Step into a season of bold artistry and fresh perspectives as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra unveils its 2025/26 Season.
Led by Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä, Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti and an extraordinary lineup of guest conductors and soloists, the CSO brings timeless masterworks and modern voices to life.
From the electrifying presence of 2025/26 CSO Artist-inResidence Joyce DiDonato to thrilling performances by Daniil Trifonov, Alice Sara Ott, Yunchan Lim and Evgeny Kissin, the season bursts with energy, depth and discovery.
Feel the rush of a soaring crescendo, the hush of a perfectly placed silence and the exhilaration of live music that surrounds you. This is where music breathes, where artists and audiences meet and where every note leaves a lasting impression.
Your seat awaits.
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Yunchan Lim
Evgeny Kissin
Classical Series Concerts
September
Season Opening with Szeps-Znaider
18 THU C | C2 7:30
19 FRI A | A1 1:30
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider conductor and violin
Teng Li viola
MOZART Sinfonia concertante, K. 364
ELGAR Symphony No. 2
One of the most heartfelt musical dialogues ever written, Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante for violin and viola shares a program with Elgar’s stately, visionary Second Symphony.
Ravel Piano Concertos & Suite from Carmen
25 THU A | A1 7:30
26 FRI A | A2 1:30
27 SAT A | A1 7:30
28 SUN A | A1 3:00
Mikko Franck conductor
Alice Sara Ott piano
PÉPIN Les Eaux célestes
RAVEL Piano Concerto for the Left Hand
RAVEL Piano Concerto in G Major
BIZET Carmen Suite
Alice Sara Ott pairs Ravel’s wildly original piano concertos in rare side-by-side performances. Framing the program are Bizet’s fiery Carmen Suite and Camille Pépin’s shimmering Celestial Waters
October
Piccolo Play & Adagio for Strings
3 FRI A | A2 1:30
4 SAT B | B1 7:30
Daniela Candillari conductor
Jennifer Gunn piccolo
Giulia Semenzato soprano
Jennifer Johnson Cano mezzo-soprano
SIMON Fate Now Conquers
BARBER Adagio for Strings
MUSGRAVE Piccolo Play
PERGOLESI Stabat Mater
Pergolesi’s sacred masterpiece is filled with spine-tingling music on the nature of grief, hope and healing. These emotions also course through works by Barber and Carlos Simon.
Hadelich, Dvořák & Brahms 2
9 THU B | B2 7:30
10 FRI WHEATON A 7:30
EDMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL
11 SAT C | C1 7:30
Philippe Jordan conductor
Augustin Hadelich violin
KODÁLY Dances of Galánta
DVOŘÁK Violin Concerto
BRAHMS Symphony No. 2
Dvořák’s soulful Violin Concerto is a perfect vehicle for Augustin Hadelich, who “conveys the music’s rousing energy” (The New York Times). Brahms’ rustic Second Symphony closes the program.
Daniela Candillari
Augustin Hadelich
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider
Alice Sara Ott
Antoine Tamestit
Mäkelä Conducts Symphonie fantastique
16 THU A | A2 7:30
17 FRI B | B2 7:30
18 SAT B | B2 7:30
Klaus Mäkelä conductor
Antoine Tamestit viola
BERLIOZ Harold in Italy
BERLIOZ Symphonie fantastique
Klaus Mäkelä leads Symphonie fantastique, Berlioz’s thriller packed with depictions of witchcraft, obsession and murder. Berlioz’s Harold in Italy features viola virtuoso Antoine Tamestit.
The Soldier’s Tale
23 THU C | C1 7:30
24 FRI A | A1 1:30
25 SAT C | C2 7:30
Stefan Asbury conductor
Steve Scott director
STRAVINSKY Fanfare for a New Theatre
STRAVINSKY Septet
STRAVINSKY Octet
STRAVINSKY The Soldier’s Tale
Step into the engrossing world of Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale, the story of a soldier-fiddler who makes a Faustian pact with the devil, in this semi-staged production featuring actors from The Goodman. Other Stravinsky delights include the neoclassical Octet.
Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale is produced in association with Goodman Theatre.
Muti Conducts Strauss, Hindemith & Dvořák 9
30 THU B | B1 7:30
31 FRI A | A2 1:30
NOV 1 SAT A | A2 7:30
Riccardo Muti conductor
JOHANN STRAUSS, JR. Overture to The Gypsy Baron
HINDEMITH Symphony, Mathis der Maler
DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9 (From the New World)
Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti returns with Dvořák’s New World Symphony, whose glorious melodies celebrate American folk music and spirituals, alongside Hindemith’s majestic Mathis der Maler
November
Muti & Sáinz-Villegas
6 THU C | C2 7:30
7 FRI A | A1 1:30
8 SAT C | C2 7:30
Riccardo Muti conductor
Pablo Sáinz-Villegas guitar
STRAVINSKY Divertimento, Suite from The Fairy’s Kiss
RODRIGO Concierto de Aranjuez
BRAHMS Symphony No. 4
Pablo Sáinz-Villegas takes on the most famous guitar concerto of all. Riccardo Muti leads Brahms’ Fourth Symphony — a blend of warmth and poignant anguish, capped with a tempest of a finale.
Riccardo Muti
Robert Chen
Chen Leads
The Four Seasons
13 THU B | B2 7:30
14 FRI B | B2 7:30
15 SAT A | A1 7:30
Robert Chen leader and violin
MOZART Divertimento in B-flat Major, K. 137
BEETHOVEN (orch. Mahler) String Quartet No. 11
VIVALDI The Four Seasons
Concertmaster Robert Chen takes center stage in Vivaldi’s landmark Four Seasons and leads Mahler’s orchestral rendering of Beethoven’s Serioso Quartet and Mozart’s exquisitely crafted Divertimento in B-flat Major.
Honeck Conducts Mozart Requiem
20 THU A | A1 7:30
21 FRI B | B1 7:30
22 SAT B | B2 7:30
23 SUN A | A2 3:00
Manfred Honeck conductor
Jeanine De Bique soprano
Avery Amereau mezzo-soprano
Ben Bliss tenor
Stephano Park bass
Chicago Symphony Chorus
BEETHOVEN Coriolan Overture
HAYDN Symphony No. 93
MOZART Requiem
Mozart’s Requiem was his great send-off to the
Till Eulenspiegel & Bullock Sings Aucoin
4 THU A | A2 7:30
5 FRI A | A1 1:30
6 SAT A | A2 7:30
7 SUN A | A1 3:00
Jeanine De Bique
Avery Amereau
Petr Popelka conductor
Julia Bullock soprano
BRAHMS Symphony No. 3
AUCOIN Song of the Reappeared world premiere, cso commission
R. STRAUSS Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks
Richard Strauss’ humorous and charming Till Eulenspiegel and Brahms’ glorious Third Symphony frame the world premiere of Matthew Aucoin’s song cycle written for the captivating soprano Julia Bullock.
Ben Bliss
Stephano Park
James Ehnes
Noseda Conducts Debussy & Prokofiev 4
11 THU B | B1 7:30
12 FRI A | A2 1:30
13 SAT B | B1 7:30
Gianandrea Noseda conductor
James Ehnes violin
DEBUSSY Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun
BRITTEN Violin Concerto
PROKOFIEV Symphony No. 4
A work of dark, searching grandeur, Prokofiev’s Fourth Symphony gathers sumptuous themes from his ballet music. Britten’s Violin Concerto, a searing response to the Spanish Civil War, features James Ehnes.
Klaus Mäkelä & Yunchan Lim
18 THU C | C1 7:30
19 FRI A | A1 1:30
20 SAT C | C1 7:30
Klaus Mäkelä conductor
Yunchan Lim piano
CHIN subito con forza
SCHUMANN Piano Concerto
WIDMANN Con brio
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 7
Klaus Mäkelä conducts Beethoven’s buoyant Seventh Symphony alongside contemporary pieces inspired by the composer. The phenomenal Yunchan Lim presents Robert Schumann’s heartfelt Piano Concerto.
January
Salonen, Trifonov & Beethoven
29 THU B | B1 7:30
30 FRI B | B1 7:30
31 SAT B | B1 7:30
FEB 1 SUN A | A2 3:00
Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor
Daniil Trifonov piano
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 2
BRUCKNER Symphony No. 4 (Romantic)
Bruckner’s Romantic Symphony evokes a storybook landscape of peaks and valleys, forest dances and hymns of thanksgiving. Chicago favorite Daniil Trifonov takes on Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto.
February
Salonen Conducts La mer
5 THU A | A1 7:30
6 FRI A | A2 1:30
7 SAT A | A2 7:30
Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor
Gabriel Cabezas cello
DEBUSSY Images
SMITH Lost Coast
DEBUSSY La mer
Embark on a thrilling voyage over two striking visions of the ocean in Debussy’s ravishing La mer and Gabriella Smith’s Lost Coast, inspired by the rugged Northern California coastline.
Yunchan Lim
Esa-Pekka Salonen
Daniil Trifonov
Jaap van Zweden
Jaap van Zweden, Himari & Mozart Jupiter
12 THU C | C2 7:30
13 FRI WHEATON A 7:30 EDMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL
14 SAT C | C2 7:30
15 SUN A | A1 3:00
Jaap van Zweden conductor Himari violin
THOMPSON To See the Sky
BRUCH Violin Concerto No. 1
MOZART Symphony No. 41 (Jupiter)
Sensational teen Himari illuminates Bruch’s First Violin Concerto in her CSO subscription debut. Mozart’s electrifying Jupiter Symphony caps the program.
February
Mäkelä Conducts Ein Heldenleben
19 THU B | B2 7:30
20 FRI B | B1 7:30
21 SAT A | A1 7:30
Klaus Mäkelä conductor
SIBELIUS Lemminkäinen
R. STRAUSS Ein Heldenleben
Richard Strauss portrays himself as the central character of his extravagant showpiece A Hero’s Life. Klaus Mäkelä pairs the work with Sibelius’ Lemminkäinen, a symphonic portrait of Finland’s folk hero.
March
Jakub Hrůša & Leif Ove Andsnes
12 THU A | A2 7:30
13 FRI A | A2 1:30
14 SAT B | B2 7:30
Jakub Hrůša conductor
Leif Ove Andsnes piano
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 3
SCHUMANN Symphony No. 1 (Spring)
SMETANA Selections from The Bartered Bride Czech conductor Jakub Hrůša leads selections from Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, an opera full of soaring tunes and folkloric color.
Leif Ove Andsnes scales Beethoven’s stormy Third Piano Concerto.
Lidia Fridman
Klaus Mäkelä
Leif Ove Andsnes
Francesco Meli
An Opera Night with Riccardo Muti
19 THU C | C1 7:30
20 FRI B | B2 7:30
21 SAT C | C1 7:30
Riccardo Muti conductor
Lidia Fridman soprano
Francesco Meli tenor
Chicago Symphony Chorus
VERDI Sinfonia to La battaglia di Legnano
VERDI Prelude to I Masnadieri
GIORDANO Amor ti vieta from Fedora
CATALANI Ebben?…Ne andrò lontana from La Wally
VERDI O Signore, dal tetto natio from I Lombardi
VERDI Patria oppressa from Macbeth
VERDI Overture to Nabucco
VERDI Va, pensiero from Nabucco
PUCCINI Intermezzo from Manon Lescaut
PUCCINI Act IV from Manon Lescaut
Revel in an enthralling selection of treasured Italian opera repertoire, anchored by Verdi’s passion-filled works. Riccardo Muti leads a handpicked lineup of international singers with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.
Muti Conducts Tchaikovsky & Rota
26 THU A | A1 7:30
27 FRI WHEATON A 7:30
EDMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL
28 SAT B | B1 7:30
29 SUN A | A2 3:00
Riccardo Muti conductor
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 3 (Polish)
ROTA Music from The Leopard
ROTA Suite from The Godfather
Riccardo Muti pairs Tchaikovsky’s elegant Polish Symphony with the evocative music of Nino Rota, celebrated for his iconic film scores and compositions that seamlessly blend drama, lyricism and charm.
April
Ksenija Sidorova
Sibelius 2 & Tüür
Accordion Concerto
2 THU C | C1 7:30
3 FRI A | A1 1:30
4 SAT A | A1 7:30
Paavo Järvi conductor
Ksenija Sidorova accordion
BRAHMS Variations on a Theme by Haydn TÜÜR Prophecy
SIBELIUS Symphony No. 2
With its unforgettable, triumphant finale, Sibelius’ Second Symphony stands as an emblem of Finland’s nationalist spirit. Brahms’ gloriously lyrical tribute to Haydn and an accordion concerto by Erkki-Sven Tüür open the program.
Songs of Love and Farewell
9 THU B | B2 7:30
10 FRI B | B2 7:30
11 SAT C | C2 7:30
12 SUN A | A2 3:00
Jakub Hrůša conductor
Corinne Winters soprano
JANÁČEK Overture to From the House of the Dead
RACHMANINOV The Isle of the Dead
R. STRAUSS Four Last Songs
WAGNER Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde (Orchestral version)
Why are we here, and what comes next?
Experience four meditations on mortality and the hereafter by Richard Strauss, Wagner, Rachmaninov and Janáček.
PRIORITY ACCESS CONCERT
Evgeny Kissin with the CSO
16 THU C | C2 7:30
18 SAT A | A2 7:30
Andrey Boreyko conductor
Evgeny Kissin piano
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Russian Easter Overture
SCRIABIN Piano Concerto
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Piano Concerto
LIADOV Kikimora
PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 1
Evgeny Kissin, “a deeply intuitive and sensitive musician” (The New York Times), joins the CSO in three piano concertos by Prokofiev, Scriabin and Rimsky-Korsakov.
Evgeny Kissin
May
Canellakis, Tao & Tchaikovsky 5
APR 30 THU A | A2 7:30
1 FRI A | A2 1:30
2 SAT C | C2 7:30
3 SUN A | A1 3:00
Karina Canellakis conductor Conrad Tao piano
DVOŘÁK Scherzo capriccioso
BARTÓK Piano Concerto No. 3
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5
“With desire and passion,” Tchaikovsky wrote on the score of his Fifth Symphony, a work that journeys from despair to soaring triumph. Bartók’s beguiling Third Piano Concerto features soloist Conrad Tao.
Karina Canellakis
Jakub Hrůša
Edward Gardner
DiDonato Performs Neruda Songs
7 THU C | C2 7:30
8 FRI B | B1 7:30
9 SAT B | B2 7:30
Edward Gardner conductor
Joyce DiDonato mezzo-soprano
BARBER First Essay for Orchestra
LIEBERSON Neruda Songs
WALTON Symphony No. 1
2025/26 CSO Artist-in-Residence
Joyce DiDonato sings Peter Lieberson’s heartbreakingly sensuous song cycle set to the poetry of Pablo Neruda. Walton’s tumultuous and alluring First Symphony concludes the program.
Pekka Kuusisto
Pekka Kuusisto: Time Shifting
21 THU A | A2 7:30
22 FRI A | A2 1:30
23 SAT B | B2 7:30
Pekka Kuusisto conductor and violin
GRIEG Holberg Suite
KREISLER Violin Concerto in C Major
(In the Style of Vivaldi)
RAUTAVAARA The Fiddlers
HAYDN Symphony No. 64 (Tempora mutantur)
CLYNE Sound and Fury
Finnish star Pekka Kuusisto explores the theme of time itself. He conducts works by Haydn, Grieg, Rautavaara and former Mead Composer-in-Residence Anna Clyne, and steps out as the soloist in Kreisler’s Violin Concerto.
Erin Morley
Poulenc Gloria & SaintSaëns Organ Symphony
14 THU B | B1 7:30
15 FRI A | A1 1:30
16 SAT A | A1 7:30
Juraj Valčuha conductor
Erin Morley soprano
Chicago Symphony Chorus
RAVEL Mother Goose Suite
POULENC Gloria
SAINT-SAËNS Symphony No. 3 (Organ)
Discover an all-French program anchored by Saint-Saëns’ epic Organ Symphony. Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite charms with its tender evocation of childhood, while Poulenc’s Gloria dazzles with wit and radiant energy.
Martin
Helmchen
Brahms, Strauss & Ravel La valse
28 THU B | B2 7:30
29 FRI A | A1 1:30
30 SAT C | C1 7:30
31 SUN A | A2 3:00
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider conductor
Martin Helmchen piano
BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 1
R. STRAUSS Suite from Der Rosenkavalier
RAVEL La valse
Brahms’ First Piano Concerto awes with its intense passion and unabashedly dramatic piano writing — the ideal showcase for Martin Helmchen. Works by Ravel and Richard Strauss evoke Vienna’s bygone golden age.
June
Alsop Conducts Adams, Copland & Marsalis
4 THU C | C1 7:30
5 FRI A | A2 1:30
6 SAT B | B1 7:30
Marin Alsop conductor
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
JOHN ADAMS The Rock You Stand On cso co-commission
COPLAND Suite from Appalachian Spring
MARSALIS Liberty (Symphony No. 5) cso co-commission
The CSO joins forces with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for Liberty (Symphony No. 5), Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Wynton Marsalis’ latest symphonic work. Copland’s Appalachian Spring and a new work by John Adams kick off an all-American celebration.
Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein
11 THU A | A1 7:30
12 FRI A | A1 1:30
13 SAT A | A2 7:30
James Gaffigan conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet piano
Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir
GERSHWIN (orch. Rose) Overture to Girl Crazy
Selected Spirituals
WEILL (arr. R. R. Bennett) Lady in the Dark, Symphonic Nocturne
BERNSTEIN Symphony No. 2 (The Age of Anxiety)
Leonard Bernstein’s The Age of Anxiety features Jean-Yves Thibaudet performing the extravagant piano part. Sumptuous orchestral highlights from Gershwin and Weill musicals frame a stirring selection of spirituals.
Lincoln Portrait & Ellington Harlem
18 THU B | B1 7:30
20 SAT C | C1 7:30
21 SUN A | A1 3:00
Joshua Weilerstein conductor
MONTGOMERY Banner
MARTINŮ The Rock
COPLAND Lincoln Portrait
IVES Three Places in New England
ELLINGTON Harlem
In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, experience a powerful program featuring Copland’s soaring tribute to Lincoln, musical portraits of New England by Ives and Martinů, and Ellington’s swinging tour of Harlem.
See pages 18-19 for more information.
Marin Alsop
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Classical Series Packages
Thursdays at 7:30
A 10-Concert Series
Includes A1+A2
Over the course of 10 Thursday nights, hear renowned soloists, including pianists
Leif Ove Andsnes and Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and popular works by Tchaikovsky, Berlioz, Debussy and Brahms.
B 10-Concert Series
Includes B1+B2
Make the CSO a joyous part of your week. In 10 unforgettable concerts, hear iconic works by Debussy, Vivaldi, Brahms, Dvořák, Saint-Saëns, Bruckner and Prokofiev.
A1-2 5-Concert Selection
9/25 A1 Ravel Piano Concertos & Suite from Carmen 11/20 A1 Honeck Conducts Mozart Requiem 2/5 A1 Salonen Conducts La mer 3/26 A1 Muti Conducts Tchaikovsky & Rota 6/11 A1 Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein
10/16 A2 Mäkelä Conducts Symphonie fantastique 12/4 A2 Till Eulenspiegel & Bullock Sings Aucoin
3/12 A2 Jakub Hrůša & Leif Ove Andsnes 4/30 A2 Canellakis, Tao & Tchaikovsky 5 5/21 A2 Pekka Kuusisto: Time Shifting
10/9 B2 Hadelich, Dvořák & Brahms 2 11/13 B2 Chen Leads The Four Seasons 2/19 B2 Mäkelä Conducts Ein Heldenleben 4/9 B2 Songs of Love and Farewell 5/28 B2 Brahms, Strauss & Ravel La valse
C 10-Concert Series
Includes C1+C2
This Thursday series contains a marvelously varied selection of familiar and rare repertoire, including symphonies by Beethoven, Sibelius, Mozart and Elgar.
C1-2 5-Concert Selection
10/23 C1 The Soldier’s Tale 12/18 C1 Klaus Mäkelä & Yunchan Lim 3/19 C1 An Opera Night with Riccardo Muti 4/2 C1 Sibelius 2 & Tüür Accordion Concerto 6/4 C1 Alsop Conducts Adams, Copland & Marsalis
9/18 C2 Season Opening with Szeps-Znaider 11/6 C2 Muti & Sáinz-Villegas 2/12 C2 Jaap van Zweden, Himari & Mozart Jupiter 4/16 C2 Evgeny Kissin with the CSO 5/7 C2 DiDonato Performs Neruda Songs
Manfred Honeck
Pablo Sáinz-Villegas
Subscribe and save up to 30%
Fridays
at 1:30
A 18-Concert Series
Includes A1+A2
Enjoy a quintessential CSO experience with this flagship series. In addition to symphonic works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Strauss and Copland, this series features many distinctive soloists.
A1-2 9-Concert Selection
The full 18-concert FRI A series offers the greatest savings.
9/19 A1 Season Opening with Szeps-Znaider 10/24 A1 The Soldier’s Tale 11/7 A1 Muti & Sáinz-Villegas
12/5 A1 Till Eulenspiegel & Bullock Sings Aucoin
12/19 A1 Klaus Mäkelä & Yunchan Lim 4/3 A1 Sibelius 2 & Tüür Accordion Concerto 5/15 A1 Poulenc Gloria & Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony 5/29 A1 Brahms, Strauss & Ravel La valse
6/12 A1 Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein
9/26 A2 Ravel Piano Concertos & Suite from Carmen 10/3 A2 Piccolo Play & Adagio for Strings
Mikko Franck
Fridays at 7:30
B 8-Concert Series
Includes B1+B2
Eight diverse programs comprise this Friday night series. Highlights include Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique and Richard Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben, as well as Bruckner’s Romantic Symphony and Vivaldi’s beloved The Four Seasons.
2/6 A2 Salonen Conducts La mer 3/13 A2 Jakub Hrůša & Leif Ove Andsnes
5/1 A2 Canellakis, Tao & Tchaikovsky 5
5/22 A2 Pekka Kuusisto: Time Shifting
6/5 A2 Alsop Conducts Adams, Copland & Marsalis
B1-2 4-Concert Selection
11/21 B1 Honeck Conducts Mozart Requiem 1/30 B1 Salonen, Trifonov & Beethoven 2/20 B1 Mäkelä Conducts Ein Heldenleben 5/8 B1 DiDonato Performs Neruda Songs
10/17 B2 Mäkelä Conducts Symphonie fantastique 11/14 B2 Chen Leads The Four Seasons 3/20 B2 An Opera Night with Riccardo Muti 4/10 B2 Songs of Love and Farewell
Stefan Asbury
Pekka Kuusisto
Classical Series Packages
Saturdays at 7:30
A 10-Concert Series
Includes A1+A2
From Baroque favorites to newly minted scores, the CSO displays its famous versatility and dramatic range in works by Vivaldi, Dvořák, Sibelius and Saint-Saëns, alongside soloists including Evgeny Kissin and Alice Sara Ott.
B 10-Concert Series
Includes B1+B2
Sample the best of the season’s offerings with this Saturday night series. Hear iconic symphonies, quintessential Americana, Mozart’s Requiem and two of Beethoven’s piano concertos.
A1-2 5-Concert Selection
9/27 A1 Ravel Piano Concertos & Suite from Carmen 11/15 A1 Chen Leads The Four Seasons 2/21 A1 Mäkelä Conducts Ein Heldenleben
5/9 B2 DiDonato Performs Neruda Songs 5/23 B2 Pekka Kuusisto: Time Shifting
C 10-Concert Series
Includes C1+C2
Experience the full sonic brilliance of the CSO with timeless and exhilarating symphonies, from Mozart to Brahms. A generous selection of concertos and an exuberant all-American program complete the package.
C1-2 5-Concert Selection
10/11 C1 Hadelich, Dvořák & Brahms 2 12/20 C1 Klaus Mäkelä & Yunchan Lim 3/21 C1 An Opera Night with Riccardo Muti 5/30 C1 Brahms, Strauss & Ravel La valse 6/20 C1 Lincoln Portrait & Ellington Harlem
10/25 C2 The Soldier’s Tale 11/8 C2 Muti & Sáinz-Villegas
2/14 C2 Jaap van Zweden, Himari & Mozart Jupiter 4/11 C2 Songs of Love and Farewell 5/2 C2 Canellakis, Tao & Tchaikovsky 5
Sundays at 3:00
A 10-Concert Series Includes A1+A2
End the weekend on a high note with distinguished soloists, including pianists
Alice Sara Ott playing Ravel and Conrad Tao in Bartók and violinist Himari in Bruch.
A1-2 5-Concert Selection
The newly created 5-concert SUN A1 & A2 packages offer the best seating availability.
9/28 A1 Ravel Piano Concertos & Suite from Carmen 12/7 A1 Till Eulenspiegel & Bullock Sings Aucoin 2/15 A1 Jaap van Zweden, Himari & Mozart Jupiter
5/3 A1 Canellakis, Tao & Tchaikovsky 5 6/21 A1 Lincoln Portrait & Ellington Harlem
The CSO returns to the western suburbs, offering a wonderfully varied portrait of the orchestra. Hear works by Mozart, Brahms, Dvořák, Tchaikovsky and more.
When you subscribe, you gain access to exclusive rewards tailored to your Symphony Center experience.
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*Individual tickets to priority access concerts are currently available only to subscribers. Learn more at cso.org/rewards
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Tues–Sat | 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Classical Prices & Seating
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A Musical Journey
In June 2026, Symphony Center marks America’s 250th anniversary with performances that honor the nation’s rich and evolving cultural landscape. From concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to appearances by guest artists and jazz ensembles, these curated programs reflect the country’s resilience, creativity and musical traditions.
Highlights include Wynton Marsalis’ Liberty Symphony with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, blending jazz, blues and classical influences, and Conrad Tao’s recital of works by American composers. Works by Copland, Gershwin and Ives explore the nation’s enduring spirit, alongside a celebration of the lasting impact of John Williams — one of America’s most iconic composers — whose unforgettable film scores have captured imaginations worldwide.
More programming will be announced for this tribute to 250 years of American history. Visit cso.org/america250 for more details.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
JUNE 2
Alsop Conducts Adams, Copland & Marsalis
JUNE 4-6
Conrad Tao piano recital
JUNE 7
Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein
JUNE 11-13
Lincoln Portrait & Ellington Harlem
JUNE 18-21
A Musical Tribute to John Williams & Steven Spielberg
JUNE 23
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
JUNE 25-27
2025/26 cso artist - in - residence
Joyce DiDonato
Versatility. Warmth. Virtuosity. Celebrated American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato steps into the role of CSO Artist-in-Residence for the 2025/26 Season. Acclaimed for her interpretations of Baroque, bel canto and contemporary operatic roles, as well as her captivating recital and concert performances, DiDonato infuses this season with unmatched expressive power and artistry. Beyond her stunning performances, DiDonato will participate in additional community and educational events, creating unique opportunities to engage with her extraordinary talent throughout the season.
Joyce DiDonato & the CSO SEP 20
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider conductor See page 22 for more details.
Joyce DiDonato in Emily –No Prisoner Be FEB 10
Time For Three
DiDonato Performs Neruda Songs
MAY 7-9
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Edward Gardner conductor
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CSO at the Movies
Cinematic treasures played on the big screen with scores performed live by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
How to Train Your Dragon
NOV 28-30
Conner Gray Covington conductor
A young Viking defies tradition by befriending a ferocious dragon, and together, they must fight to save both their worlds. Experience this captivating film in HD, with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing the musical score live to picture!
This true holiday favorite features John Williams’ charming and delightful score
A Live Presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey JAN 9-10
André de Ridder conductor Chicago Symphony Chorus
Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey features stunning visuals and iconic music. André de Ridder leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in breathtaking live-topicture performances of this iconic score. Presented in association with Warner Bros., Southbank Centre London and the British Film Institute. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
Star Wars: A New Hope
JUNE 25-27
Star Wars: A New Hope like never before. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic Oscar-winning score live with the full film on the big screen at Symphony Center.
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See pages 18-19 for more information.
CSO for Kids
Spark a lifelong love for classical music through unforgettable family experiences.
Once Upon a Symphony®
Perfect for ages 3-5
Saturdays at 10:00 & 11:45
Buntrock Hall at Symphony Center
The Ugly Duckling
DEC 6 | JAN 10 | JAN 31
After enduring hardship, a lonely duckling blossoms into a stunning swan, realizing true beauty comes from within in this musical tale of self-discovery, acceptance and inner strength.
Family Matinees
Perfect for ages 5-12
Saturdays at 11:00 & 12:45
Which Instrument Should I Play?
NOV 15
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Grams conductor
Justin Roberts guest artist
Five-time Grammy-nominated children'smusic songwriter Justin Roberts joins conductor Andrew Grams and the CSO for an engaging investigation of the musical instruments in an orchestra.
Classical Elements
MAR 21
Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Mei-Ann Chen conductor
Conductor Mei-Ann Chen and members of the CSO embark on a musical exploration of air, fire and water — the elements that create balance on planet Earth.
The Bremen Town Musicians
MAR 7 | APR 11 | APR 18
Four farm animals, no longer needed at home, set off for Bremen to become musicians. Along the way, they find a house full of robbers. Teaming up, they outsmart the thieves and discover newfound courage.
Natalie Merchant
Recommended for
ages 3-12
Mother Goose & the Cabinet of Wonder
MAY 9
Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
James Bagwell conductor
Natalie Merchant vocals
Join legendary singer-songwriter
Natalie Merchant, members of the CSO, and special guests for a joyful singalong with Mother Goose. This captivating program features traditional nursery rhymes adapted by Merchant and orchestrated for an array of instrumental groups, creating a magical musical world of learning and imagination.
Mother Goose & the Cabinet of Wonder is a co-production of Natalie Merchant, Chicago Children’s Theatre and the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre
Featured Concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Joyce DiDonato & the CSO
SEP 20 | 6:30
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider conductor
Joyce DiDonato mezzo-soprano
WEBER Overture to Oberon
MENDELSSOHN Selections from A Midsummer Night’s Dream
R. STRAUSS Wiegenlied
R. STRAUSS Morgen!
R. STRAUSS Zueignung
BIZET Habanera from Carmen
WAGNER Overture to Tannhäuser
Kick off the new season in style!
Joyce DiDonato joins Nikolaj SzepsZnaider and the CSO for a celebratory program of vocal selections and Mendelssohn’s enchanting
A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Merry, Merry Chicago! DEC 19-23
Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
John Morris Russell conductor
Chicago Symphony Chorus
Head to Orchestra Hall — decked in boughs of holly — for a program of popular carols, holiday favorites and festive surprises, presented in lavish, stirring arrangements.
PRIORITY ACCESS CONCERT
Mäkelä Conducts The Rite of Spring
MAR 5-6
Klaus Mäkelä conductor
MILHAUD Le Bœuf sur le toit
GERSHWIN An American in Paris STRAVINSKY The Rite of Spring
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Enhance your concert experience with a Symphony Ball 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.
This benefit event raises funds to support the multifaceted work of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association — not only its industry-leading artistic programs but also its educational and community engagement initiatives that nurture tens of thousands of people in Chicago and around the world annually.
Led by Klaus Mäkelä, the CSO presents one of the most electrifying and revolutionary works in the orchestral repertoire: Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Also featured are Milhaud’s playful Le Bœuf sur le toit, a kaleidoscope of rhythmic wit and whimsy, and Gershwin’s An American in Paris, a jazz-infused portrait of the City of Light.
PRIORITY ACCESS CONCERT
Hisaishi Conducts Hisaishi
APRIL 23-26
Joe Hisaishi conductor and piano
Dubbed “the John Williams of Japan” by Pitchfork, Joe Hisaishi is one of the most celebrated composers of our time. Hisaishi returns to conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in his symphonic works and iconic film scores.
Support Your Orchestra
Make an Impact
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association is committed to enriching, inspiring and transforming lives through music, community engagement and education — locally, nationally and internationally. Donors have long supported the CSOA, and gifts of all levels are crucial in maintaining the high-quality work we do both in and outside Symphony Center.
The concerts and activities of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra are at the core of our work, but gifts also support the ability to host guest artists and ensembles of all kinds through the Symphony Center Presents series.
Thanks to donor support, the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra continues to be a leader in music education programming, with each season furthering its mission to educate audiences, train young musicians and serve diverse communities, across Chicago and around the world. NMI programs include the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, CSO for Kids, the Percussion Scholarship Program and many more. Your gift to the CSOA makes an impact on the work we do. Being a part of our community of donors is an incredibly meaningful way to connect with the music and programs you love.
Thank you for your support of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association.
Our Sponsors
Anonymous
Randy L. and Melvin R. Berlin Family Fund for the Canon
Kenneth C. Griffin
Margot and Josef Lakonishok
Ling Z. and Michael C. Markovitz
Sargent Family Foundation
Schmidt Family Fund
Major artistic support for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 2025/26 Season is generously provided by Zell Family Foundation and The Negaunee Foundation
The Artist-in-Residence at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is made possible through a generous gift from James and Brenda Grusecki
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
