Artelize - A Symphony of Emotions: Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2025-26 Season Highlights

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A Symphony of Emotions: Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2025-26 Season Highlights

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2025-26 season is poised to be an extraordinary celebration of music, showcasing diverse performances that captivate audiences. From Verdi's Requiem and holiday classics to the epic score of 2001: A Space Odyssey and a night of Italian opera, the CSO promises an unforgettable journey through sound. Under the baton of maestros like Riccardo Muti and André de Ridder, and featuring world-class soloists, this season is a testament to the timelessness and versatility of orchestral music.

May 7, 2025

1. Muti Conducts Verdi Requiem

Verdi’s Requiem Mass, in its fervent quest for eternal rest, stands as a powerful demonstration of the composer’s ability to harness the human voice. Hailed by NPR as “simply magnificent” for their two-time Grammy Award-winning CSO Resound recording of this work, Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus are joined by a thrilling quartet of international singers to once again deliver a masterful blend of passion and precisio

19 - 24 Jun, 2025

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Chicago, IL · Symphony Center

2. Merry, Merry Chicago!

There’s nothing like hearing holiday music played by a world-renowned orchestra and chorus. Head to Orchestra Hall — decked in boughs of holly — for a program of popular carols, holiday favorites and festive surprises. Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus perform lavish, stirring arrangements that are sure to inspire holiday cheer in all.

19 - 23 Dec, 2025

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Chicago, IL · Chicago Symphony Orchestra

3. A Live Presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey

Hailed as one of the greatest films of all time, Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey — renowned for its stunning visuals and groundbreaking use of classical music — features the opening of Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra, Johann Strauss Jr.’s The Blue Danube and the ethereal works of György Ligeti. André de Ridder leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in breathtaking live-to-picture performances of this iconic score.

9 - 10 Jan, 2026

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Chicago, IL · Chicago Symphony Orchestra

4. An Opera Night with Riccardo Muti

In a hallmark of his partnership with the CSO, Riccardo Muti takes center stage to conduct selections from Verdi’s enthralling, passion-filled operas. The program also features a lineup of treasured Italian opera repertoire performed by internationally acclaimed singers and the Chicago Symphony Chorus.

19 - 21 Mar, 2026

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Chicago, IL · Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Conclusion

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2025-26 season is a celebration of artistic excellence and diversity, seamlessly weaving together classical masterpieces with contemporary experiences. Each concert offers a distinctive narrative, inviting audiences to engage with the music in profound ways. As the CSO continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Chicago, it invites audiences to partake in a rich tapestry of sound that resonates far beyond the concert hall, promising a season of unforgettable moments and emotional resonance.

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