Experience the radiance of sound at Symphony Center.
There’s an irreplaceable magic in live performance — a visceral energy that can only be felt when artists and audience share the same space. Here, each performance is more than just a concert; it’s a moment of profound connection, where extraordinary musicians transform notes on a page into living, breathing art.
Rooted in Chicago’s rich cultural landscape, each program invites you to be more than a listener. In Orchestra Hall, you become part of the creative dialogue, sharing in those transcendent moments when music moves beyond sound to stir the spirit.
Your seat awaits.
Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä
Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti
2025/26 CSO Artist-in-Residence Joyce DiDonato
Chicago Symphony Orchestra photography by Todd Rosenberg
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Chicago Symphony Orchestra Classical
Delight in glistening performances that feature enchanting adventures, uplifting choral works and beloved symphonies. From groundbreaking premieres to iconic concertos starring classical music’s biggest names, journey through distant lands and explore musical reflections on American history and ideals.
Teng Li
Klaus Mäkelä
SEPTEMBER
Season Opening with Szeps-Znaider
18 THU C | C2 7:30
19 FRI A | A1 1:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
Alice Sara Ott
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Mikko Franck conductor
Alice Sara Ott piano
PÉPIN Les Eaux célestes first cso performance
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Daniela Candillari conductor cso debut
Jennifer Gunn piccolo
Giulia Semenzato soprano cso debut
Jennifer Johnson Cano mezzo-soprano
SIMON Fate Now Conquers
Jennifer Gunn
Daniela Candillari
BARBER Adagio for Strings
MUSGRAVE Piccolo Play first cso performance
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.
Philippe Jordan
OCTOBER
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
Augustin Hadelich
Mäkelä Conducts Symphonie
fantastique
16 THU A | A2 7:30
17 FRI B | B2 7:30
18 SAT B | B2 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Klaus Mäkelä conductor
Antoine Tamestit viola
BERLIOZ Harold in Italy
BERLIOZ Symphonie fantastique
Zell Music Director Designate 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.
Antoine Tamestit
The Soldier’s Tale
23 THU C | C1 7:30
24 FRI A | A1 1:30
25 SAT C | C2 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Stefan Asbury conductor cso debut
Steve Scott director
STRAVINSKY Fanfare for a New Theatre first cso performance
STRAVINSKY Septet first cso performance
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Riccardo Muti conductor
J. 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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
Pablo Sáinz-Villegas
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music director emeritus for life
Riccardo Muti
Mastery. Power. Legacy.
Riccardo Muti’s legendary relationship with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra continues. He returns to Chicago for four engagements throughout the 2025/26 Season, including a program of opera selections, demonstrating an inspired command of this repertoire that has earned him a place among world’s greatest conductors, and a program featuring his personal selections from Nino Rota’s legendary film scores.
NOVEMBER
Chen Leads
The Four Seasons
13 THU B | B2 7:30
14 FRI B | B2 7:30
15 SAT A | A1 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
Manfred Honeck
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Manfred Honeck conductor
Jeanine De Bique soprano
Avery Amereau mezzo-soprano cso debut
Ben Bliss tenor
Stephano Park bass cso debut
Chicago Symphony Chorus
Coriolan Overture
Symphony No. 93 Requiem
Mozart’s Requiem was his great send-off to the world. In this profoundly evocative program, Manfred Honeck reimagines the masterpiece as it may have been heard at the composer’s own funeral, interwoven with Gregorian chant and additional choral
Chicago Symphony Chorus
Noseda Conducts Debussy & Prokofiev 4
11 THU B | B1 7:30
12 FRI A | A2 1:30
13 SAT B | B1 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Gianandrea Noseda conductor
James Ehnes violin
DEBUSSY Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun
BRITTEN Violin Concerto
PROKOFIEV Symphony No. 4
Petr Popelka
DECEMBER
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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 with the captivating soprano Julia Bullock.
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.
James Ehnes
Julia Bullock
Gianandrea Noseda
DECEMBER
Klaus Mäkelä & Yunchan Lim
18 THU C | C1 7:30
19 FRI A | A1 1:30
20 SAT C | C1 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Klaus Mäkelä conductor
Yunchan Lim piano
CHIN subito con forza first cso performance
SCHUMANN Piano Concerto
WIDMANN Con brio first cso performance
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
Esa-Pekka Salonen
FEBRUARY
Salonen Conducts La mer
5 THU A | A1 7:30
6 FRI A | A2 1:30
7 SAT A | A2 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor
Gabriel Cabezas cello
DEBUSSY Images
SMITH Lost Coast first cso performance
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.
Himari
Jaap van Zweden
Yunchan Lim
Save 15% when you create your own series of three or more programs featuring Klaus Mäkelä
Jaap van Zweden, Himari & Mozart
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Jaap van Zweden conductor
Himari violin
THOMPSON To See the Sky first cso performance
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.
zell music director designate
Klaus Mäkelä
Energy. Vision. Artistry. Klaus Mäkelä brings all three qualities to the 2025/26 Season.
Mäkelä’s meteoric rise in the classical music world stems not only from his innovative programming and electrifying presence on the podium, but also from his ability to forge a profound connection with musicians. Witness firsthand the bond he’s already creating with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in four dynamic programs this season.
Mäkelä Conducts Ein Heldenleben
19 THU B | B2 7:30
20 FRI B | B1 7:30
21 SAT A | A1 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
An Opera Night with Riccardo Muti
19 THU C | C1 7:30
20 FRI B | B2 7:30
21 SAT C | C1 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Riccardo Muti conductor
Lidia Fridman soprano cso debut
Francesco Meli tenor
Chicago Symphony Chorus
VERDI Sinfonia to La battaglia di Legnano
VERDI Prelude to I Masnadieri first cso performance
GIORDANO Amor ti vieta from Fedora first cso performance
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 first cso performance
Muti Conducts
Tchaikovsky
26 THU A | A1 7:30
& Rota
27 FRI WHEATON A 7:30 edman memorial chapel
28 SAT B | B1 7:30
29 SUN A | A2 3:00
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
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.
Riccardo Muti
Leif Ove Andsnes
APRIL
Sibelius 2 & Tüür
Accordion Concerto
2 THU C | C1 7:30
3 FRI A | A1 1:30
4 SAT A | A1 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Paavo Järvi conductor
Ksenija Sidorova accordion cso debut
BRAHMS Variations on a Theme by Haydn
TÜÜR Prophecy first cso performance
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Jakub Hrůša conductor
Corinne Winters soprano cso debut
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
Why are we here, and what comes next?
Experience four meditations on mortality and the hereafter by Richard Strauss, Wagner, Rachmaninov and Janáček.
Paavo Järvi
Corinne Winters
Jakub Hrůša
Ksenija Sidorova
Karina Canellakis
APRIL
PRIORITY ACCESS CONCERT
Evgeny Kissin with the CSO
16 THU C | C2 7:30
18 SAT A | A2 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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
Edward Gardner
Canellakis, Tao & Tchaikovsky 5
30 THU A | A2 7:30
MAY 1 FRI A | A2 1:30
2 SAT C | C2 7:30
3 SUN A | A1 3:00
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
Joyce DiDonato
MAY
DiDonato Performs
Neruda Songs
7 THU C | C2 7:30
8 FRI B | B1 7:30
9 SAT B | B2 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
Poulenc Gloria & Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony
14 THU B | B1 7:30
15 FRI A | A1 1:30
16 SAT A | A1 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
Pekka
Kuusisto
Pekka Kuusisto: Time Shifting
21 THU A | A2 7:30
22 FRI A | A2 1:30
23 SAT B | B2 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Pekka Kuusisto conductor and violin cso conducting debut
GRIEG Holberg Suite
KREISLER Violin Concerto in C Major (In the Style of Vivaldi)
RAUTAVAARA The Fiddlers first cso performance
HAYDN Symphony No. 64 (Tempora mutantur)
CLYNE Sound and Fury first cso performance
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
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
Martin Helmchen
See pages 24-25 for more information.
JUNE
Alsop Conducts Adams, Copland & Marsalis
4 THU C | C1 7:30
5 FRI A | A2 1:30
6 SAT B | B1 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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 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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Joshua Weilerstein conductor
MONTGOMERY Banner
MARTINŮ The Rock first cso performance
COPLAND Lincoln Portrait
IVES Three Places in New England
ELLINGTON Harlem
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a powerful program that includes Copland’s soaring tribute to Lincoln, musical portraits of New England by Ives and Martinů and Ellington’s swinging tour of Harlem.
James Gaffigan
Joshua Weilerstein
Marin Alsop
Classical Curated Series Packages
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
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
10/31 A2 Muti Conducts Strauss, Hindemith & Dvořák 9 12/12 A2 Noseda Conducts Debussy & Prokofiev 4
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
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
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
11/23 A2 Honeck Conducts Mozart Requiem 2/1 A2 Salonen, Trifonov & Beethoven 3/29 A2 Muti Conducts Tchaikovsky & Rota
4/12 A2 Songs of Love and Farewell 5/31 A2 Brahms, Strauss & Ravel La valse
More Sunday matinees Mikko Franck The 18-concert FRI A series offers the greatest
Pricing
Classical Curated Series
Classical Curated 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,
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
B1-2 5-Concert Selection
10/30 B1 Muti Conducts Strauss, Hindemith & Dvořák 9 12/11 B1 Noseda Conducts Debussy & Prokofiev 4 1/29 B1 Salonen, Trifonov & Beethoven 5/14 B1 Poulenc Gloria & Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony 6/18 B1 Lincoln Portrait & Ellington Harlem
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
Amereau
Ben Bliss
Stephano Park
Jeanine De Bique
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
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
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
Classical Curated Series Classical Curated 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, and 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 4/4 A1 Sibelius 2 & Tüür Accordion Concerto 5/16 A1 Poulenc Gloria & Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony
11/1 A2 Muti Conducts Strauss, Hindemith & Dvořák 9 12/6 A2 Till Eulenspiegel & Bullock Sings Aucoin 2/7 A2 Salonen Conducts La mer 4/18 A2 Evgeny Kissin with the CSO 6/13 A2 Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein
B1-2 5-Concert Selection
10/4 B1 Piccolo Play & Adagio for Strings 12/13 B1 Noseda Conducts Debussy & Prokofiev 4 1/31 B1 Salonen, Trifonov & Beethoven 3/28 B1 Muti Conducts Tchaikovsky & Rota 6/6 B1 Alsop Conducts Adams, Copland & Marsalis
10/18 B2 Mäkelä Conducts Symphonie fantastique 11/22 B2 Honeck Conducts Mozart Requiem 3/14 B2 Jakub Hrůša & Leif Ove Andsnes
5/9 B2 DiDonato Performs Neruda Songs 5/23 B2 Pekka Kuusisto: Time Shifting
Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Lidia Fridman
Francesco Meli
Juraj Valčuha
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.
Pricing
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
CSO at Wheaton
WHEATON A
The CSO returns to the western suburbs, offering a wonderfully varied portrait of the orchestra. Hear works by Mozart, Brahms, Dvořák, Tchaikovsky and more.
3-Concert Series
10/10 Hadelich, Dvořák & Brahms 2 2/13 Jaap van Zweden, Himari & Mozart Jupiter 3/27 Muti Conducts Tchaikovsky & Rota
A Musical Celebration
In June 2026, Symphony Center commemorates America’s 250th anniversary with performances that reflect the nation’s cultural vitality. From inspiring Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts to appearances by guest artists and jazz ensembles, these programs celebrate the country’s pioneering spirit and diverse musical traditions. Highlights include Wynton Marsalis’ Liberty Symphony, performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, blending jazz, blues and classical influences into a sweeping portrait of the American experience. Conrad Tao’s piano recital showcases works by American composers, and a powerful program of works by Copland, Gershwin and Ives explores themes of resilience and creativity. The celebration concludes with one of John Williams’ most recognizable film scores.
Marin Alsop
James Gaffigan
Stay tuned for additional events to be announced, and join in the celebration of 250 years of American history through performances that honor the past while looking toward a bright, creative future.
JUNE 2026
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
JUNE 2
Alsop Conducts Adams, Copland & Marsalis
JUNE 4-6
Conrad Tao
JUNE 7
Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein
JUNE 11-13
Lincoln Portrait & Ellington Harlem
JUNE 18-21
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
JUNE 25-27
Conrad Tao
Wynton Marsalis
Joshua Weilerstein
CSO at the Movies
Level up your moviegoing experience with cinematic treasures played on the big screen while the CSO performs their scores live. There’s no better way to see cinema than in Orchestra Hall.
NOVEMBER
How to Train Your Dragon
28 FRI MOVIES A 7:30
29 SAT 7:30
30 SUN 3:00
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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!
How To Train Your Dragon © 2010 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
DECEMBER
Home Alone
12 FRI 7:30
13 SAT 1:30
14 SUN 3:00
Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
This true holiday favorite features John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture with members of the CSO. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is fun for the entire family!
© 1990 Twentieth Century Fox
JANUARY
A Live Presentation of 2001: A
Space Odyssey
9 FR 10 S
Chicago Symphony Orchestra André de Ridder Chicago Symphony Chorus
Stanley Kubrick’s features stunning visuals and iconic music. André de Ridder leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in breathtaking live to picture performances of this iconic score.
Presented in association with Warner Bros. Discovery, Southbank Centre London and the British Film Institute.
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery
JUNE
Star Wars: A New Hope
25 THU 7:30
26 FRI MOVIES A 7:30
27 SAT 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Experience Star Wars: A New Hope like never before as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic Oscar-winning score live with the full film on the big screen at Symphony Center.
Create Your Own Series
Lights, camera, savings! Create your own series of three or more movie concerts — or pair your favorite films with a performance featuring legendary composer Joe Hisaishi, April 23-26. Select your dates and seats to save 15%. Curated Series Package Subscribe and save 30%
FRIDAYS AT 7:30 A 3-Concert Series
Elevate movie night with great films on the big screen and the full scores played live by the CSO. Sci-fi classics and family adventures await. 11/28 How to Train Your Dragon 1/9 A Live Presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey 6/26 Star Wars: A New Hope
CSO for Kids
Spark a love for classical music through captivating concerts designed for ages 3-12. These engaging performances blend theater, storytelling and multimedia to create unforgettable family experiences.
Once Upon a Symphony®
Perfect for ages 3-5
Saturdays at 10:00 & 11:45
Buntrock Hall at Symphony Center
Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre
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.
Limited Seating Availability!
Guarantee your tickets before they sell out
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.
Once Upon a Symphony Package
Bundle and save
Enhance your Once Upon a Symphony experience with Mother Goose & the Cabinet of Wonder.
Subscribers save 15% on additional concerts — secure your seats today for an unforgettable musical journey.
Family Matinees
Perfect for ages 5-12
Saturdays at 11:00 FAMILY AM & 12:45 FAMILY PM Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center
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.
Mother Goose & the Cabinet of Wonder
Recommended for ages 3-12
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. Featuring Merchant’s nursery rhyme adaptations, the program highlights a vibrant array of instrumental groups and musical styles.
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.
Family Matinees Curated Series
FAMILY AM | PM 3-Concert Series
Merchant
Introduce the kids in your life to the world of classical music with three casual, interactive concerts full of your favorite works. Subscribe and save up to 33%
Natalie
Symphony Center Presents Piano
Eight renowned pianists bring keyboard masterpieces to Orchestra Hall. From rising stars to celebrated masters, hear diverse interpretive styles through commanding sonatas, charming miniatures and groundbreaking new works. Perfect for newcomers and piano enthusiasts alike.
OCTOBER
Yunchan Lim
scp debut
19 SUN SCP PIANO A | A1 3:00
WEBERN Variations, Op. 27
BACH Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Yunchan Lim, who at 18 became the youngest-ever winner of the Van Cliburn Competition, climbs the summit of Baroque keyboard music in Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
NOVEMBER
Beatrice Rana
2 SUN SCP PIANO A | A2 3:00
PROKOFIEV Selections from Romeo and Juliet
DEBUSSY Etudes, Book II
TCHAIKOVSKY (arr. Pletnev) Concert Suite from The Nutcracker
PROKOFIEV Sonata No. 6 in A Major Beatrice Rana brings stunning depth to Debussy’s kaleidoscopic Etudes, Book II, while Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 6 surges with bold, dramatic power. Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev add festive sparkle and vivid storytelling to this dynamic program.
Beatrice Rana
Hayato Sumino
Hayato Sumino
scp debut
16 SUN SCP PIANO A | A1 3:00
CHOPIN Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor
CHOPIN Nocturne in C Minor, Op. 48, No. 1
SUMINO Nocturne No. 1 (Pre Rain)
SUMINO Nocturne No. 2 (After Dawn)
SUMINO Nocturne No. 3
(Once in a Blue Moon)
BACH Partita No. 2 in C Minor
SUMINO New Birth (after Chopin)
SUMINO Recollection (after Chopin)
BACH Prelude and Fugue in C Major from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II
GULDA Prelude and Fugue
RAVEL (arr. Sumino) Boléro
Known on YouTube as “Cateen,” Hayato Sumino has earned millions of views for his captivating performances. In his Symphony Center debut, the Chopin Competition semi-finalist performs works by Chopin, Bach and Ravel, alongside his own imaginative compositions.
JANUARY
Kirill Gerstein
25 SUN SCP PIANO A | A2 3:00
LISZT Three Petrarch Sonnets
LISZT Après une lecture du Dante (Fantasia quasi Sonata) from Années de pèlerinage, Deuxième année, Italie
BRAHMS Scherzo in E-flat Minor, Op. 4
BRAHMS Sonata No. 3 in F Minor, Op. 5
Join Kirill Gerstein for a program exploring Liszt and Brahms, two Romantic-era luminaries. Liszt’s fantastical Dante Sonata and Brahms’ magestic Sonata No. 3 crown the two halves.
FEBRUARY
Marc-André Hamelin
22 SUN SCP PIANO A | A2 3:00
IVES Sonata No. 2 (Concord, Mass., 1840–60)
SCHUMANN Fantasiestücke, Op. 12
SCRIABIN Sonata No. 3 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 23
Marc-André Hamelin highlights Ives’ visionary Concord Sonata, a tribute to Transcendentalist thinkers, alongside Scriabin’s turbulent Third Sonata. Schumann’s mercurial Fantasy Pieces span humor, joy and brooding intensity.
MARCH
Benjamin Grosvenor
8 SUN SCP PIANO A | A1 3:00
BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 (Moonlight)
SCHUMANN Fantasy in C Major, Op. 17
SCRIABIN Sonata No. 2 in G-sharp Minor, Op. 19
SCHUBERT Wanderer Fantasy
Experience Benjamin Grosvenor’s performance of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, a cornerstone of the piano repertoire, alongside works by Schumann, Schubert and Scriabin.
Benjamin Grosvenor
Marc-André Hamelin
MAY
Evgeny Kissin
17 SUN SCP PIANO A | A2 3:00
BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10, No. 3
CHOPIN Mazurkas Nos. 27, 29, 35, 39 & 51
RACHMANINOV Moments musicaux, Op. 16
MYASKOVSKY Sonata No. 2, Op. 13
Evgeny Kissin presents a spectacular, eras-spanning recital featuring Beethoven’s revolutionary Piano Sonata No. 7, a set of Chopin mazurkas and works by Rachmaninov and Myaskovsky.
JUNE
Conrad Tao
7 SUN SCP PIANO A | A1 3:00
GERSHWIN The Man I Love
GERSHWIN Swanee
SCHOENBERG Walzer from Five Piano Pieces, Op. 23
GERSHWIN Oh, Lady, Be Good!
DEBUSSY Pour les agréments from Etudes
TATUM Cherokee
RAVEL Mouvement de menuet from Sonatine
GERSHWIN But Not for Me
DEBUSSY Pour les arpèges composés from Etudes
STRAYHORN Lush Life
SCHUMANN Auf einer Burg from Leiderkreis, Op. 39
GERSHWIN I Loves You, Porgy
GERSHWIN I Got Rhythm
RACHMANINOV (trans. Barnatan) Symphonic Dances, Op. 45
After his acclaimed 2023 CSO subscription debut, Conrad Tao returns with a selection of Gershwin song arrangements interwoven with works by Debussy, Ravel, Rachmaninov and Schumann.
SCP Piano Curated Series Packages
A 8-Concert Series Includes A1+A2
This eight-concert series highlights some of the most uniquely gifted pianists of our time exploring the depths of the keyboard repertoire.
A1-2 4-Concert Selection
10/19 A1 Yunchan Lim 11/16 A1 Hayato Sumino
3/8 A1 Benjamin Grosvenor 6/7 A1 Conrad Tao 11/2 A2 Beatrice Rana 1/25 A2 Kirill Gerstein 2/22 A2 Marc-André Hamelin 5/17 A2 Evgeny Kissin
Evgeny Kissin
Save 15% when you create your own series of all three programs featuring Joyce DiDonato
2025/26 cso artist-in-residence
Joyce DiDonato
Versatility. Warmth. Virtuosity. Celebrated American mezzosoprano 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.
PROGRAMS FEATURING
JOYCE DIDONATO
SEP 20
Joyce DiDonato & the CSO
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider conductor
FEB 10
Joyce DiDonato in Emily – No Prisoner Be Time For Three
MAY 7-9
DiDonato Performs
Neruda Songs
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Edward Gardner conductor
Symphony Center Presents Chamber Music
Connect with the intimate world of chamber music. From solo performers commanding Orchestra Hall’s stage to chamber orchestras led by world-class pianists, witness the full spectrum of this remarkable art form. Experience the fusion of poetry and song in an innovative new collaboration.
OCTOBER
Christian Tetzlaff :
Bach Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin
5 SUN SCP CHAMBER A 3:00
Christian Tetzlaff violin
BACH Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001
BACH Partita No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002
BACH Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003
BACH Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004
BACH Sonata No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005
BACH Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006
Over a single afternoon, Christian Tetzlaff, “one of the most compelling Bach interpreters before the public today” (Boston Globe), guides listeners though the Mount Everest of the violin literature.
This unique 3.5-hour event includes a 60-minute intermission featuring a guest speaker who will provide insights into the music, offering a deeper understanding of the program.
FEBRUARY
Joyce DiDonato in Emily – No Prisoner Be
10 TUE SCP CHAMBER A 7:30
Joyce DiDonato mezzo-soprano
Time For Three scp debut
Ranaan Meyer bass and vocals
Nick Kendall violin and vocals
Charles Yang violin and vocals
PUTS Emily – No Prisoner Be
Joyce DiDonato and string trio Time For Three unite in an extraordinary collaboration inspired by the poetry of Emily Dickinson, with music by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts (The Hours, Silent Night).
Time For Three
Joyce DiDonato
MARCH
Zukerman Trio
7 SAT SCP CHAMBER A 7:30
Pinchas Zukerman violin
Amanda Forsyth cello
Michael Stephen Brown piano scp debut
HIGDON Pale Yellow from Piano Trio
MENDELSSOHN Piano Trio No. 1
DVOŘÁK Dumky for Piano, Violin and Cello, Op. 90
“The matchless musicianship and charisma” of legendary violinist Pinchas Zukerman, acclaimed cellist Amanda Forsyth and celebrated pianist Michael Stephen Brown creates “a trio made in heaven” (Limelight), anchored by Dvořák’s vibrant and introspective Dumky Trio.
APRIL
Pinchas Zukerman
Amanda Forsyth
Michael Stephen Brown
Yuja Wang & the Mahler Chamber Orchestra
29 WED SCP CHAMBER A 7:30
Yuja Wang piano and conductor Mahler Chamber Orchestra
CHOPIN Piano Concerto No. 1
PROKOFIEV Symphony No. 1 (Classical)
PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 2
Pianist Yuja Wang leads the Mahler Chamber Orchestra in a dazzling program featuring Chopin’s lyrical First Piano Concerto, Prokofiev’s bold Second Piano Concerto and his vibrant Classical Symphony, blending virtuosic brilliance with her dynamic artistry.
SCP Chamber Music Curated Series
Subscribe and save 25%
EVENINGS AT 7:30 & MATINEES AT 3:00
A 4-Concert Series
Experience distinctive chamber music programs, each performed by some of the repertoire’s leading ambassadors and spanning Bach’s solo violin works to jazz-inspired classics.
10/5 Christian Tetzlaff: Bach Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin
2/10 Joyce DiDonato in Emily – No Prisoner Be 3/7 Zukerman Trio
4/29 Yuja Wang & the Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Yuja Wang & the Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Featured Concerts & Events
Add any concert to your subscription and save 15%
SEPTEMBER
Joyce DiDonato & the CSO
20 SAT 6:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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 Szeps-Znaider and the CSO for a celebratory program of vocal selections and Mendelssohn’s enchanting A Midsummer Night’s Dream
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 reach thousands of people in Chicago and around the world.
Joyce DiDonato
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider
OCTOBER
TwoSet Violin
14 TUE 7:30
TwoSet Violin brings its unique blend of humor and artistry to Symphony Center. As The Strad notes, “their love of classical music imbues every moment” and has sparked joy in millions worldwide.
An Evening with Chris Thile
24 FRI 8:00
Chris Thile mandolin and vocals
Grammy Award-winning mandolinist Chris Thile, praised as “an all-round musician” (The Guardian) brings his genre-spanning artistry to Symphony Center. The wide-ranging program also draws from Thile’s solo recordings of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas, the second volume of which is due out this fall.
NOVEMBER
Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna
Christmas in Vienna showcases the Vienna Boys Choir in Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs and holiday favorites.
DECEMBER
A Chanticleer Christmas
9 TUE 7:30
The Grammy Award-winning men’s chorus returns to Orchestra Hall with an evening of joyous carols, popular Christmas songs and its signature arrangements of festive spirituals.
Home Alone in Concert
Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
This true holiday favorite features John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is fun for the entire family! © 1990 Twentieth Century Fox.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass
16 TUE 7:30
Michael Mulcahy conductor
Celebrated around the world for its gleaming sound and razor-sharp precision, the CSO brass section offers a virtuosic showcase of traditional favorites and symphonic masterworks.
Merry, Merry Chicago!
MORE PERFORMANCES IN 2025
19 FRI 7:30
20 SAT 1:00
21 SUN 1:00 & 4:30
22 MON 7:30
23 TUE 1:00 & 4:30
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.
Festive Favorites
Make the season extra special — create your own holiday series!
Mix and match any three or more performances that fit your festive plans and save 15%.
From timeless classics to family favorites, celebrate the holidays your way.
Featured Concerts & Events
JANUARY
Sinfónica de Minería
18 SUN 3:00
Carlos Miguel Prieto conductor
Pacho Flores trumpet scp debut
REVUELTAS Sensemayá
HAYDN Trumpet Concerto
D’RIVERA Concerto Venezolano
REVUELTAS La noche de los mayas
Mexico’s leading orchestra, the Sinfónica de Minería, makes its Symphony Center debut with Carlos Miguel Prieto conducting works by Revueltas, Haydn and Paquito D’Rivera.
FEBRUARY
Tango After Dark
28 SAT 7:30
Don’t miss the “splendid, sensual, imposing extravagance of Argentine tango” (DanceTabs) in Tango After Dark.
Germán Cornejo leads a stellar cast of dancers, singers and musicians in an unforgettable evening featuring the music of Astor Piazzolla.
MARCH
PRIORITY ACCESS CONCERT
Mäkelä Conducts
The Rite of Spring
5 THU 7:30
6 FR I 7:30
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Klaus Mäkelä conductor
MILHAUD Le Bœuf sur le toit
GERSHWIN An American in Paris
STRAVINSKY The Rite of Spring
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. Included on the program are Milhaud’s playful Le Bœuf sur le toit and Gershwin’s jazzy An American in Paris
APRIL
PRIORITY ACCESS CONCERT
23 THU 7:30
24 FRI 7:30
25 SAT 7:30
26 SUN 3:00
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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.
MAY
Hilary Hahn in Recital
24 SUN 3:00
Hilary Hahn violin
Hilary Hahn returns to Chicago with a program demonstrating “the golden-age richness and astonishing technique that have long made her a standout in a crowded field” (The New York Times).
Joe Hisaishi with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Stay Tuned
Programs to be announced
Symphony Center Presents Jazz
Vibrant and intimate evenings with the biggest names in jazz
On June 2, 2026, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis kicks off a monthlong celebration of 250 years of American music at Symphony Center.
More artists and dates to be announced in spring 2025
CSO Chamber Music
An intimate collaboration of CSO musicians
Enjoy a diverse mix of traditional and contemporary chamber works, performed by the exceptional musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Season details coming summer 2025
Civic Orchestra of Chicago
The CSO’s prestigious training ensemble for early-career musicians
At Symphony Center and in communities across Chicago, experience the breadth and variety of programming that the Civic Orchestra of Chicago has to offer.
Season to be announced in fall 2025
Stay Connected!
Be the first to know about concerts, special offers and more. Visit cso.org/stayconnected to sign up for email, or update your contact information and preferences in your account section on cso.org.
Get Involved with the CSO
Discover vibrant communities of music lovers and build lasting connections through special events and initiatives. Celebrate the joy of music, share your passion, meet fellow enthusiasts and be part of an engaging network that brings people together. Support the music you love at cso.org/getinvolved.
Join your peers today:
Governing Members
Student Ambassadors
CSO for Kids Ambassadors
Latino Alliance
African American Network
The League
Overture Council
Women’s Board
Auxiliary Volunteers
Negaunee Music Institute Advocates of the CSO and more!
Seating Charts
Movies All printed prices are valid through June 30, 2025, and are subject to change based on demand after that date. Seating is subject to availability at the time of sale.
subscription seats may be relocated if a concert involves a screen or chorus. Box Level CYO and add-on savings is 5% off standard prices at time of purchase.
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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.
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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 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
Media Partners
Your Symphony Center
Dining at the Thomas Club
Located on the ninth floor of Symphony Center, The Richard & Helen Thomas Club offers a sophisticated dining experience with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Open on select concert dates, the club invites ticket holders to enjoy a meal in an elegant, tranquil setting before performances.
The seasonally inspired prix fixe menu showcases a blend of classic and contemporary cuisine, crafted with fresh ingredients. Guests can savor thoughtfully prepared appetizers, expertly executed entrées and decadent desserts, all complemented by a curated wine and cocktail selection. View menus, make a reservation and learn more at cso.org/dining.
Forte Events at Symphony Center
For those planning a memorable occasion, Forte Events at Symphony Center provides an elevated private dining experience in an array of elegant spaces.
From intimate dinners to corporate receptions, Forte offers custom menus designed to delight every palate, featuring seasonal dishes that highlight bold flavors and artistic presentation. Guests can enjoy experiences such as familystyle meals or interactive chef stations, all set against the backdrop of Symphony Center’s stunning architecture.
Learn more about planning your next event at cso.org/events.
Shop at the Symphony Store
Located at the Adams Street entrance of Symphony Center, the Symphony Store offers an inspiring selection of gifts for music lovers of all ages. Explore a curated collection of classical music merchandise from around the world, kid-friendly books and toys, stylish apparel and the world’s most comprehensive inventory of Chicago Symphony Orchestra recordings.
Every purchase supports the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, helping fund concerts, education programs and performances by renowned artists from jazz, world and folk traditions.
Subscriber & Donor Rewards
Subscribers and donors to the CSOA enjoy 15% savings on eligible purchases year-round.
Shop in Store or Online
Open for all CSO and select Symphony Center Presents performances. Can’t visit in person? Shop online at symphonystore.com.
Store Hours
Tues–Sat | 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
