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Home , Diabelli Variations, Evgeny Kissin, Igor Levit, Kirill Gerstein, Lambert Orkis, Leif Ove Andsnes

SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS 2019/20 The Biggest Names in — Celebrating Beethoven’s 250th Birthday WELCOME The Brightest Stars in Classical Music Light Up Symphony Center

Symphony Center celebrates the 250th anniversary of ’s birth during the 2019/20 season. Join us for thrilling performances by the world’s finest classical artists, including: l , , Sir András Schiff and more performing the complete Beethoven as part of a Symphony Center celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday. l The return of acclaimed trio Emanuel Ax, and Yo-Yo Ma to the Symphony Center Presents series for an all-Beethoven program. l Yannick Nézet-Séguin, “the greatest generator of energy on the international podium” (The Financial Times), conducting the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal and illustrious mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato in a concert of Mozart and Bruckner’s stirring Fourth Symphony. l Dynamic young Yuja Wang and returning to the SCP Piano series and the debut of rising star George Li.

Subscribing Has Its Rewards SEMYON BYCHKOV l Incredible music at great prices — up to 38% off single tickets! l The best seats in the house, reserved only for our subscribers l Free, flexible and easy exchanges l Additional savings on parking, shopping and more!

See page 13 of this brochure for more about the benefits and savings you’ll enjoy as a Symphony Center Presents subscriber.

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2 SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS CSO.ORG 312-294-3000 3 Symphony Center Presents 4-Concert Series

Intimate performances with some of the most illustrious names in CHAMBER classical music. Subscribe and save up to 38%! See pricing on page 14. 27 OCT violin / Lars Vogt piano BEETHOVEN Violin No. 6 in A Major, Op. 30, No. 1 3:00 SHOSTAKOVICH / KURTÁG Tre Pezzi / FRANCK Violin Sonata MUSIC Christian Tetzlaff and Lars Vogt, each eloquent soloists with a long history of performing together, make a thrilling recital appearance. This evocative program features rich and colorful violin sonatas by Beethoven, Shostakovich and Franck, as well as György Kurtág’s Tre Pezzi, which showcases both instruments in new and haunting ways. “With Christian Tetzlaff and Lars Vogt, everything sounds bigger and better. Brilliant musicianship” (The Boston Globe).

22 JAN Anne-Sophie Mutter violin Lambert Orkis piano 7:30 BEETHOVEN Violin Sonata No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 23 Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24 (Spring) Violin Sonata No. 9 in A Major, Op. 47 (Kreutzer)

Anne-Sophie Mutter returns with her longtime collaborative partner Lambert Orkis to perform three of Beethoven’s celebrated violin sonatas. Ranging from refreshing and sunny to sorrowful and full of anguish, each sonata reveals different facets of the ’s psyche as he began to wrestle with increasing symptoms of deafness.

2 MAR Emanuel Ax piano / Leonidas Kavakos violin / Yo-Yo Ma BEETHOVEN Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 1, No. 3 7:30 Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 70, No. 2 / Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 (Archduke)

Three of today’s most extraordinary musicians come together again for an intimate and unforgettable performance of works by Beethoven. The trio returns after a sold-out 2018 appearance at Symphony Center that the Chicago Tribune praised as “warmly engaged and richly communicative… no wonder the fans erupted in an affirmative roar at the end. Chamber music playing doesn’t get any better than this.” 31 MAY Joyce DiDonato mezzo-soprano / Il Pomo d’Oro

3:00 Entrancing mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato makes her series debut alongside Il Pomo d’Oro, recognized around the world for the group’s authentic and dynamic baroque and classical interpretations. Together they perform arias by Monteverdi, Gluck, Handel and Purcell. “DiDonato’s instinctive feeling for the drama within each carried the day, enhanced at every turn by the wonderfully vivacious support she received from the fine young Pomo d’Oro” (Chicago Tribune).

christian tetzlaff lars vogt anne-sophie mutter

4 SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS CSO.ORG 312-294-3000 5 Symphony Center Presents 3-Concert Series

Exceptional ensembles from around the world take the stage at Hall. Subscribe and save up to 32%! See pricing on page 14.

kent nagano and the montreal symphony orchestra denis matsuev giancarlo guerrero

15 OCT Montreal Symphony Orchestra PROKOFIEV Symphony No. 1 (Classical) 7:30 RACHMANINOV Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini BARTÓK Concerto for Orchestra Kent Nagano conductor Denis Matsuev piano

The illustrious Montreal Symphony Orchestra returns with music director Kent Nagano for a program of works by Bartók and Prokofiev. Electrifying Denis Matsuev joins for Rachmaninov’s exquisite, well-loved Rhapsody. “Nagano’s conducting was a model of taut rhythmic definition, athleticism and atmosphere…the Montreal musicians were at the world-class top of their game” (Chicago Tribune).

yannick nÉzet-sÉguin 19 NOV Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal MOZART Ch’io mi scordi di te? ... Non temer, amato bene 7:30 MOZART Parto parto from La clemenza di Tito BRUCKNER Symphony No. 4 (Romantic) Yannick Nézet-Séguin conductor Joyce DiDonato mezzo-soprano

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, “the greatest generator of energy on the international podium” (The Financial Times), and “a Brucknerian to be reckoned with” (MusicWeb International), brings his Montreal ensemble to Symphony Center for a performance of the composer’s stirring Fourth Symphony. A mezzo-soprano of “flawless virtuosity” and “glowing beauty of tone” (The Daily Telegraph), Joyce DiDonato performs two of Mozart’s most famous arias.

25 JAN NFM Wrocław Philharmonic Orchestra LUTOSŁAWSKI Symphonic Variations BARTÓK No. 3 7:30 BRAHMS Symphony No. 1 Giancarlo Guerrero conductor piano

The NFM Wrocław Philharmonic Orchestra has been growing in international acclaim since the opening of its new concert hall, ’s National Forum of Music, and the appointment of music director Giancarlo Guerrero, “an authoritative conductor with confidence and flair” (Seen and Heard International). They perform Brahms’ sublime First Symphony and Bartók’s final completed work with Polish pianist Piotr Anderszewski, celebrated for his “intellectual power and keen imagination” (The Daily Telegraph).

6 SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS CSO.ORG 312-294-3000 7 Symphony Center Presents 10 Sundays at 3:00 / 5-Concert Series A or B

Dazzling displays of virtuosity from internationally acclaimed pianists in recital. This season, Symphony Center celebrates the 250th anniversary PIANO of Beethoven’s birth by presenting all 32 of the great composer’s exquisite piano sonatas. Subscribe and save up to 38%! See pricing on page 14.

13 OCT § beethoven cycle § BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 2, No. 2 A Sonata No. 16 in G Major, Op. 31, No. 1 / Sonata No. 22 in F Major, Op. 54 Sonata No. 19 in G Minor, Op. 49, No. 1 / Sonata No. 4 in E-flat Major, Op. 7

A survey of Beethoven’s complete piano sonatas on the Symphony Center Presents Piano series opens with the versatile Kirill Gerstein performing sonatas from the composer’s early and middle periods, including the bright No. 2, the deeply affecting No. 19 and the humorous No. 22. “Gerstein translates his ideas into music clearly, giving the Beethoven a speedy dramatic style and impulsive direction. Everything seems deliberately shaped…a most refined performance” (Salzburger Nachrichten).

yuja wang 10 NOV Rudolf Buchbinder § beethoven piano sonata cycle § BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 10, No. 1 B Sonata No. 6 in F Major, Op. 10, No. 2 / Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10, No. 3 Sonata No. 18 in E-flat Major, Op. 31, No. 3

Austrian pianist Rudolf Buchbinder, an artist of “immense and focused force” and “piano purism” (NPR), concludes his share of the Beethoven piano sonata cycle with the three Op. 10 sonatas that showed the composer boldly experimenting. He closes the program with the jocular No. 18, nicknamed “The Hunt” for its horn-call theme. the appearance of rudolf buchbinder is generously sponsored by js charitable trust.

16 FEB Yuja Wang

B Yuja Wang has captivated audiences around the world with her dazzling performances. Witness her charismatic artistry as she returns to Symphony Center in recital. “Wang’s combination of technical ease and sheer power has always been remarkable…but there is an ever-greater depth to her musicianship, drawing you into the world of each composer with compelling immediacy” (The Financial Times).

1 MAR Daniil Trifonov BACH/BRAHMS Chaconne for the Left Hand A BACH/RACHMANINOV Prelude, Gavotte and Gigue from Violin Partita in E Major kirill gerstein rudolf buchbinder daniil trifonov sir andrÁs schiff BACH/LISZT Fantasy and in G Minor / BACH

Russian piano star Daniil Trifonov, acclaimed for his outstanding performances, returns to the Symphony Center Presents Piano series. “One was struck not only by Trifonov’s comprehensive technique and aptly gigantic sound but by the precision and sonic depth of his performance” (Chicago Tribune).

29 MAR Sir András Schiff § beethoven piano sonata cycle § BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 24 in F-sharp Major, Op. 78 A Sonata No. 25 in G Major, Op. 79 Sonata No. 26 in E-flat Major, Op. 81a (Les Adieux) Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90 / Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101

Sir András Schiff has received overwhelming critical acclaim for his performances of Beethoven’s sonatas. He continues the complete Beethoven sonatas this season with a chronological presentation that includes the lyrical À Thérèse and the poignant Les Adieux (The Farewell), which Beethoven dedicated to his friend the Archduke Rudolph following his exile from by Napoléon Bonaparte.

8 SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS CSO.ORG 312-294-3000 9 10 Sundays at 3:00 / 5-Concert Series A or B Symphony Center Presents Piano

SCP Piano series subscribers receive exclusive access to artists at special postconcert receptions. SPECIAL CONCERTS 5 APR § beethoven piano sonata cycle § BEETHOVEN Six Bagatelles, Op. 126 / These three special evening recitals complete the Beethoven piano B sonata cycle. For the full 2019/20 SCP Piano experience, add a The Symphony Center Beethoven celebration continues as Mitsuko Uchida performs the composer’s adventurous Diabelli Variations and meditative Six Bagatelles. package of these Beethoven Sonata Specials to your Piano E series “Uchida’s performance of the Diabelli Variations became unbridled longing before and enjoy the same seat for all 13 performances. a shimmering, tranquil conclusion. The audience knew it had been on a very special journey, and let it all soak in quietly before an instantaneous roar and standing ovation” (Chicago Classical Review). 6 NOV Rudolf Buchbinder § beethoven piano sonata cycle § 26 APR George Li BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 2, No. 1 Program to include: 8:00 Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2, No. 3 / Sonata No. 20 in G Major, Op. 49, No. 2 A HAYDN Sonata in E-flat Major, Hob. XVI:49 / RAVEL Three Pieces from Miroirs Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 (Appassionata) SCHUMANN Renowned for his Beethoven interpretations, Rudolf Buchbinder is acclaimed for Rising star George Li has rapidly established an international reputation for his performances that have “immense and focused force…sparks fly” (NPR). In this brilliant virtuosity. He makes his Symphony Center debut with a program special evening recital, Buchbinder performs the weighty Third Sonata and one of of glittering works by Haydn, Ravel and Schumann. “Li’s performance left no doubt Beethoven’s greatest and most challenging sonatas, the Appassionata. that he combines staggering technical prowess, a sense of command and depth the appearance of rudolf buchbinder is generously sponsored by js charitable trust. of expression” (The Washington Post). 31 MAR Sir András Schiff § beethoven piano sonata cycle § 10 MAY Evgeny Kissin § beethoven piano sonata cycle § BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 12 in A-flat Major, Op. 26 BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 (Pathétique) 8:00 Sonata No. 13 in E-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 1 (Quasi una fantasia) B Eroica Variations, Op. 35 / Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31, No. 2 (Tempest) Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 (Moonlight) Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 (Waldstein) Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 (Pastoral)

Russian superstar Evgeny Kissin, “the world’s most acclaimed classical pianist” For Sir András Schiff, surveying the piano sonatas of Beethoven is “the most (The Economist), continues Beethoven’s 250th birthday celebration with some of stupendous journey. They give a complete picture of how Beethoven developed the composer’s most well-known piano works, including the heroic Waldstein though his creative life.” In this special evening recital, Schiff performs the four Sonata and the exhilarating Eroica Variations, which Beethoven later reworked into sonatas from 1801 that transition the composer into his more experimental middle the finale of the Eroica Symphony. period, including the famous Moonlight Sonata and the genial Pastoral Sonata. the appearance of evgeny kissin is generously sponsored by js charitable trust. 20 MAY § beethoven piano sonata cycle § 24 MAY Maurizio Pollini § beethoven piano sonata cycle § BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14, No. 1 BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109 8:00 Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 14, No. 2 / Sonata No. 11 in B-flat Major, Op. 22 A Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major, Op. 110 / Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111 Sonata No. 29 in B-flat Major, Op. 106 (Hammerklavier)

Legendary pianist Maurizio Pollini brings the complete Beethoven Piano Sonata Igor Levit, recipient of the 2018 Gilmore Artist Award, performs four of Beethoven’s cycle at Symphony Center to a poignant close with the composer’s sublime magnificent sonatas as part of the season-long Beethoven celebration. He takes final three sonatas. “Pollini’s immaculate performance of Beethoven’s final sonatas on probably the composer’s greatest and most difficult sonata, the colossal brought out the simmering undercurrents, the glinting colors, the swirling detail. Hammerklavier. “From the very first note, Levit radically changed the atmospheric A majestic, peerless performance” (). pressure in the hall…he hit the first note and the sheer depth and resonant sovereignty of his tone engulfed a monumental space” ( Times). 7 JUN Denis Kozhukhin MENDELSSOHN Selections from Songs Without Words B GRIEG Selections from / GERSHWIN Song-Book RAVEL La Valse / GERSHWIN

Denis Kozhukhin makes his series debut with a high-spirited program, closing out the Symphony Center Presents Piano season with a recital performance of one of Gershwin’s most celebrated works. “Kozhukhin’s sensitivity to the shifting moods and diverse rhythms set the scene well for Rhapsody in Blue. Vibrant musical colors mingled with foot-tapping rhythms to create a concert finale of heady exhilaration” (Bachtrack).

10 SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS 11 SPECIAL CONCERTS EXPERIENCE THE These concerts make a perfect addition to any concert series. Enjoy exclusive savings as a subscriber. 2019/20 SEASON

Subscribe to a Curated Series Save up to 38% and experience a specially selected blend of stirring live performances from your very own renewable seat. You’ll enjoy the best prices of the season on the best seats in the house.

renÉe fleming evgeny kissin Rewards

As a subscriber, you’ll also enjoy these exclusive benefits: Series Curated Own Series Your Create Single Tickets

21 SEP Symphony Ball: Tchaikovsky Romeo & Juliet The BEST prices on the BEST seats VERDI Sinfonia from La battaglia di Legnano / GRIEG Piano Concerto 7:00 TCHAIKOVSKY Romeo and Juliet / SUPPÉ Overture to Boccaccio Same seats for each concert Chicago Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Muti conductor Exclusive pricing on additional concerts Leif Ove Andsnes piano Flexible, FEE-FREE ticket exchanges* (curated) Riccardo Muti conducts a rousing program to open the 2019/20 season, featuring music by Verdi and Suppé, as well as Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous Romeo and Juliet. Flexible ticket exchanges for just $10 (create your own) “A pianist of magisterial elegance, power and insight” (The New York Times), Leif Ove Andsnes performs Grieg’s magnificent Piano Concerto. Single handling fee per order $7 CURATED; $10 CREATE YOUR OWN A festive preconcert champagne reception is open to all ticketholders. Symphony Ball gala patrons will continue their evening with postconcert dinner and dancing at the Four Seasons. Call 312-294-3185 for Access to exclusive offers, presales and events more information. Preferred parking rate of just $17 at 19 APR Renée Fleming and Evgeny Kissin in Recital Grant Park South Garage A Symphony Center Presents and Lyric Opera of Chicago Collaboration 3:00 Renée Fleming soprano 15% savings at The Symphony Store Evgeny Kissin piano Exclusive savings at area restaurants

Two of the world’s most illustrious classical musicians join forces for an extraordinary FREE lost ticket replacement one-night-only event. Legendary soprano and Lyric Opera of Chicago Creative Consultant Renée Fleming has dazzled opera audiences in leading roles around the *day-of-concert exchanges: $10 (curated) or $15 (cyo). upgrade costs may apply. world. Pianist and Chicago favorite Evgeny Kissin is internationally renowned for his astonishing virtuosity. They make a rare appearance together in recital at Symphony Center. Buy More, Save More!

Prices listed in this brochure are valid until single tickets go on sale August 9, then begin to increase based on demand. Lock in the best prices of the season by subscribing today! 25 JAN Muti Conducts the Complete Beethoven Symphonies For Example… The celebration at Symphony Center continues on our Chicago Symphony Orchestra series as Riccardo Muti conducts Beethoven’s nine iconic symphonies A premium Main Floor seat to Ax, Kavakos and Ma: throughout the 2019/20 season. Don’t miss a moment as Muti and the CSO As part of the curated SCP Chamber Music series: $78 explore the unprecedented individuality, overwhelming power and true genius of With a 10-concert Create Your Own series: $105 Ludwig van Beethoven in this season-long 250th anniversary celebration of the As a single-ticket buyer $131 or more great composer’s birth.

Complete season and pricing details at cso.org.

12 SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS CSO.ORG 312-294-3000 13 SCP Seating, Subscription Prices and Savings 1. YOUR INFORMATION

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FLYNN GALLERY Address 1G Gallery 2G Gallery (Partial View) City State ZIP

KREHBIEL UPPER BALCONY Phone Please check type: ❏ Home ❏ Mobile ❏ Business 1U Upper Balcony 2U Upper Balcony (Partial View) Email

FADIM LOWER BALCONY 2. PAYMENT METHOD ❏ Check enclosed payable to Chicago Symphony Orchestra 1L Lower Balcony Please charge my: ❏ AMEX ❏ MasterCard ❏ Visa ❏ Discover 2L Lower Balcony 3L Lower Balcony 4L Lower Balcony Name (as it appears on the credit card) 5L Lower Balcony Boxes Right Card Number Expiration Date BOX SEATS Boxes Le MELK MAIN FLOOR Signature 1M Main Floor 2M Main Floor 3M Main Floor 3. AUTOMATIC PAYMENT PLAN 4M Main Floor ❏ Please enroll me in the CSO’s automatic payment plan. STAGE 5M Main Floor (Credit card orders only; charged in consecutive monthly installments; $15 handling fee.) GRAY TERRACE 1T Le and Right Or create your own series at cso.org/cyo. 2T Center Le and Center Right 4. CURATED SUBSCRIPTION SERIES

Series Name Seating Seating Number Price of (Day and series letter) 1st Choice 2nd Choice of Seats 1st Choice TOTAL Chamber Orchestras Piano E Piano A or B Beethoven $ Music 3-concert 10-concert 5-concert Sonata 4-concert subscription subscription subscription Specials $ subscription Save up to Save up to 3-concert Save up to 32% 38% add-on series $ SEATING 38% Add this to $ AREA your Piano E Subscription Handling Fee $ 7.00 1T Terrace 189 177 438 236 116 2T Terrace 131 129 438 236 116 Optional Payment Plan Fee $15 $ 3T Terrace n/a n/a 302 162 80 Subscription Total $ 4T Terrace n/a n/a 266 143 71 1M Main Floor 228 222 434 234 116 5. ADD SINGLE TICKETS HERE Visit cso.org for the complete season calendar. 2M Main Floor 206 189 344 188 91 Concert Date Seating Seating Number Price of 3M Main Floor 185 156 294 157 80 and Time 1st Choice 2nd Choice of Seats 1st Choice TOTAL 4M Main Floor 166 126 280 149 75 Symphony Ball 9/21 $ 5M Main Floor 152 93 280 149 75 1B Boxes 377 462 742 410 205 $ 2B Boxes n/a n/a 646 352 178 $ 1L Lower Balc. 241 273 488 260 133 $ 2L Lower Balc. 224 252 408 221 111 3L Lower Balc. 208 240 364 198 99 Subtotal $ 4L Lower Balc. 201 213 340 186 93 Single Ticket Handling Fee $ 3.00 5L Lower Balc. 190 198 328 179 90 6. RETURN TO: Single tickets will be mailed separately. 1U Upper Balc. n/a n/a 242 130 64 Chicago Symphony Orchestra 2U Upper Balc. n/a n/a 242 130 64 Subscription Services Single Ticket Total $ 1G Gallery 142 87 226 123 60 220 South Michigan Avenue Optional Prepaid Parking 2G Gallery 119 72 214 117 57 Chicago, IL 60604 $17 x number of concerts = $ 312-294-3000 I would like to make a donation to the cso.org CSOA’s Annual Fund. $ 2U–Upper Balcony and 2G–Gallery are partial view. Seating is subject to availability at time of sale. Some programs are exchange restricted. Call 312-294-3000 for more information. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER! Total Payment Enclosed $ All artists, programs, dates and times subject to change.

14 SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS CSO.ORG 312-294-3000 15 CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA / RICCARDO MUTI ZELL MUSIC DIRECTOR SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS 220 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60604 / 312-294-3000 / CSO.ORG

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Chicago Symphony Orchestra YUJA WANG YUJA JOYCE DIDONATO JOYCE ANNE-SOPHIE MUTTER GIANCARLO GUERRERO GIANCARLO EVGENY KISSIN EVGENY YO-YO MA

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YANNICK NÉZET-SÉGUIN TRIFONOV DANIIL MAURIZIO POLLINI cso.org / 312-294-3000