Name: Once Upon a Symphony: The Little Red Hen
Start: 2025-12-07T11:45:00
Location: Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra unveils a remarkable season with a series of spellbinding performances that cater to a diverse audience. From Mendelssohn's historic oratorio, 'Elijah', to the captivating film score of 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', and a lively jazz performance by Wynton Marsalis, the lineup promises a comprehensive musical experience. With renowned conductors like Riccardo Muti and Esa-Pekka Salonen at the helm, each event is poised to leave a lasting impression on the listeners.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra: A Melodic Journey Through Diverse Musical Landscapes

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2024-2025 season promises a diverse array of performances that blend timeless classics with modern masterpieces. From Mendelssohn’s dramatic 'Elijah' to Bartók’s gripping 'Bluebeard's Castle', the lineup is designed to captivate audiences of all ages. Noteworthy performances include Alexandre Kantorow's virtuosic recital, the thunderous energy of Kodo's taiko drumming, and the debut of Sphinx Virtuosi. Each event is a testament to the orchestra's dedication to musical excellence and cultural diversity.

A Symphony of Stories: Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2024-2025 Season Highlights

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents an exhilarating lineup of events that are set to captivate audiences with a diverse array of musical masterpieces. From Mendelssohn’s Elijah to the delightful children's tale of The Little Red Hen, and the virtuoso performances by Seong-Jin Cho, these events promise to be unforgettable. With renowned conductors and performers like James Conlon, Seong-Jin Cho, and Leonidas Kavakos gracing the stage, the Symphony Center in Chicago becomes the epicenter of classical music excellence. Join us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of these upcoming musical celebrations.

A Musical Journey with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Highlights from Upcoming Events

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is set to host an exciting lineup of events, blending timeless classics with innovative performances. From Mendelssohn's 'Elijah' to the whimsical tales of 'The Little Red Hen,' and a dance spectacle with the Joffrey Ballet, the season is packed with diverse offerings. Not to be missed are performances by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and the globally revered tabla maestro, Zakir Hussain. This season promises a journey through various cultures and musical genres, captivating audiences with every note.

A Symphony of Stories: Exploring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Upcoming Season

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is set to enthrall audiences with a year-long extravaganza of performances featuring diverse musical themes and outstanding artists from around the world. From the dramatic storytelling of Mendelssohn's 'Elijah' to the whimsical charm of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, the series showcases the rich tapestry of orchestral music. Artists like Lucas Meachem, Emanuel Ax, and Zakir Hussain join forces with the CSO, promising unforgettable experiences through a blend of classical mastery and innovative interpretations.

Exploring the Dynamic Soundscapes of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: A Year of Musical Marvels

This year, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) unveils a captivating lineup of performances that promise to enthrall audiences with a rich tapestry of stories, music, and culture. From classic children's tales to powerful symphonies and innovative compositions, each event uniquely showcases the orchestra's diverse talents. With world-renowned artists and conductors gracing the stage, attendees are in for a musical journey that spans continents and genres, celebrating both timeless classics and modern masterpieces. Join us as we explore the vibrant schedule of the CSO's upcoming performances.

A Symphony of Stories: Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Rich Tapestry of Events

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is set to enchant audiences in 2025 with a spectacular lineup of events showcasing an array of musical genres and star-studded performances. From the timeless children's tale 'The Little Red Hen' to live concerts with musical legends like Heather Headley and Ben Folds, the CSO promises a rich tapestry of sound and creativity. With events spanning from Chicago to London, this season is poised to be a celebration of community, collaboration, and the transformative power of music.

Musical Marvels: Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2025 Season Highlights

In 2025, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is set to delight audiences with a diverse lineup of events that range from enchanting children's tales to grand orchestral masterpieces. From the playful 'Once Upon a Symphony: The Little Red Hen' to the stirring notes of Dvořák and Brahms, these performances promise an unforgettable experience for music lovers worldwide. Highlights include performances by renowned musicians such as Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, Joyce DiDonato, and Alice Sara Ott, each bringing their unique flair to the stage. Join us as we dive into the richness and variety of the CSO's upcoming season.

Explore the Symphony: Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2025 Event Highlights

Chicago Children’s Theatre

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

A cat, dog and mouse all turn down the Little Red Hen’s requests for help planting wheat, grinding flour and baking bread — and are disappointed when the hen eats the delicious bread all by herself. Featuring delightful musical portraits of animals, this classic children’s tale explores the importance of working together as a community.

Once Upon a Symphony: The Little Red Hen

Richard Strauss brings humor and charm to Till Eulenspiegel, a lively portrait of the mischievous prankster. Brahms never revealed a story behind his Third Symphony, but its four movements are infused with a yearning, bittersweet beauty. Star soprano Julia Bullock gives the world premiere of a new song cycle, written for her by former CSO Sir Georg Solti Conducting Apprentice Matthew Aucoin. Set to the poetry of Chilean writer Raúl Zurita, the piece explores themes of memory, language and spirituality.

Till Eulenspiegel & Bullock Sings Aucoin

A young duckling is teased for being different. After facing loneliness and other struggles, the duckling matures into a stunning swan, realizing true beauty comes from within. Explore this musical portrait of self-discovery, acceptance and inner strength.

Once Upon a Symphony: The Ugly Duckling

“The one Christmas concert to rule them all” (San Francisco Classical Voice), Chanticleer’s signature holiday program returns to Orchestra Hall. The Grammy Award-winning men’s chorus presents an evening of joyous carols, popular Christmas songs and its signature arrangements of festive spirituals.

A Chanticleer Christmas

A work of dark, searching grandeur, Prokofiev’s Fourth Symphony gathers sumptuous themes from his ballet music, revised in the postwar shadow of Stalin’s Russia. Britten’s Violin Concerto, a searing response to the Spanish Civil War, features James Ehnes, “a flawless technician and a serious, ever-perceptive musician” (The Guardian). Providing contrast is Debussy’s dreamy and sensuous prelude.

Noseda Conducts Debussy & Prokofiev 4

This true holiday favorite features John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by members of the CSO. 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!

Home Alone in Concert

Celebrated around the world for its mighty sound and razor-sharp precision, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra brass section presents its annual December spectacular. CSO trombone Michael Mulcahy conducts a program spanning Baroque favorites to symphonic masterworks arranged for the ensemble.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass

Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä leads Beethoven’s buoyant Seventh Symphony — always a thrill to hear live — alongside two contemporary works inspired by Beethoven. Yunchan Lim, the youngest-ever winner of the Van Cliburn Competition, presents the enchanting, heartfelt Piano Concerto of Robert Schumann — a composer with the soul of a poet.

Klaus Mäkelä & Yunchan Lim

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.

Merry, Merry Chicago!

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.

A Live Presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey

Mexico’s leading orchestra, the Sinfónica de Minería, makes its Symphony Center debut led by Carlos Miguel Prieto, a conductor praised for his “extraordinary ferocity and drive” (The Guardian). Revueltas’ vibrant portrait of Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage shares a program with concertos by Haydn and Paquito D’Rivera, performed by the esteemed Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores.

Sinfónica de Minería

Join pianist and polymath Kirill Gerstein for a program exploring Liszt and Brahms, two Romantic-era luminaries. Celebrated for his “insightful, boldly projected playing” (Chicago Classical Review), Gerstein opens with Liszt’s gem-like Three Petrarch Sonnets and fantastical Dante Sonata. The second half features Brahms’ youthful and impetuous Scherzo and the majestic warmth of his Sonata No. 3.

Once Upon a Symphony: The Little Red Hen

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