Riccardo Muti leads a world premiere by Jessie Montgomery, the CSO’s new Mead Composer-in-Residence. Raised on New York’s Lower East Side, Montgomery writes music that is “turbulent, wildly colorful and exploding with life” (The Washington Post). CSO Principal Bass Alexander Hanna is the soloist in Bottesini’s bravura concerto before the program ends on a joyous note with Beethoven’s homage to nature, the Pastoral Symphony.

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

On April 28 the CSO Latino Alliance hosts Noche Alegre a special preconcert networking event. Tickets required. Learn more at CSO Latino Alliance.

Postconcert on Tuesday, May 3, all ticketholders are invited to this free postconcert discussion:

Composer Connection: A Conversation with Renée Baker and Jessie Montgomery

Hosted by the CSO African American Network

Tuesday, May 3

Join Chicago composer, conductor and frequent African American Network guest Renée Baker and CSO Mead-Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery for a special postconcert chat hosted by the AAN. Both known for their contributions to the modern landscape of classical music, Baker and Montgomery come together to share their unique perspectives as female composers of color.

Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/muti-conducts-montgomery-beethoven-pastoral