent of today’s leading string virtuosos. Witness the brilliance of violinists Hilary Hahn and Anne-Sophie Mutter, the energy of Gidon Kremer and his Kremerata Baltica and the extraordinary artistry of Yo-Yo Ma.


Chamber Music

photos clockwise from upper left:hilary hahn, anne-sophie mutter, yo-yo ma

cso.org 312-294-3000 37

Tuesday, November 1, 8:00Hilary Hahn violinOver two decades into her career, Hilary Hahn continues to bring daring and exciting programs to audiences around the world. She returns to Symphony Center with another “authoritative, brilliant and beautiful” performance (The New York Times).

Wednesday, February 1, 8:00Kremerata Baltica withGidon Kremer violinglass (arr. pushkarev) Orpheus Suitekancheli Chiaroscuroraskatov The Seasons’ Digest (after Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons)piazzolla (arr. desyatnikov) The Four Seasons of Buenos AiresIn 1997, Gidon Kremer introduced the Kremerata Baltica, an energetic chamber orchestra made up of talented young musicians from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The renowned violinist and his ensemble celebrate the 20th anniversary of its inception and Kremer’s 70th birthday with an exciting collection of contemporary music.

Wednesday, March 29, 8:00Anne-Sophie Mutter violinLambert Orkis pianocurrier Clockworkmozart Violin Sonata in A Major, K. 526respighi Violin Sonata in B Minorsaint-saËns Introduction and Rondo CapricciosoOne of the greatest violin virtuosos of our time, Anne-Sophie Mutter presents a diverse program with long-time collaborative artist Lambert Orkis. The duo will present an impressive range of works from Sebastien Currier’s intricate Clockwork to Saint-Saëns’ glittering showpiece Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.

Monday, April 24, 8:00Yo-Yo Ma celloChris Thile mandolinEdgar Meyer bass An astounding group of virtuosos—Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer—appears at Orchestra Hall for one night only. This all-Bach program will include transcriptions of excerpts from The Art of the Fugue and various keyboard works including The Well-Tempered Clavier, as well as organ and viola da gamba trio sonatas.

Exceptional Artistry. Intimate Collaborations.

photo top left: kremerata balticaphoto top right: chris thilephoto bottom right: edgar meyer


October 23 A Rudolph Buchbinderbach English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808schubert Four Impromptus, D. 899beethoven Sonata in G Major, Op. 14, No. 2beethoven Sonata in F Minor, Op. 57 (Appassionata)“To watch and hear Rudolph Buchbinder in concert is to experience the totality of perfect phrasing, magnificent technique and an unparalleled love of his instrument that has placed him among the top tier of the world’s pianists” (Huffington Post). Buchbinder performs a program including Beethoven’s Appassionata Sonata, described by the composer himself as a “brilliantly executed display of emotion and music.”

sponsored by js charitable trust

November 13 B Jeremy DenkMacArthur Fellow Jeremy Denk, a multifaceted artist of immense talent and creativity, returns to Symphony Center. “Mr. Denk’s profound playing, enriched by multihued dynamics and vibrantly contrasting moods, earned him universal approval from the rapturous audience” (The New York Times).

February 19 A Benjamin Grosvenorschumann Arabesque, Op. 18mozart Sonata in B-flat Major, K. 333beethoven Sonata in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 (Moonlight)scriabin Sonata No. 2 in G-Sharp Minor, Op. 19 (Sonata-Fantasy)granados Selections from Goyescasliszt Rhapsodie espagnoleAfter winning the 2004 BBC Young Musician Competition at age eleven, British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor has emerged as one of today’s leading piano virtuosos. “His technique is effortless and flawless, his rhythmic energy and flexibility are a constant source of delight, the range of colors he produces and his dynamic range are without parallel…he does not seek to amaze, and he does not need to” (International Record Review).

March 12 B Igor LevitAfter Igor Levit’s New York debut in 2014, The New York Times declared, “A major new pianist has arrived.” One of the most sought-after young artists of this generation, Levit makes his Chicago and Symphony Center debut on the 2016/17 SCP Piano series.

March 26 B Daniil Trifonovschumann Kinderszenenschumann Toccata, Op. 7schumann Kreislerianashostakovich Selections from 24 Preludes and Fuguesstravinsky Three Movements from PetrushkaDaniil Trifonov made a sparkling debut with the CSO in 2012, and each subsequent appearance in Chicago has confirmed his emergence as one of the biggest and brightest talents among his generation of pianists. The Tchaikovsky and Rubinstein competition winner returns for a glorious concert of Schumann, Shostakovich and Stravinsky.


sundays at 3:00 10-concert series E 5-concert series A or BThe Symphony Center Presents Piano series brings the most coveted piano virtuosos to Orchestra Hall for breathtaking recitals. Among the eleven spectacular artists joining us for the 2016/17 season are rising star Benjamin Grosvenor, Russian phenomenon Daniil Trifonov and living legend Maurizio Pollini.

Virtuosity at its finestPiano

April 9 B Paul Lewisbach Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major, BWV 825beethoven Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 7chopin Waltz in A Minor, Op. 34, No. 2chopin Waltz in F Minor, Op. 70, No. 2chopin Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 42weber Sonata No. 2 in A-flat Major, Op. 39Paul Lewis’ recordings and performances of Beethoven’s sonatas have been praised by audiences and critics worldwide. Lewis returns to Symphony Center with a performance of Beethoven’s Sonata in E-flat Major, along with delightful waltzes by Chopin and Bach’s technically demanding Partita No. 1. “Time and again you marvel at the confidence and assuredness of Lewis’ playing… It’s the kind of playing, in fact, where comparisons cease to matter” (Gramophone).

April 30 A Leif Ove Andsnes & Marc-André Hamelinmozart Larghetto and Allegro in E-flat Major for Two Pianosstravinsky Concerto for Two Pianosdebussy En blanc et noirstravinsky The Rite of SpringLeif Ove Andsnes and Marc-André Hamelin, two of today’s most celebrated pianists, join forces for an unforgettable afternoon of pieces written for duo piano. Andsnes and Hamelin’s outstanding technical facility and musical insight will be evident in this program that culminates in Stravinsky’s four-hand arrangement of one of the most important works of the 20th century, The Rite of Spring.

May 7 B Murray PerahiaFew keyboardists can match Murray Perahia’s scrupulous musicianship and elegance. Don’t miss a breathtaking afternoon with one of America’s most beloved pianists. “Perahia’s virtuosity, never fussy, narcissistic or quirky, generates a heightened sense of drama in whatever he plays” (Los Angeles Times).

May 28 A Maurizio PolliniPiano legend Maurizio Pollini has been praised for his “consummate musicianship” (The New York Times) and “superbly finished technique and intellectual rigor” (Classics Today). This paragon of musical excellence continues to thrill audiences around the world more than half a century into his career.

June 11 A Kirill Gersteinbrahms Piano Sonata No. 2 in F-sharp Minor, Op. 2liszt Transcendental Etudes“From the start of the Transcendental Etudes it was clear that Gerstein’s technique would stand up to Liszt’s most devilish challenges” (The New York Times). Kirill Gerstein returns with a program featuring Liszt’s majestic series of short pieces and Brahms’ Piano Sonata No. 2.

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photos top row, left to right: rudolph buchbinder, jeremy denk, daniil trifonov, leif ove andsnes, benjamin grosvenorphotos bottom row, left to right: paul lewis, murray perahia, kirill gerstein, igor levit, marc-andrÉ hamelin, maurizio pollini

Saturday, January 21, 8:00The Cleveland Orchestra Franz Welser-Möst conductor beethoven Symphony No. 8sibelius Symphony No. 2Franz Welser-Möst brings the Cleveland Orchestra’s trademark power and richness to Orchestra Hall. Beethoven’s light and humorous Eighth Symphony and Sibelius’ romantic Second Symphony will showcase the orchestra’s lush sound. “The Clevelanders absolutely nailed it…ensemble playing was perfectly judged. The sheer musicality of the players’ work was a wonder” (Musical America).

Wednesday, February 8, 8:00Budapest Festival Orchestra Iván Fischer conductorRichard Goode piano beethoven Symphony No. 1beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2beethoven Symphony No. 5Richard Goode’s recording of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos with Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra was praised as “truly revolutionary” by The New Yorker. This all-Beethoven program includes his famous Fifth Symphony and the Second Piano Concerto, part of Symphony Center’s complete cycle of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos in 2016/17.

Sunday, March 5, 3:00St. Petersburg Philharmonic

Yuri Temirkanov conductorNikolai Lugansky piano

brahms Piano Concerto No. 1shostakovich Symphony No. 5“Russia’s oldest symphony orchestra surpassed all expectations…the St. Petersburg Philharmonic spilled forth music in the purest form possible—straight from each score’s soul and into the hearts of listeners” (The Washington Post). The acclaimed St. Petersburg Philharmonic and Music Director Yuri Temirkanov return to Symphony Center with a performance of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 and Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 featuring Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky.


3-concert visiting orchestra seriesThree phenomenal ensembles from around the world visit Orchestra Hall in the Symphony Center Presents Orchestra series. This season, enjoy a rich and romantic program from Franz Welser-Möst and his Cleveland Orchestra, an all-Beethoven concert by Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra, and the return of the great St. Petersburg Philharmonic with Yuri Temirkanov.

Orchestras


Great orchestras. Revered maestros.Beloved masterworks.

photos left to right:franz welser-mÖst, ivÁn fischer, yuri temirkanov

MusicNOWChicago Symphony Orchestra’s

4 mondays at 7:00 OCT 10 NOV 21 APR 3 MAY 22 Harris Theater for Music and Dance205 East Randolph StreetSubscriptions: Regular $76, Student $32

Curated by CSO Mead Composers-in-Residence Samuel Adams and Elizabeth Ogonek, each MusicNOW concert is an immersive, sonic journey through groundbreaking repertoire with musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Each evening includes pre- and postconcert music and a reception with free food and drinks.

Highlights of the 2016/17 MusicNOW season:

• A collaboration with the 2016 Ear Taxi Festival, a citywide celebration of the vibrant contemporary music scene in Chicago

• Three world premiere MusicNOW commissions

Stay tuned for the complete programming lineup!

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Chicago’s most exciting new music experience

musicnow receives funding through a leadership challenge grant from irving harris foundation, joan w. harris. major support is provided by cindy sargent and sally mead hands foundation.

photos top to bottom: samuel adams and elizabeth ogonek,musicnow postconcert reception, musicnow concert

at symphony center


the HolidaysCelebrateEnjoy these festive musical celebrations perfect for the whole family, including the stunning voices of Chanticleer and the Vienna Boys Choir, presentations of the heartwarming classic film It’s a Wonderful Life and the return of the CSO’s joyful holiday concert, Merry, Merry Chicago!

December 6 & 7A Chanticleer Christmas

December 9–11It’s a Wonderful Life in ConcertMembers of the Chicago Symphony OrchestraJustin Freer conductorChicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus director

December 16–23Merry, Merry Chicago!Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

December 20Vienna Boys ChoirChristmas in Vienna

photos counter clockwise from top: merry, merry chicago!, a chanticleer christmas, it’s a wonderful life, vienna boys choir

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Special ConcertsSave up to 10% when you add these concerts to your subscription. Call 312-294-3000 or visit cso.org for prices.

Thursday, October 13, 7:30 FREE! The CSO at Apostolic Church of GodRiccardo Muti conductorbeethoven Leonore Overture No. 3 beethoven Symphony No. 5 During the CSO’s previous visit to the Apostolic Church of God, Riccardo Muti said, “We are here to bring you our feelings of love and friendship, through music.” Muti and the Orchestra return with an all-Beethoven program featuring his rousing Leonore Overture No. 3 and popular Symphony No. 5.

Tickets not required.

Sunday, October 2, 3:00 Mariachi Vargas de TecalitlánHailed as the world’s greatest mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán has delighted crowds around the world for generations. Enjoy a “spirited, virtuosic and, ultimately, joyful” (The Ann Arbor News) performance at the group’s highly anticipated annual visit to Symphony Center.

Saturday, October 15, 6:00 Symphony BallRiccardo Muti conductorDaniil Trifonov pianowagner A Faust Overture beethoven Symphony No. 5 tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1dvořÁk Husitská OvertureThe Women’s Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association proudly presents a rousing finale to the CSO’s 125th anniversary celebration. Enjoy a festive preconcert reception for all ticketholders at Symphony Center, followed by Riccardo Muti leading the CSO in a recreation of the Orchestra’s very first program from October 16 and 17, 1891. Gala patrons will continue their evening with postconcert dinner and dancing. Don’t miss this rare and thrilling occasion!


More Special ConcertsThese concerts make a perfect addition to any concert series. Subscribers save up to 10%!

Friday, December 9, 7:00Saturday, December 10, 3:00Sunday, December 11, 3:00 It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert Members of the Chicago Symphony OrchestraJustin Freer conductorChicago Symphony ChorusDuain Wolfe chorus director See Frank Capra’s great American holiday classic as you’ve never seen it before. Members of the CSO will accompany the extraordinary journey of George Bailey (James Stewart) and his guardian angel with a live performance of the newly restored, complete version of Dmitri Tiomkin’s heartwarming score.

Saturday, November 26, 8:00 Sunday, November 27, 3:00 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in ConcertChicago Symphony OrchestraRichard Kaufman conductorSteven Spielberg’s heartwarming masterpiece comes to the big screen at Symphony Center. Experience the unforgettable adventure about a little lost alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy, with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams’ Academy Award®-winning score. Audiences of all ages will delight in this otherworldly event!

Tuesday, December 6, 7:30 Wednesday, December 7, 7:30 Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 East Chestnut Street A Chanticleer ChristmasSpark your holiday spirit with the glorious sounds of the “world’s reigning male chorus” (The New Yorker). This intimate a cappella performance will encompass Christmas music from around the world and across the centuries, framed by the striking Gothic Revival architecture of Chicago’s Fourth Presbyterian Church.

©a.m.p.a.s. ®e.t. the extraterrestrial is a trademark and copyright of universal studios. licensed by universal studios licensing llc. all rights reserved.

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Wednesday, December 14, 8:00 Chicago Symphony Orchestra BrassThe legendary brass section of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra has long been revered for its matchless brilliance and spectacular power. Join these acclaimed musicians for a virtuosic showcase of traditional favorites and symphonic masterworks arranged for brass ensemble.

Friday, December 16, 7:00Saturday, December 17, 3:00 Wednesday, December 21, 3:00Thursday, December 22, 3:00Friday, December 23, 1:00 & 4:30 Merry, Merry Chicago!Members of the Chicago Symphony OrchestraGet in the holiday spirit with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Merry, Merry Chicago! This musical celebration returns with treasured carols, a sing-along of holiday favorites and a visit by a very special guest from the North Pole.

this concert is presented in collaboration with the midwest clinic,an international band and orchestra conference.

Tuesday, December 20, 3:00 Vienna Boys Choir Christmas in ViennaCelebrate Christmas in Vienna at Symphony Center! One of the world’s oldest and most illustrious choral groups, the enchanting Vienna Boys Choir returns for a performance of popular folk songs, classical masterpieces and beloved holiday favorites. This treasured annual concert is the perfect holiday tradition for the entire family.


More Special ConcertsSave up to 10% when you add these concerts to your subscription. Call 312-294-3000 or visit cso.org for prices.

Sunday, February 26, 3:00 KODO: DADAN 2017The world’s foremost taiko ensemble Kodo returns to Symphony Center for a thunderous performance that explores the limitless possibilities of traditional Japanese drumming with precision, dexterity and speed. “Superlatives don’t really exist to convey the primal power and bravura beauty of Kodo” (Chicago Tribune).

Saturday, March 25, 8:00 Anoushka Shankar HomeSitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar is one of the leading figures in Indian classical progressive world music today. Don’t miss what promises to be a captivating performance featuring selections from her latest album Home, deeply rooted in the classical traditions she learned from her father, the legendary Ravi Shankar. “Expect to be thoroughly intoxicated” (Time Out New York).

CSO Sounds & Stories is your online multimedia magazine for all things CSO:

feature articlespreviewing upcoming concerts

free cso radio broadcastsof hundreds of recent performances

videosof Riccardo Muti, CSO musicians and visiting artists

program notesabout this season’s concerts

Sounds and Stories

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The Negaunee FoundationJulius N. FrankelFoundation

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

The Elizabeth F. CheneyFoundation

Paul M. AngellFamily Foundation

Visit the CSO’s digital magazine at cso.org/soundsandstories today on your computer, tablet or mobile device!

berlioz Symphonie fantastique Lélio

This double-disc release features Berlioz’s thrilling Symphonie fantastique with its sequel Lélio ou le retour à la vie. The concerts took place in September 2010 over Maestro Muti’s first subscription concerts as music director. Famed French actor Gérard Depardieu narrates Berlioz’s spoken text in Lélio, which also features the Chicago Symphony Chorus (Duain Wolfe, director), tenor Mario Zeffiri and bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen.

Stay connected with the CSO

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Media

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