FALL HIGHLIGHTSCHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
All programs at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave
Season Opening with Szeps-Znaider
Thursday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Joyce DiDonato & the CSO
Saturday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Ravel Piano Concertos & Suite from Carmen
Thursday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 28 at 3:00 p.m.
Aida Cuevas: 50 Years Singing to México
Friday, September 26 at 8:00 p.m.
Piccolo Play & Adagio for Strings
Friday, October 3 at 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Hadelich, Dvořák & Brahms 2
Thursday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Experience the radiance of sound at Symphony Center
In September, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra embarks on another season of glistening performances — and you’re invited. Join the CSO and a thrilling lineup of some of the biggest names in classical music for groundbreaking premieres, iconic concertos and uplifting choral works, as well as a month-long journey through American music.
Kick off the season in style with conductor Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider leading the CSO in two distinct programs, including the annual Symphony Ball — this year featuring superstar mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, the 2025/26 CSO Artist-in-Residence. Walk the red carpet and toast to the start of another incredible season before relishing in a celebratory program of vocal pieces by Strauss and Bizet.
The musical fireworks continue through the end of September with Ravel’s jazz-fueled Piano Concerto in G Major featuring Alice Sara Ott alongside Bizet’s fiery Carmen Suite. Plus, Aida Cuevas, the unrivaled queen of ranchera music, visits Symphony Center for an evening featuring decades of iconic hits — in celebration of her 50th anniversary as an ambassador of Mexican and Latin American music.
In October, CSO Piccolo Jennifer Gunn solos in Thea Musgrave’s Piccolo Play alongside Barber’s sublime Adagio for Strings and Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers, a high-spirited tribute to Beethoven. Esteemed violinist Augustin Hadelich joins the CSO for Dvořák’s Violin Concerto before the CSO explores the rustic warmth of Brahms’ Second Symphony.
Throughout the season, the CSO presents masterpieces by Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss, guided by world-renowned conductors, including Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti, Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä, Esa-Pekka Salonen and Jaap van Zweden. The Symphony Center Presents series offers the chance to witness some of today’s most distinguished artists — including CSO Artist-in-Residence Joyce DiDonato, superstar pianist Evgeny Kissin, Grammy Award-winning mandolinist Chris Thile and more — in intimate chamber collaborations, stirring piano recitals and groundbreaking vocal performances.
Become more than a listener — become a part of the creative dialogue as you share in those transcendent moments when music moves beyond sound to stir the spirit.
Tickets are available now — secure your seats today.
For information and tickets, visit cso.org or call 312-294-3000 for personalized service.
