Muti leads the CSO in suites from two of Tchaikovsky’s most popular ballets, the timeless and romantic Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Also included in the program are Emil von Reznicek’s delightful overture to his comic opera Donna Diana and Johann Strauss’ regal Emperor Waltz.

Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/muti-conducts-sleeping-beauty-swan-lake

Riccardo Muti returns to lead the CSO in an all-Beethoven program featuring the composer’s Fifth Symphony, which opens with the most famous theme in classical music. Combined with this iconic work are the light and humorous Eighth Symphony and the stormy Coriolan Overture.

Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/muti-conducts-beethoven-5-8

In a vibrant program of classical music inspired by the jazz revolution of the 20th century, two of George Gershwin’s iconic works are paired with one he undoubtedly influenced, Ravel’s jazzy Piano Concerto in G Major. Ravel’s most famous work, the mesmerizing Boléro, brings the program to a rousing close.

Ticket holders are invited to a free preconcert conversation featuring Larry Rapchak in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The conversation will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets required.

Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/rhapsody-in-blue-bolero

From the awe-inspiring “Hallelujah” chorus to the many thrilling and intimate arias, Handel’s landmark oratorio is an unmissable CSO holiday tradition. Nicholas McGegan, “one of the finest Baroque conductors of his generation” (The Independent), leads a glorious reunion of the assembled forces of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

Ticket holders are invited to a free preconcert conversation featuring Laura Prichard in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The conversation will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets required.

Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/handel-messiah

Intrepid superstar and CSO Artist-in-Residence Hilary Hahn returns to perform Dvořák’s Violin Concerto, a work laced with the vibrant colors and dance rhythms of the composer’s native Bohemia, which was given its U.S. premiere by the Orchestra in 1891. Andrés Orozco-Estrada leads a world premiere by Gabriela Lena Frank, named by the Washington Post as one of the 35 most significant female composers in history, and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, a work that embodies the struggle of triumph over adversity.

All ticket holders are invited to a free 30-minute Preconcert Conversation on the Armour Stage, which will start 75 minutes before the scheduled performance time.

Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/hilary-hahn-dvorak-violin-concerto-tchaikovsky-5/

In his 2019 CSO subscription debut, Ray Chen “conjured the archetypal 19th-century virtuoso” and “combined vivid rhetoric with impeccable technique” (Chicago Tribune). Chen returns to present Lalo’s salute to the vigorous and sultry dance rhythms of Spain. A new work by renowned Finnish composer Magnus Lindberg and Brahms' richly autumnal Fourth Symphony complete this program led by Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu.

All ticketholders are invited to a free 30 minute Preconcert Conversation on Armour Stage and will start 75 minutes prior to the scheduled performance time.

Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/lindberg-lalo-brahms-4

Astor Piazzolla, born a century ago, revolutionized the Argentine tango with urbane sophistication. His Aconcagua — named for an Andean mountain — is alternately pensive and streetwise in spirit. Giancarlo Guerrero leads a program bookended by Buxtehude’s Chaconne, vibrantly orchestrated by Mexican composer Carlos Chávez, and Beethoven’s witty and confident First Symphony.

Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/guerrero-conducts-piazzolla-and-beethoven/

Astor Piazzolla, born a century ago, revolutionized the Argentine tango with urbane sophistication. His Aconcagua — named for an Andean mountain — is alternately pensive and streetwise in spirit. Giancarlo Guerrero leads a program bookended by Buxtehude’s Chaconne, vibrantly orchestrated by Mexican composer Carlos Chávez, and Beethoven’s witty and confident First Symphony.

Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/guerrero-conducts-piazzolla-and-beethoven/

Jakub Hrůša conducts a joyful portrait of his Czech homeland in Dvořák’s folk-infused Sixth Symphony. Radiant soprano Joélle Harvey makes her CSO debut in Barber’s nostalgic recollection of small-town America. Opening the program is Coleridge-Taylor’s 1898 breakthrough score, the rhapsodic Ballade.

Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/coleridge-taylor-barber-dvorak-6/

Jakub Hrůša conducts a joyful portrait of his Czech homeland in Dvořák’s folk-infused Sixth Symphony. Radiant soprano Joélle Harvey makes her CSO debut in Barber’s nostalgic recollection of small-town America. Opening the program is Coleridge-Taylor’s 1898 breakthrough score, the rhapsodic Ballade.

Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/coleridge-taylor-barber-dvorak-6/