CSO Audio Program Notes

Spanish conductor Pablo Heras-Casado leads a program of Russian masterworks including Tchaikovsky's First Symphony, which showcases the composer's sense of drama, orchestral color and melody. Simon Trpčeski brings his “electrifying virtuosity” (The London Times) to Rachmaninov’s formidable Third Piano Concerto.

Welcome to this digital edition of Phillip Huscher's Program Notes for upcoming concerts by the CSO Feb 14-17. Spanish conductor Pablo Heras-Casado leads a program of Russian masterworks including Tchaikovsky's First Symphony, which showcases the composer's sense of drama, orchestral color and melody. Simon Trpčeski brings his “electrifying virtuosity” (The London Times) to Rachmaninov’s formidable Third Piano Concerto.

"In song, you have one of the most amazing diaries of any generation's culture at a given time," states Thomas Hampson. The esteemed baritone joins Bramwell Tovey for a concert of American music and songs, followed by Elgar's portraits of his own circle of friends in the Enigma Variations.

Welcome to this digital edition of Phillip Huscher's Program Notes for upcoming concerts by the CSO Jan 10-12. "In song, you have one of the most amazing diaries of any generation's culture at a given time," states Thomas Hampson. The esteemed baritone joins Bramwell Tovey for a concert of American music and songs, followed by Elgar's portraits of his own circle of friends in the Enigma Variations.

Welcome to this digital edition of Phillip Huscher's Program Notes for upcoming concerts by the CSO Dec 20-23. Since its premiere in 1742, Handel's Messiah has brought audiences to their feet with its triumphant choruses and dazzling arias. Witness this glorious oratorio-performed by the combined forces of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and an exceptional cast of soloists-as part of a stirring holiday celebration.

Since its premiere in 1742, Handel’s Messiah has brought audiences to their feet with its triumphant choruses and dazzling arias. Witness this glorious oratorio—performed by the combined forces of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and an exceptional cast of soloists—as part of a stirring holiday celebration.

Welcome to this digital edition of Phillip Huscher's Program Notes for upcoming concerts by the CSO Dec 13-15. Michael Tilson Thomas returns to conduct seminal Russian works including Tchaikovsky's profound and beloved Sixth Symphony. Nicola Benedetti brings her "pure and gleaming," (The New York Times) sound to Prokofiev's Second Violin Concerto.

"Music is life, and, like life, inextinguishable" wrote Danish composer Carl Nielsen of his Fourth Symphony, written during the early years of World War I. His life-affirming composition is preceded by Strauss' poignant Four Last Songs, which has been called "the most beautifully delivered farewell in all of music."

Welcome to this digital edition of Phillip Huscher's Program Notes for upcoming concerts by the CSO Dec 6-11. "Music is life, and, like life, inextinguishable" wrote Danish composer Carl Nielsen of his Fourth Symphony, written during the early years of World War I. His life-affirming composition is preceded by Strauss' poignant Four Last Songs, which has been called "the most beautifully delivered farewell in all of music."

Welcome to this digital edition of Phillip Huscher's Program Notes for upcoming concerts by the CSO Nov 29-Dec 4. CSO Concertmaster Robert Chen leads his fellow orchestra members in a delightful all-Mozart program featuring some of the composer's most popular music. Chen and CSO Principal Flute Stefan Ragnar Hoskuldsson will each be featured in one of the composer's brilliant early concertos.

CSO Concertmaster Robert Chen leads his fellow orchestra members in a delightful all-Mozart program featuring some of the composer’s most popular music. Chen and CSO Principal Flute Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson will each be featured in one of the composer’s brilliant early concertos. Tickets and more info: https://cso.org/ticketsandevents/production-details-2018-19/chicago-symphony-orchestra/chen-leads-all-mozart/

Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård leads two Russian masterpieces: Rachmaninov's powerful First Symphony, imbued with heroism and pathos, and Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto. Alexander Gavrylyuk, a pianist who "enchants with his incredible virtuosity and thought-provoking playing" (De Telegraaf), makes his CSO debut with this monumental work.

Welcome to this digital edition of Phillip Huscher's Program Notes for upcoming concerts by the CSO Nov 15-18. Danish conductor Thomas Sondergard leads two Russian masterpieces: Rachmaninov's powerful First Symphony, imbued with heroism and pathos, and Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto. Alexander Gavrylyuk, a pianist who "enchants with his incredible virtuosity and thought-provoking playing" (De Telegraaf), makes his CSO debut with this monumental work.

Welcome to this digital edition of Phillip Huscher's Program Notes for upcoming concerts by the CSO Nov 8-10. Riccardo Muti leads Verdi's deeply moving Requiem Mass, a touchstone work for Muti, the Orchestra and Chorus, who won two Grammy® Awards for their 2010 CSO Resound recording. "The passion and dramatic verve that Muti masterfully elicited in this performance are simply magnificent," NPR raved. "The Chorus and Orchestra summoned both massive power and a heavenly stillness. . .one for the ages."

Daniel Barenboim makes his highly anticipated return to the Orchestra Hall podium. He conducts Smetana's landmark set of six symphonic poems that weave a rich tapestry celebrating the composer's native Bohemia. https://cso.org/barenboimconductssmetana