Welcome to this digital edition of Phillip Huscher's Program Notes for upcoming concerts by the CSO May 30-Jun 1. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and The Joffrey Ballet bring to life neo-classical works by Stravinsky. This electrifying collaboration includes a world premiere ballet set to the Dumbarton Oaks Concerto, a work inspired by J.S. Bach's Brandenburg concertos, and the ballet Commedia by internationally acclaimed choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, set to Stravinsky's Pulcinella Suite.

Welcome to this digital edition of Phillip Huscher's Program Notes for upcoming concerts by the CSO May 23-26. Experience a lively evening of South American and Spanish music led by charismatic conductor Giancarlo Guerrero in his Orchestra Hall debut. Hear popular works by Ginastera, Chabrier, Piazzolla and the most-beloved of all guitar concertos, Rodrigo's moving Concierto de Aranjuez, performed by virtuoso Pablo Sainz Villegas, known as "the soul of the Spanish guitar."

Powerhouse conductor Marin Alsop makes a welcome return to lead the CSO in Sibelius’ spirited Violin Concerto with Hilary Hahn, “the epitome of violinist perfection” (Nürnberger Nachrichten). Rachmaninov’s strikingly beautiful Second Symphony and Brahms’ lighthearted Academic Festival Overture, which is based on German college drinking songs, complete this colorful program.

Including Sibelius’ spirited Violin Concerto with Hilary Hahn, “the epitome of violinist perfection” (Nürnberger Nachrichten), plus Rachmaninov’s strikingly beautiful Second Symphony.

Tickets and more info: https://cso.org/ticketsandevents/production-details-2018-19/chicago-symphony-orchestra/hahn-sibelius-violin-concerto/

“Uchida’s remarkable approach to the piano is a given. But the way in which Muti and the Orchestra seemed to be breathing as one with her every second of the way had an astonishing effect, and made the audience fully complicit in the magic” (Chicago Sun-Times). Muti, Uchida and the CSO reunite for Mozart’s dark and urgent Piano Concerto No. 20, followed by a divertimento and suites from two of Stravinsky’s brilliant ballet scores, The Fairy's Kiss and The Firebird. Tickets and more info: https://cso.org/ticketsandevents/production-details-2018-19/chicago-symphony-orchestra/muti-uchida-mozart/

Riccardo Muti leads an evening of dramatic and evocative works, pairing Respighi’s captivating Pines of Rome with a rare performance of Bizet’s own portrait of the great city. Celebrated mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato returns for Berlioz’s poignant cantata based on the ill-fated Cleopatra.

Riccardo Muti leads an evening of dramatic and evocative works, pairing Respighi’s captivating Pines of Rome with a rare performance of Bizet’s own portrait of the great city. Celebrated mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato returns for Berlioz’s poignant cantata based on the ill-fated Cleopatra. “The staggering, joyful artistry of Joyce DiDonato—one of the finest singers of our time—compels us to listen actively, to hear things anew” (Gramophone). Tickets and more info: https://cso.org/ticketsandevents/production-details-2018-19/chicago-symphony-orchestra/muti-pines-of-rome/

Riccardo Muti leads a wide-ranging program featuring music from Rossini’s witty comic opera Il viaggio a Reims and Wagner’s Overture to Tannhäuser. Also on the program are two virtuosic concertos—one baroque and one contemporary—featuring CSO Piccolo Jennifer Gunn, and Beethoven’s cheerful Second Symphony.

Welcome to this digital edition of Phillip Huscher's Program Notes for upcoming concerts by the CSO Mar 14-16. Riccardo Muti leads a wide-ranging program featuring music from Rossini's witty comic opera Il viaggio a Reims and Wagner's Overture to Tannhauser. Also on the program are two virtuosic concertos-one baroque and one contemporary-featuring CSO Piccolo Jennifer Gunn, and Beethoven's cheerful Second Symphony.

David Afkham makes his highly anticipated return to conduct the CSO in Beethoven’s noble Emperor Concerto and Dvořák’s dramatic Seventh Symphony. “Afkham rocked Orchestra Hall with an exciting debut. The audience was up on its feet in an instant, roaring for more” (Chicago Tribune).