The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is set to dazzle audiences with a compelling lineup for the 2024-2025 season, blending classical masterpieces with festive celebrations. From Mendelssohn's profound 'Elijah' to the jubilant 'Merry, Merry Chicago!' and the powerful 'Mass in Time of War,' this season promises a rich tapestry of sound. Experience Mahler's all-encompassing Third Symphony and Berlioz's dramatic 'The Damnation of Faust,' each event unraveling a unique story through music. Join us as we explore the intricacies of these events and the talented individuals bringing them to life.

Diverse Musical Narratives: Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2024-2025 Season Highlights

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's upcoming season promises a feast of musical narratives that span biblical tales, wartime pleas, earthly existence, and mythical damnation. From Mendelssohn’s revered oratorio Elijah to Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust, the program is a rich tapestry woven with performances of Haydn and Mahler. With renowned conductors like James Conlon and Riccardo Muti at the helm, and a stellar lineup of singers, each performance promises an unforgettable journey through sound and story.

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

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is set to dazzle audiences with a new season that explores profound themes and showcases remarkable talent. From Mendelssohn's 'Elijah' to Berlioz's 'The Damnation of Faust,' each event promises a unique and immersive experience. Conductor James Conlon leads a stellar cast, including Lucas Meachem, in a powerful rendition of 'Elijah.' Meanwhile, Manfred Honeck brings Haydn's 'Mass in Time of War' to life, and Klaus Mäkelä presents Mahler's exploration of earthly existence in his massive Third Symphony. Riccardo Muti rounds out the season with Berlioz's dramatic opera, ensuring an unforgettable musical journey.

A Symphony Season to Remember: Exploring Themes of Humanity, War, and Redemption

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is set to captivate audiences with an array of spectacular performances. From Mendelssohn's dramatic oratorio 'Elijah' to Haydn's 'Mass in Time of War,' the CSO promises a musical journey through history and emotion. With performances led by renowned conductors and featuring some of the world's finest vocalists, this season's lineup delves into profound themes and showcases timeless compositions. Each event promises not just a concert but an immersive experience where music tells stories that resonate across ages.

Epic Symphonic Journeys: Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Unforgettable Lineup

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2024-2025 season promises an array of captivating performances. With Mendelssohn's 'Elijah,' Haydn's 'Mass in Time of War,' Mahler's Third Symphony, and Berlioz's 'The Damnation of Faust,' the CSO offers an immersive experience into the depths of storytelling through music. This season features renowned conductors like James Conlon and Riccardo Muti, and performers such as Lucas Meachem, bringing these historical narratives to life at the Symphony Center. Embark on a journey across time and emotion, as the CSO explores themes of prophecy, war, existence, and redemption.

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

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is set to bring a captivating series of events that promise to enrich the cultural calendar with a rich blend of oratorios and orchestrations. From the dramatic narratives of Mendelssohn’s 'Elijah' and Berlioz’s 'The Damnation of Faust' to the symphonic splendor of Haydn’s 'Mass in Time of War' and Mahler’s 'Third Symphony', these events, featuring world-renowned conductors and performers, are poised to offer audiences an unforgettable experience. Each performance encapsulates powerful themes, showcasing both historical and contemporary creative works.

Exploring Timeless Masterpieces: Chicago Symphony's Upcoming Oratorios and Orchestrations

Step into the world of classical music as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents three captivating events that reimagine timeless stories through powerful compositions. Experience the spiritual journey of 'Elijah', the exploration of humanity in 'Mahler's Symphony No. 3', and the thrilling narrative of temptation and redemption in 'The Damnation of Faust'. With a stellar lineup of conductors and performers, these events promise to deliver unforgettable musical experiences that resonate with contemporary audiences, bridging the gap between the past and present.

A Symphony of Stories: Classical Themes Reimagined at Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is set to captivate audiences with an enthralling lineup of events that promise to explore profound themes through symphonic storytelling. From the timeless oratorio of Mendelssohn's Elijah to the sweeping expanse of Mahler's Symphony No. 3, and the dramatic depths of Berlioz's The Damnation of Faust, each performance brings together exceptional artists and compelling narratives. Join us as we delve into the heart of these performances, celebrating the artistry and cultural richness they bring to the Symphony Center stage.

A Symphony of Stories: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Upcoming Season Highlights

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is poised to captivate audiences once again with a stunning series of events for its 2025-2026 season. From the dramatic intensity of Verdi’s Requiem conducted by the legendary Riccardo Muti to the festive cheer of 'Merry, Merry Chicago!', the CSO promises an unforgettable musical journey. Adding to the allure is a live orchestral accompaniment to the cinematic masterpiece '2001: A Space Odyssey' and a night dedicated to the grandeur of Italian opera. Join the CSO for a season that celebrates the timeless power of classical music and its profound emotional resonance.

A Symphony of Classics: Unveiling the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2025-2026 Season

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.

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

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2025-2026 season is a celebration of classical music with a series of distinctive events. From Riccardo Muti conducting Verdi's monumental Requiem Mass to a festive holiday concert, the season promises to captivate audiences. Explore the live music experience of '2001: A Space Odyssey' with André de Ridder and relish in the passion of Italian opera with Riccardo Muti. Join us at the Symphony Center for an unforgettable journey through these musical masterpieces.

A Symphony of Events: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 2025-2026 Season

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has long been a beacon of musical excellence, and this winter season, it invites patrons to experience the magic of orchestral music through three spectacular events. 'Merry, Merry Chicago!' brings the joy of the holidays alive with classic carols, while 'A Live Presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey' marries film and live music in an unforgettable performance. Closing the series is 'An Opera Night with Riccardo Muti,' showcasing the passionate works of Verdi and other Italian maestros. Join us as we delve into these captivating events.

Celebrating Orchestral Splendor: A Trio of Epic Events with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

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

EPSG:4326

Muti Conducts Verdi Requiem

Symphony Center

In his Third Symphony, Mahler portrays the whole of earthly existence. Its six movements — written for a massive orchestra, two choruses and a contralto soloist — explore humanity’s relationship with nature using fanfares, marches, folk dances and bird calls. Children’s voices portray angels while the sixth movement is a pantheistic love song to all of creation.

Mäkelä Conducts Mahler 3

Composed as Napoleon’s forces were threatening Austria, Haydn’s Mass in Time of War features an extraordinarily ominous use of timpani and ends with a plea for peace. Beethoven’s spirited First Symphony bears the influence of Haydn but also foreshadows the development of his own compositional style. MacMillan’s eloquent Larghetto is based on his choral setting of Psalm 51.

Haydn Mass in Time of War

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Gather with friends and loved ones at Symphony Center — decked with boughs of holly — for a program of familiar carols and festive holiday songs. With glorious arrangements conducted by Alastair Willis, the program is sure to inspire holiday cheer for all.

Merry, Merry Chicago!

Join Nicholas Kraemer and four preeminent singers for a selection of Handel’s brilliant and soul-stirring vocal numbers, which explore the full spectrum of human emotions — from utmost sorrow to joy and sensuality. Plus, enjoy music fit for a king with Handel’s Water Music, composed for the royal court of George I, and Mozart’s grand Coronation Mass.

Mozart Coronation Mass

In his Second Symphony, Mahler constructs a universe all his own, exploring themes of death and afterlife using a massive orchestra, offstage brass and percussion, chorus and vocal soloists. Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen guides listeners on this journey from the great, tragic opening march, through pastoral dances and gentle songs to a final tableau of trumpet calls, percussive thunderbolts and the hymn of resurrection.

Mahler Resurrection

Immerse yourself in Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi masterpiece with John Williams’ pioneering score performed by the CSO. The film stars Richard Dreyfuss as an Indiana utility worker who experiences a close encounter with a UFO. Nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Original Score, Close Encounters of the Third Kind remains as powerful and engrossing today as it did at its 1977 premiere.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind in Concert

The 19th century’s most enduring oratorio, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, sung here in English, depicts the story of the biblical prophet Elijah, complete with his ascent to heaven on a flaming chariot. James Conlon leads the assembled forces, including Chicago favorite Lucas Meachem in the mighty title role and the Chicago Symphony Chorus performing the work’s pensive and ecstatic ensembles.

Mendelssohn Elijah

Experience the power of nearly 100 voices in magnificent harmony. From “The Trumpet Shall Sound” to the rousing “Hallelujah” Chorus, Handel’s Messiah is packed with regal choral passages, exultant arias and glittering instrumental fireworks. The award-winning Chicago Symphony Chorus and four world-class soloists join Sir Andrew Davis in this must-see holiday favorite.

Sir Andrew Conducts Handel’s Messiah

Symphony Center’s beloved tradition continues with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing familiar carols and festive holiday songs. They are joined by Broadway sensation Ashley Brown, who originated the title role of Mary Poppins on Broadway and has been celebrated as “the most versatile and noteworthy young talent on the Broadway stages” (Showbiz Chicago). Thomas Wilkins conducts this celebration guaranteed to inspire holiday cheer in listeners of all ages.

Daniel Harding leads Holst’s The Planets, the interstellar orchestral suite that has inspired generations of sci-fi film composers. Experience the ferocity of “Mars,” the golden song of “Jupiter,” the eerie calm of “Saturn” and the haunting off-stage vocals of the ethereal “Neptune.” The full Chicago Symphony Chorus delights in Brahms’ radiant Schicksalslied (“Song of Destiny”).

The Planets

Few mass settings pose more questions of listeners than Beethoven’s Missa solemnis. A fervent meditation on faith and doubt, the piece spans moments of ecstasy and angst, soaring beauty and near-operatic theatricality. Riccardo Muti leads this rarely performed score with a thrilling quartet of international singers and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

Muti Conducts Beethoven Missa solemnis

Experience the uplifting power of Antonio Vivaldi’s joyous Gloria, with its gleaming vocal fireworks and richly embroidered orchestral passages. Early-music specialist Giovanni Antonini conducts this and other Vivaldi treasures, including the Magnificat, in all its variety and invention; the luminous nobility of La Senna festeggiante, and the poignant Kyrie.

Vivaldi Gloria

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.

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

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.

Chicago Symphony Chorus

19 - 23 Dec, 2025

Merry, Merry Chicago!

9 - 10 Jan, 2026

A Live Presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey

19 - 21 Mar, 2026

An Opera Night with Riccardo Muti

19 - 24 Jun, 2025

Muti Conducts Verdi Requiem

24 - 26 Apr, 2025

Mäkelä Conducts Mahler 3

Articles & News

Chicago Symphony Chorus