CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RICCARDO MUTI zell music director SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS 17 cso.org1 312-294-30008 1 STIRRING welcome I have always believed that the arts embody our civilization’s highest ideals and have the power to change society. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is a leading example of this, for while it is made of the world’s most talented and experienced musicians— PERFORMANCES. each individually skilled in his or her instrument—we achieve the greatest impact working together as one: as an orchestra or, in other words, as a community. Our purpose is to create the utmost form of artistic expression and in so doing, to serve as an example of what we can achieve as a collective when guided by our principles. Your presence is vital to supporting that process as well as building a vibrant future for this great cultural institution. With that in mind, I invite you to deepen your relationship with THE music and with the CSO during the 2017/18 season. SOUL-RENEWING Riccardo Muti POWER table of contents

4 season highlight 36 Symphony Center Presents Series Riccardo Muti & the Chicago Symphony Orchestra OF MUSIC. 36 Chamber Music 8 season highlight 37 Visiting Orchestras Dazzling Stars 38 Piano 44 Jazz 10 season highlight Symphonic Masterworks 40 MusicNOW 20th anniversary season 12 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Series 41 season highlight 34 CSO at Wheaton College John Williams Returns 41 CSO at the Movies Holiday Concerts 42 CSO Family Matinees/Once Upon a Symphony® 43 Special Concerts 13 season highlight 44 Muti Conducts Rossini Stabat mater 47 CSO Media and Sponsors 17 season highlight Bernstein at 100 24 How to Renew Guide center insert 19 season highlight 24 Season Grid & Calendar center fold-out A Tchaikovsky Celebration 23 season highlight Mahler 5 & 9 24 season highlight Symphony Ball NIGHT 27 season highlight Riccardo Muti & Yo-Yo Ma 29 season highlight AFTER The CSO’s Own 35 season highlight NIGHT. Chicago Symphony Chorus 60th anniversary season

cso.org 312-294-3000 3 The the brilliance of the chicago symphony orchestra under the baton of riccardo muti will be on MAGNIFICENT full display during the maestro’s 2017/18 residencies Witness the majesty of timeless classical works as Riccardo Muti leads the world- renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and acclaimed guest artists. SOUND Program highlights include: September 22 March 22–24 of Symphony Ball: Schubert Mass in E-flat Major Mozart Turkish Concerto & thursday b & i, friday c, saturday c Tchaikovsky The Sleeping Beauty Anne-Sophie Mutter violin April 12–17 Dvořák New World Symphony & September 23 & 26 Copland Lincoln Portrait Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto & thursday a & g, friday d, saturday a & f, tuesday b RICCARDO Schumann Symphony No. 2 Anne-Sophie Mutter violin April 19–21 saturday c, tuesday a Tchaikovsky Swan Lake & Debussy Nocturnes September 28–October 1 Sarah Bullen harp MUTI Bruckner Symphony No. 4 (Romantic) Women of the Chicago Symphony Chorus thursday a & f, friday a, sunday a Duain Wolfe chorus director and the thursday c & d, friday b, saturday d November 16–21 Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 & June 14–16 R. Strauss Suite from Le bourgeois Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 2 & gentilhomme Prokofiev Symphony No. 3 Kirill Gerstein piano Yo-Yo Ma cello thursday b & h, friday b, saturday a & e, thursday c & e, friday c, saturday b & h CSO tuesday b June 21–24 February 1–3 Rossini Stabat mater Britten Four Sea Interludes from Krassimira Stoyanova soprano Peter Grimes & Higdon Low Brass Ekaterina Gubanova mezzo-soprano Concerto Dmitry Korchak tenor cso debut thursday b & h, friday a, saturday b & g Eric Owens bass-baritone Chicago Symphony Chorus March 15–17 Duain Wolfe chorus director Haydn Symphony No. 89 & thursday a & f, friday d, saturday a & f, sunday a Mozart Sinfonia concertante Robert Chen violin Paul Neubauer viola cso debut thursday c & e, saturday b & g, cso at wheaton

“Working in perfect synchrony, Muti and the CSO conjure the most luscious sound, punctuated by quicksilver emotional shifts and a technical polish that invariably generates heat.”

—Chicago Sun-Times

photos top to bottom: anne-sophie mutter, kirill gerstein, robert chen, krassimira stoyanova

4 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 5 muti Muti Conducts Dvořák conducts new world Schubert Mass in e-flat major symphony & Copland LINCOLN “The performance of Schubert’s Mass by Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will likely figure on best-of lists. Muti and his PORTRAIT CSO forces put across the heaven-storming drama as much as the moments

of consolation and spiritual introspection.”—Chicago Classical Review

The celebrated Chicago Symphony Chorus, marking Riccardo Muti presents an extraordinary its 60th anniversary in 2017/18, joins Riccardo celebration of music that embodies Muti, the CSO and international soloists for a moving the American spirit. Copland’s inspirational performance of Schubert’s exquisite final Mass, written Lincoln Portrait uses the words of Abraham at the end of the young composer’s life. Lincoln to punctuate the stories of both an individual life and a diverse nation. Chicago Symphony Orchestra Dvořák’s New World Symphony, one of his most Riccardo Muti conductor beloved works, was influenced by the sounds Amanda Forsythe soprano of American folk music. Elizabeth DeShong mezzo-soprano cso debut Paul Appleby tenor cso debut Chicago Symphony Orchestra Nicholas Phan tenor Riccardo Muti conductor Nahuel di Pierro bass cso debut Chicago Symphony Chorus Walker Lyric for Strings Duain Wolfe chorus director Copland Lincoln Portrait Dvořák Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) Weber Overture to Oberon Raimi Three Lisel Mueller Settings Performed April 12–17 world premiere, cso commission thursday a & g, friday d, saturday a & f, tuesday b Schubert Mass in E-flat Major

Performed March 22–24 thursday b & i, friday c, saturday c photos top row: riccardo muti, amanda forsythe, elizabeth deshong middle row: chicago symphony chorus, duain wolfe bottom row: paul appleby, nicholas phan, nahuel di pierro

6 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 7 Dazzling

Anne-Sophie Mutter Sir András Schiff Gil Shaham Stars

The world’s greatest concert soloists head to Symphony Center this season. Hear returning favorites and CSO debuts in captivating performances, including pianists Daniil Trifonov and Mitsuko Uchida; violinists Anne-Sophie Mutter and Leonidas Kavakos; cellists Alisa Weilerstein and Yo-Yo Ma; and singers Ekaterina Gubanova and Eric Owens, among many other esteemed artists.

Program highlights include:

September 23 & 26 May 24–26 Alisa Weilerstein Daniil Trifonov Nikolaj Znaider Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Bartók Piano Concerto No. 3 with Anne-Sophie Mutter with Mitsuko Uchida

November 2–5 June 7–9 Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 Vivaldi, Bach & Haydn with Sir András Schiff conductor and piano with cso debuts by: Giovanni Antonini conductor and flautino November 30–December 3 Avi Avital mandolin Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with Gil Shaham June 14–16 Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 2 December 7–12 with Yo -Yo Ma Barber Cello Concerto with Alisa Weilerstein June 21–24 Stabat mater David Fray Leonidas Kavakos Jean-Yves Thibaudet Rossini December 14–19 Krassimira Stoyanova soprano Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 Ekaterina Gubanova mezzo-soprano with Daniil Trifonov Dmitry Korchak tenor cso debut Eric Owens bass-baritone December 21–23 Chicago Symphony Chorus Beethoven Violin Concerto Duain Wolfe chorus director with Nikolaj Znaider

February 22–27 Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 with David Fray

March 8–11 Shostakovich Violin Concerto No. 1 Mitsuko Uchida Avi Avital Yo-Yo Ma with Leonidas Kavakos

April 5–10 Ravel Piano Concerto for the Left Hand with Jean-Yves Thibaudet

cso.org 312-294-3000 9 Ekaterina Gubanova Dmitry Korchak Eric Owens the chicago symphony orchestra brings its matchless virtuosity and power to masterpieces that have enchanted generations Symphonic Masterworks

riccardo muti jiŘi bĚlohlÁvek charles dutoit semyon bychkov

September 22 March 15–17 Symphony Ball: Haydn Symphony No. 89 & Tchaikovsky The Sleeping Beauty Mozart Sinfonia concertante Riccardo Muti conductor Riccardo Muti conductor The music of October 26 & 27 April 5–10 Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances Ravel Daphnis and Chloe James Gaffigan conductor Charles Dutoit conductor

November 2–5 April 19–21 Mozart Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Sir András Schiff conductor and piano Riccardo Muti conductor

November 9–11 May 3–5 Schubert Symphony No. 9 (Great) Tchaikovsky Manfred Symphony Beethoven Christoph von Dohnányi conductor Semyon Bychkov conductor December 7–12 May 11–15 Dvořák Symphony No. 5 Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 (Organ) Tchaikovsky Jiří Bělohlávek conductor cso debut Emmanuel Krivine conductor December 14–19 May 17–22 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Mahler Symphony No. 9 Jaap van Zweden conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor Mahler the randy l. and melvin r. berlin family January 25–30 May 31–June 3 and more fund for the canon provides support for Mahler Symphony No. 5 Beethoven Symphony No. 4 artistic excellence in the programming Manfred Honeck conductor Marek Janowski conductor of core classical orchestral repertoire, recognizing and demonstrating the March 1–3 June 14–16 impact of great masters on the legacy of Beethoven Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) Prokofiev Symphony No. 3 the chicago symphony orchestra. Herbert Blomstedt conductor Riccardo Muti conductor

background image at left: handwritten fragment of the eroica score by beethoven cso.org 312-294-3000 11 choose your concert series BROWSE PAGES 12 TO 33 FOR ALL CSO MAIN SERIES PACKAGES series highlight

thursday A 10 concerts at 8:00 | 5-concert series: Thu F or Thu G SEP 28 NOV 2 DEC 7 JAN 25 FEB 22 MAR 8 MAR 29 APR 12 MAY 31 JUN 21 Muti Conducts September 28 F February 22 F April 12 G Muti Conducts Bruckner 4 Chopin & Mendelssohn Muti, Dvořák New World Symphony & Riccardo Muti conductor Christoph Eschenbach conductor conductor Copland Lincoln Portrait Overture to William Tell David Fray piano Riccardo Muti conductor Rossini rossini ogonek New Work weber Overture to Der Freischütz walker Lyric for Strings world premiere, cso commission chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 copland Lincoln Portrait bruckner Symphony No. 4 (Romantic) mendelssohn Overture to dvořák Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) “Nobility, lyrical feeling and dramatic thrust are A Midsummer Night’s Dream Riccardo Muti presents an extraordinary celebration keys to Muti’s approach to the Bruckner mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 (Italian) of music that embodies the American spirit. symphonies. The sound he elicited from one of Copland’s inspirational Lincoln Portrait uses the the world’s great Bruckner bands was lean March 8 G words of Abraham Lincoln to punctuate the stories of and incisive” (Chicago Tribune). Kavakos Performs Shostakovich both an individual life and a diverse nation. Dvořák’s Charles Dutoit conductor New World Symphony, one of his most beloved November 2 G Leonidas Kavakos violin works, was influenced by the sounds of American Schiff, Bach & Beethoven mussorgsky, orch. rimsky-korsakov folk music. Sir András Schiff conductor and piano Prelude to Khovanshchina Stabat mozart Serenade for Winds in C Minor shostakovich Violin Concerto No. 1 May 31 G bartók Divertimento for String Orchestra kodály Suite from Háry János Janowski Conducts Wagner & “Rossini’s Stabat mater is a longstanding specialty of Muti’s. It moves in several bach Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F Minor debussy La mer Beethoven 4 beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 Charles Dutoit conducts a colorful program ranging Marek Janowski conductor directions at once: the arias are as operatic as can be, yet the two unaccompanied from the warm-hearted wit of Kodály’s Háry János weber Overture to Euryanthe mater December 7 F to Debussy’s portrait of the sea. Leonidas Kavakos, beethoven Symphony No. 4 choruses are sublimely devotional. The music is unquestionably dramatic: Dvořák 5 & Barber Cello Concerto an artist of superb virtuosity, returns as featured wagner Overture and Venusberg Music Jiří Bělohlávek conductor cso debut soloist in Shostakovich’s haunting First Violin from Tannhäuser not the extroverted drama of a costumed operatic pageant, but of a prayerful Alisa Weilerstein cello Concerto. “Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto brought out wagner Prelude to Act 3 of smetana Selections from The Bartered Bride the best in Kavakos…an intriguing mixture of fierce Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg supplicant’s interior passion.”—The New York Times barber Cello Concerto energy and fierce self-restraint” (Financial Times). wagner Prelude to Act 1 of dvořák Symphony No. 5 Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg March 29 F Riccardo Muti leads the CSO, the Chicago Symphony Chorus and January 25 G Nagano Conducts Bernstein, Wagner & June 21 F internationally celebrated singers in Rossini’s dramatic and Honeck Conducts Mahler 5 Schumann Muti Conducts Rossini Stabat mater thrilling Stabat mater. Lovers of opera and choral works alike will not Manfred Honeck conductor Kent Nagano conductor See description on facing page. want to miss this remarkable program that also features Mozart’s Till Fellner piano Gilles Vonsattel piano cso debut Kyrie in D Minor and the haunting Chant sur la mort de Joseph mozart Piano Concerto No. 25 wagner Siegfried Idyll Haydn by Cherubini, whom Beethoven considered the greatest of mahler Symphony No. 5 bernstein Symphony No. 2 (The Age of Anxiety) his contemporaries. schumann Symphony No. 1 (Spring) Chicago Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Muti conductor Krassimira Stoyanova soprano Ekaterina Gubanova mezzo-soprano Dmitry Korchak tenor cso debut Eric Owens bass-baritone Chicago Symphony Chorus Duain Wolfe chorus director

Mozart Kyrie in D Minor Cherubini Chant sur la mort de Joseph Haydn Rossini Stabat mater

Performed June 21–24 thursday a & f, friday d, saturday a & f, sunday a

photos left to right: till fellner, christoph eschenbach, riccardo muti, kent nagano

12 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 13 thursday B 10 concerts at 8:00 | 5-concert series: Thu H or Thu I thursday C 10 concerts at 8:00 | 5-concert series: Thu D or Thu E OCT 26 NOV 16 NOV 30 DEC 14 FEB 1 MAR 22 APR 5 APR 26 MAY 17 JUN 7 OCT 5 NOV 9 DEC 21 JAN 18 MAR 1 MAR 15 APR 19 MAY 3 MAY 24 JUN 14

October 26 I February 1 H April 26 I October 5 E March 1 D April 19 D Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances & Muti, Britten & John Williams Returns Sacred Masterworks by Beethoven Eroica Symphony Muti Conducts Tchaikovsky & Bernstein Higdon Low Brass Concerto John Williams conductor Poulenc & Gounod Herbert Blomstedt conductor Debussy James Gaffigan conductor Riccardo Muti conductor Legendary composer John Williams returns to Alain Altinoglu conductor mozart Symphony No. 39 Riccardo Muti conductor James Ehnes violin Clémentine Margaine mezzo-soprano cso debut the podium at Orchestra Hall to conduct the Sandrine Piau soprano cso debut beethoven Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) Sarah Bullen harp bernstein Symphonic Suite from Jay Friedman trombone incomparable CSO in his most beloved and Michael Schade tenor Eminent conductor Herbert Blomstedt returns Women of the Chicago Symphony Chorus On the Waterfront Michael Mulcahy trombone unforgettable works. Don’t miss this thrilling event Andrew Foster-Williams bass-baritone cso debut to Orchestra Hall in a program that pairs two Duain Wolfe chorus director barber Violin Concerto Charles Vernon trombone featuring music from some of the greatest films Chicago Symphony Chorus great works linked by their undeniable power tchaikovsky Francesca da Rimini rachmaninov Symphonic Dances Gene Pokorny tuba in cinema history. Duain Wolfe chorus director and passion. The driving introduction of tchaikovsky Suite from Swan Lake stravinsky Scherzo fantastique prokofiev Suite from The Love for Three Oranges Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 served as inspiration debussy Sacred and Profane Dances November 16 H higdon Low Brass Concerto May 17 H poulenc Gloria for the first movement of Beethoven’s debussy Nocturnes Muti, Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 & world premiere, cso co-commission Salonen Conducts Mahler 9 gounod Saint Cecilia Mass magnificent, revolutionary Eroica Symphony. Gerstein chausson Poème de l’amour et de la mer Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor May 3 E Riccardo Muti conductor britten Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes mahler Symphony No. 9 November 9 D March 15 E Bychkov Conducts Tchaikovsky Kirill Gerstein piano Dohnányi Conducts Schubert 9 Muti, Chen & Mozart Semyon Bychkov conductor puccini Preludio sinfonico March 22 I June 7 I Christoph von Dohnányi conductor Riccardo Muti conductor Katia Labèque piano r. strauss Suite from Muti Conducts Mandolin Masterpieces Arabella Steinbacher violin Robert Chen violin Marielle Labèque piano Le bourgeois gentilhomme Schubert Mass in E-flat Major with Avi Avital bach, orch. webern Ricercar No. 2 Paul Neubauer viola cso debut bruch Concerto for Two Pianos brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 Riccardo Muti conductor Giovanni Antonini from The Musical Offering haydn Symphony No. 89 tchaikovsky Manfred Symphony Amanda Forsythe soprano conductor and flautino cso debut berg Violin Concerto mozart Sinfonia concertante November 30 I Elizabeth DeShong mezzo-soprano cso debut Avi Avital mandolin cso debut schubert Symphony No. 9 (Great) mozart Symphony No. 36 (Linz) May 24 D Shaham Performs Paul Appleby tenor cso debut boccherini Symphony No. 6 (La casa del diavolo) Riccardo Muti, a superlative interpreter of Salonen & Uchida Mendelssohn Violin Concerto Nicholas Phan tenor vivaldi Mandolin Concerto in C Major, RV 425 December 21 D Classical-era works, conducts a program Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor John Storgårds conductor cso debut Nahuel di Pierro bass cso debut bach Mandolin Concerto in D Minor, BWV 1052 Shostakovich 5 & of compositions by Haydn and Mozart. Mitsuko Uchida piano Gil Shaham violin Chicago Symphony Chorus vivaldi Flautino Concerto in C Major, RV 443 Beethoven Violin Concerto CSO Concertmaster Robert Chen is featured brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn grieg Suite No. 1 from Peer Gynt Duain Wolfe chorus director haydn Symphony No. 103 (Drumroll) Nikolaj Znaider conductor and violin soloist in Mozart’s celebrated Sinfonia bartók Piano Concerto No. 3 mendelssohn Violin Concerto weber Overture to Oberon beethoven Violin Concerto concertante. “Chen gave an intense and schoenberg Transfigured Night sibelius Symphony No. 1 raimi Three Lisel Mueller Settings shostakovich Symphony No. 5 impassioned performance in a work that is world premiere, cso commission virtuosically demanding, and the result June 14 E December 14 H schubert Mass in E-flat Major January 18 E was a powerful experience” (Seen and Heard Muti & Yo-Yo Ma Trifonov, Rachmaninov & Bernstein West Side Story International). Riccardo Muti conductor Tchaikovsky April 5 H Rafael Payare conductor Yo-Yo Ma cello Jaap van Zweden conductor Dutoit Conducts Keith Buncke bassoon cso solo debut shostakovich Festive Overture Daniil Trifonov piano Ravel Daphnis and Chloe bernstein Symphonic Dances shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 2 wagner Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin Charles Dutoit conductor from West Side Story prokofiev Symphony No. 3 rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 Jean-Yves Thibaudet piano mozart Bassoon Concerto tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Chicago Symphony Chorus bartók Concerto for Orchestra Duain Wolfe chorus director debussy, orch. ravel Sarabande and Danse ravel Piano Concerto for the Left Hand ravel Daphnis and Chloe

photos left to right: photos left to right: james gaffigan, john storgÅrds, giovanni antonini, riccardo muti christoph von dohnÁnyi, arabella steinbacher, katia and marielle labÈque

14 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 15 friday A 8 concerts at 1:30 season highlight SEP 29 OCT 27 DEC 22 FEB 2 FEB 23 APR 6 MAY 25 JUN 8

September 29 February 23 Muti Conducts Bruckner 4 Chopin & Mendelssohn Riccardo Muti conductor Christoph Eschenbach conductor conductor rossini Overture to William Tell David Fray piano ogonek New Work weber Overture to Der Freischütz BERNSTEIN world premiere, cso commission chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 bruckner Symphony No. 4 (Romantic) mendelssohn Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream October 27 mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 (Italian) Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances & at Bernstein April 6 James Gaffigan conductor Dutoit Conducts James Ehnes violin Ravel Daphnis and Chloe bernstein Symphonic Suite from Charles Dutoit conductor On the Waterfront Jean-Yves Thibaudet piano barber Violin Concerto Chicago Symphony Chorus rachmaninov Symphonic Dances Duain Wolfe chorus director 100 Acclaimed American conductor James Gaffigan debussy, orch. ravel Sarabande and Danse The CSO honors the 100th anniversary of the birth of the musical luminary Leonard Bernstein, returns to conduct Rachmaninov’s spirited ravel Piano Concerto for the Left Hand whose incredible contributions as a composer, conductor and educator shaped the cultural orchestral masterpiece, the Symphonic Dances. ravel Daphnis and Chloe life of the 20th century and beyond. Bernstein notably drew inspiration from elements of As part of a season-long celebration of Leonard popular American music, such as blue notes and jazz harmonies, to create infectious melodies Bernstein’s centenary, the program also features May 25 and compositions that pulse with energy. Celebrate Bernstein’s lasting influence as the the dramatic Symphonic Suite from On the Salonen & Uchida Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs three of his most iconic works. Waterfront, the only score Bernstein wrote for a Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor film. Violinist James Ehnes, praised for his Mitsuko Uchida piano “honeyed tone and immaculate technique” brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn October 26 & 27 (The Guardian), performs Barber’s beguiling bartók Piano Concerto No. 3 Symphonic Suite from On the Waterfront Violin Concerto. schoenberg Transfigured Night James Gaffigan conductor

December 22 June 8 January 18 & 20 Shostakovich 5 & Mandolin Masterpieces Symphonic Dances from West Side Story Beethoven Violin Concerto with Avi Avital Rafael Payare conductor Nikolaj Znaider conductor and violin Giovanni Antonini beethoven Violin Concerto conductor and flautino cso debut March 29–31 shostakovich Symphony No. 5 Avi Avital mandolin cso debut Symphony No. 2 (The Age of Anxiety) boccherini Symphony No. 6 (La casa del diavolo) Kent Nagano conductor February 2 vivaldi Mandolin Concerto in C Major, RV 425 Gilles Vonsattel piano cso debut Muti, Britten & bach Mandolin Concerto in D Minor, BWV 1052 Higdon Low Brass Concerto vivaldi Flautino Concerto in C Major, RV 443 Riccardo Muti conductor haydn Symphony No. 103 (Drumroll) Clémentine Margaine mezzo-soprano cso debut “Superstar mandolinist” (The New York Times) Jay Friedman trombone Avi Avital and Italian conductor Giovanni Antonini Michael Mulcahy trombone make their CSO debuts with an exceptional program Charles Vernon bass trombone featuring rarely heard Baroque masterpieces, Gene Pokorny tuba including the first CSO performances of mandolin stravinsky Scherzo fantastique concertos by Bach and Vivaldi. “Avital’s mandolin higdon Low Brass Concerto breathes captivating new life into Vivaldi’s music, world premiere, cso co-commission giving it a luminous performance with a lovely chausson Poème de l’amour et de la mer lyrical jeu d’esprit” (The Daily Telegraph). Haydn’s britten Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes Drumroll Symphony brings the concert to an enchanting close.

photos top to bottom: riccardo muti, david fray, clÉmentine margaine, james ehnes

16 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 17 friday B 8 concerts at 1:30 A season highlight OCT 6 NOV 17 DEC 15 MAR 9 MAR 30 APR 20 MAY 18 JUN 1

October 6 March 30 Sacred Masterworks by Nagano Conducts Bernstein, Wagner & TCHAIKOVSKY Poulenc & Gounod Schumann Alain Altinoglu conductor Kent Nagano conductor Sandrine Piau soprano cso debut Gilles Vonsattel piano Celebration Michael Schade tenor wagner Siegfried Idyll Andrew Foster-Williams bass-baritone cso debut bernstein Symphony No. 2 (The Age of Anxiety) Chicago Symphony Chorus schumann Symphony No. 1 (Spring) “Music is indeed the most beautiful of all Heaven’s gifts to Duain Wolfe chorus director prokofiev Suite from The Love for Three Oranges April 20 humanity wandering in the darkness. Alone it calms, enlightens poulenc Gloria Muti Conducts Tchaikovsky & gounod Saint Cecilia Mass Debussy and stills our souls.”—Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Riccardo Muti conductor November 17 Sarah Bullen harp Muti, Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 & Women of the Chicago Symphony Chorus The CSO honors the life, legacy and timeless music of one of the world’s greatest and most beloved Gerstein Duain Wolfe chorus director composers on the 125th anniversary of his death. Join us in celebration as Riccardo Muti and Riccardo Muti conductor tchaikovsky Francesca da Rimini other venerable conductors lead the CSO in some of Tchaikovsky’s most enchanting and poignant Kirill Gerstein piano tchaikovsky Suite from Swan Lake compositions. puccini Preludio sinfonico debussy Sacred and Profane Dances r. strauss Suite from debussy Nocturnes September 22 Le bourgeois gentilhomme Muti caps a season-long celebration of the 125th Symphony Ball brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 anniversary of Tchaikovsky’s death with two of his Suite from The Sleeping Beauty most celebrated and tragically romantic works: Riccardo Muti conductor December 15 the symphonic poem Francesca da Rimini and his Trifonov, Rachmaninov & Tchaikovsky treasured ballet Swan Lake. In a rare treat, Muti pairs September 23 & 26 Jaap van Zweden conductor these works with two by French composer Claude Violin Concerto Daniil Trifonov piano Debussy, another master of vivid orchestral colors: Riccardo Muti conductor wagner Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin the ethereal Nocturnes featuring women of the Anne-Sophie Mutter violin rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 Chicago Symphony Chorus, and Sacred and Profane tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Dances with CSO Principal Harp Sarah Bullen as December 14–19 The sensational Daniil Trifonov’s performance of soloist. Symphony No. 5 Rachmaninov’s First Piano Concerto with the CSO Jaap van Zweden conductor in 2015 received a roaring reception for both its May 18 “commanding thunder” and “melting lyricism” Salonen Conducts Mahler 9 April 19–21 (Chicago Tribune). Trifonov returns to take on the Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor Francesca da Rimini & towering Second Concerto with the CSO under mahler Symphony No. 9 Suite from Swan Lake the baton of Jaap van Zweden. Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Riccardo Muti conductor Symphony, with its striking moments of lyrical June 1 poignancy, brings the program to a magnificent Janowski Conducts Wagner & May 3–6 close. Beethoven 4 Manfred Symphony Marek Janowski conductor Semyon Bychkov conductor March 9 weber Overture to Euryanthe Kavakos Performs Shostakovich beethoven Symphony No. 4 Charles Dutoit conductor wagner Overture and Venusberg Music Leonidas Kavakos violin from Tannhäuser mussorgsky, orch. rimsky-korsakov wagner Prelude to Act 3 of Prelude to Khovanshchina Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg shostakovich Violin Concerto No. 1 wagner Prelude to Act 1 of kodály Suite from Háry János Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg debussy La mer take the cso shuttle to friday matinee concerts. learn more at 312-294-3000 or cso.org/fridayshuttle.

photos top to bottom: sarah bullen, jaap van zweden, riccardo muti, duain wolfe

18 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents friday C 5 concerts at 8:00 friday D 5 concerts at 8:00 NOV 3 DEC 1 MAR 23 MAY 11 JUN 15 DEC 8 MAR 2 APR 13 MAY 4 JUN 22

November 3 May 11 December 8 May 4 Schiff, Bach & Beethoven Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony Dvořák 5 & Bychkov Conducts Tchaikovsky Sir András Schiff conductor and piano Emmanuel Krivine conductor Barber Cello Concerto Semyon Bychkov conductor mozart Serenade for Winds in C Minor Isabelle Faust violin cso debut Jiří Bělohlávek conductor cso debut Katia Labèque piano bartók Divertimento for String Orchestra brahms Tragic Overture Alisa Weilerstein cello Marielle Labèque piano bach Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F Minor schumann Violin Concerto smetana Selections from The Bartered Bride bruch Concerto for Two Pianos beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 saint-saËns Symphony No. 3 (Organ) barber Cello Concerto tchaikovsky Manfred Symphony World-renowned pianist Sir András Schiff returns dvořák Symphony No. 5 Semyon Bychkov returns to conduct Tchaikovsky’s to perform and conduct a program of spirited June 15 Renowned Czech conductor Jiří Bělohlávek vividly dramatic Manfred Symphony, based on and expressive works, including Beethoven’s Muti & Yo-Yo Ma makes his CSO podium debut with Dvořák’s Fifth Lord Byron’s tragic and enigmatic hero. The playful First Piano Concerto and Bach’s popular Riccardo Muti conductor Symphony. “Jiří Bělohlávek has this music in his legendary Labèque sisters, “the best piano duet Keyboard Concerto No. 5. “Schiff made the Yo-Yo Ma cello bones. His Dvořák 5 is a pastoral delight” in front of an audience today” (The New York Times), music feel alive and of the moment…with shining shostakovich Festive Overture (The Arts Desk). The extraordinary Alisa Weilerstein join the CSO for a rarely performed gem, Bruch’s tone and uncompromising, otherworldly intensity” shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 2 returns to perform one of her favorite works, richly melodic Concerto for Two Pianos. (Los Angeles Times). prokofiev Symphony No. 3 Barber’s Cello Concerto, which she describes as When Riccardo Muti and Yo-Yo Ma join forces, it “a very emotional piece…with fireworks and June 22 December 1 is “musicmaking at the highest level” (Chicago aching lyricism.” Muti Conducts Rossini Stabat mater Shaham Performs Tribune). The incomparable cellist, renowned for his Riccardo Muti conductor Mendelssohn Violin Concerto “technical command, purity of tone and generosity March 2 Krassimira Stoyanova soprano John Storgårds conductor cso debut of spirit” (Chicago Sun-Times), collaborates with Beethoven Eroica Symphony Ekaterina Gubanova mezzo-soprano Gil Shaham violin Muti and the CSO in Shostakovich’s introspective Herbert Blomstedt conductor Dmitry Korchak tenor cso debut grieg Suite No. 1 from Peer Gynt and dark-hued Second Concerto. This program mozart Symphony No. 39 Eric Owens bass-baritone mendelssohn Violin Concerto of music by 20th-century Russian masters also beethoven Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) Chicago Symphony Chorus sibelius Symphony No. 1 features Shostakovich’s buoyant Festive Overture Duain Wolfe chorus director and Prokofiev’s thrilling Third Symphony, a work April 13 mozart Kyrie in D Minor March 23 of dramatic climaxes, rich melodies and vivid Muti, Dvořák New World Symphony & cherubini Chant sur la mort de Joseph Haydn Muti Conducts orchestral color. Copland Lincoln Portrait rossini Stabat mater Schubert Mass in E-flat Major Riccardo Muti conductor Riccardo Muti conductor walker Lyric for Strings Amanda Forsythe soprano copland Lincoln Portrait Elizabeth DeShong mezzo-soprano cso debut dvořák Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) Paul Appleby tenor cso debut Riccardo Muti presents an extraordinary Nicholas Phan tenor celebration of music that embodies Nahuel di Pierro bass cso debut the American spirit. Copland’s inspirational Chicago Symphony Chorus Lincoln Portrait uses the words of Abraham Duain Wolfe chorus director Lincoln to punctuate the stories of both weber Overture to Oberon an individual life and a diverse nation. raimi Three Lisel Mueller Settings Dvořák’s New World Symphony, one of his most world premiere, cso commission beloved works, was influenced by the sounds schubert Mass in E-flat Major of American folk music. The celebrated Chicago Symphony Chorus, marking its 60th anniversary in 2017/18, joins Riccardo Muti, the CSO and international soloists for a moving performance of Schubert’s exquisite final Mass, written at the end of the young composer’s life. “The performance of Schubert’s Mass by Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will likely figure on best-of lists. Muti and his CSO forces put across the heaven-storming drama as much as the moments of consolation and spiritual introspection” (Chicago Classical Review).

photos top to bottom: photos top to bottom: sir andrÁs schiff, emmanuel krivine, yo-yo ma, isabelle faust riccardo muti, herbert blomstedt, alisa weilerstein, chicago symphony chorus

20 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 21 saturday A 10 concerts at 8:00 | 5-concert series: Sat E or Sat F season highlights NOV 4 NOV 18 DEC 9 JAN 27 MAR 10 MAR 31 APR 14 APR 28 JUN 9 JUN 23 “There could be no more impressive demonstration of modern November 4 F January 27 F April 28 E Schiff, Bach & Beethoven Honeck Conducts Mahler 5 John Williams Returns orchestral virtuosity at its committed best than the pairing Sir András Schiff conductor and piano Manfred Honeck conductor John Williams conductor mozart Serenade for Winds in C Minor Till Fellner piano Legendary composer John Williams returns to of Mahler and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.”—Chicago Tribune bartók Divertimento for String Orchestra mozart Piano Concerto No. 25 the podium at Orchestra Hall to conduct the bach Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F Minor mahler Symphony No. 5 incomparable CSO in his most beloved and beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 unforgettable works. Don’t miss this thrilling event March 10 F featuring music from some of the greatest films November 18 E Kavakos Performs Shostakovich in cinema history. Muti, Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 & Charles Dutoit conductor honeck conducts Gerstein Leonidas Kavakos violin June 9 E Riccardo Muti conductor mussorgsky, orch. rimsky-korsakov Mandolin Masterpieces Kirill Gerstein piano Prelude to Khovanshchina with Avi Avital puccini Preludio sinfonico shostakovich Violin Concerto No. 1 Giovanni Antonini r. strauss Suite from kodály Suite from Háry János conductor and flautino cso debut Le bourgeois gentilhomme debussy La mer Avi Avital mandolin cso debut brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 boccherini Symphony No. 6 (La casa del diavolo) Riccardo Muti and pianist Kirill Gerstein, recognized March 31 E vivaldi Mandolin Concerto in C Major, RV 425 Mahler 5 for his masterful technique and “boundlessly Nagano Conducts Bernstein, Wagner & bach Mandolin Concerto in D Minor, BWV 1052 charismatic performances” (New York Classical Schumann vivaldi Flautino Concerto in C Major, RV 443 The lone trumpet call opening of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony Review), team up for Brahms’ titanic First Piano Kent Nagano conductor haydn Symphony No. 103 (Drumroll) signals a new chapter in the composer’s music—an Concerto. Completed when Brahms was only Gilles Vonsattel piano cso debut instrumental symphonic style filled with inward-looking 25, the concerto, with its ferocious opening, is wagner Siegfried Idyll June 23 F dramatic intensity. Mahler’s Ninth Symphony, his final an early demonstration of the young composer’s bernstein Symphony No. 2 (The Age of Anxiety) Muti Conducts Rossini Stabat mater completed work before his tragic death at the age of 50, symphonic vigor. Puccini’s stirring Preludio sinfonico schumann Symphony No. 1 (Spring) Riccardo Muti conductor reflects his personal turmoil and spiritual uncertainty and Strauss’ charming orchestral showpiece A centennial celebration of musical icon Leonard Krassimira Stoyanova soprano as he faced his own mortality. The result is a fearlessly Le bourgeois gentilhomme round out the program. Bernstein continues with Kent Nagano conducting Ekaterina Gubanova mezzo-soprano introspective symphony containing some of the most one of his most profound compositions, The Age Dmitry Korchak tenor cso debut devastatingly beautiful music he ever composed. Manfred December 9 E of Anxiety Symphony. A jazzy, concerto-like work Eric Owens bass-baritone Honeck and Esa-Pekka Salonen return to lead the CSO, Dvořák 5 & inspired by a poem written by W.H. Auden, it tells the Chicago Symphony Chorus one of the world’s great Mahler orchestras, in profound Barber Cello Concerto story of four strangers in a New York bar who connect Duain Wolfe chorus director works by one of history’s greatest symphonists. Jiří Bělohlávek conductor cso debut through a shared search for the meaning of life. mozart Kyrie in D Minor Alisa Weilerstein cello The evening closes with Schumann’s First Symphony, cherubini Chant sur la mort de Joseph Haydn Mahler Symphony No. 5 smetana Selections from The Bartered Bride a joyous celebration of spring. rossini Stabat mater Manfred Honeck conductor barber Cello Concerto dvořák Symphony No. 5 April 14 F Performed January 25–30 Muti, Dvořák New World Symphony & thursday a & g, saturday a & f, tuesday a, cso at wheaton Lincoln Portrait Copland ——— Riccardo Muti conductor walker Lyric for Strings Mahler Symphony No. 9 copland Lincoln Portrait Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor dvořák Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) Performed May 17–22 thursday b & h, friday b, saturday b & h, tuesday b salonen conducts MahleR 9

photos left to right: charles dutoit, riccardo muti, gilles vonsattel, manfred honeck

22 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 23 season highlight friday, september 22 how to renew guide

SYMPHONY 2017/18 season BALL

chicago symphony orchestra riccardo muti conductor anne-sophie mutter violin rossini Overture to William Tell mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 (Turkish) tchaikovsky Suite from The Sleeping Beauty

The Women’s Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association proudly presents a prestigious gala evening of music and celebration to open the 2017/18 season. Enjoy a festive preconcert reception, followed by Riccardo Muti leading the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in beloved masterpieces, including Rossini’s William Tell Overture contents include and Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty. Anne-Sophie Mutter, “the undisputed queen of violin-playing” (The Times, London), performs Mozart’s fiery Turkish Concerto. 2 Subscriber Rewards 6:00 Preconcert Reception 3 Renewal Instructions 7:00 Concert 4 Payment Plans Gala package guests will enjoy postconcert dinner and dancing. 5 Parking 6 Prices & Seat Maps

24 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 25 saturday B 10 concerts at 8:00 | 5-concert series: Sat G or Sat H series highlight OCT 7 DEC 2 FEB 3 MAR 3 MAR 17 APR 7 MAY 5 MAY 19 JUN 2 JUN 16

October 7 G February 3 G April 7 H Sacred Masterworks by Muti, Britten & Dutoit Conducts Poulenc & Gounod Higdon Low Brass Concerto Ravel Daphnis and Chloe Alain Altinoglu conductor Riccardo Muti conductor Charles Dutoit conductor Sandrine Piau soprano cso debut Clémentine Margaine mezzo-soprano cso debut Jean-Yves Thibaudet piano Michael Schade tenor Jay Friedman trombone Chicago Symphony Chorus Andrew Foster-Williams bass-baritone cso debut Michael Mulcahy trombone Duain Wolfe chorus director Chicago Symphony Chorus Charles Vernon bass trombone debussy, orch. ravel Sarabande and Danse Duain Wolfe chorus director Gene Pokorny tuba ravel Piano Concerto for the Left Hand prokofiev Suite from The Love for Three Oranges stravinsky Scherzo fantastique ravel Daphnis and Chloe poulenc Gloria higdon Low Brass Concerto & gounod Saint Cecilia Mass world premiere, cso co-commission May 5 G muti French conductor Alain Altinoglu leads a program chausson Poème de l’amour et de la mer Bychkov Conducts Tchaikovsky of richly scored works, including Poulenc’s joyfully britten Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes Semyon Bychkov conductor devotional Gloria. The power of Gounod’s Saint Riccardo Muti conducts a program of expressive Katia Labèque piano Cecilia Mass is best described by his contemporary, works ranging from Stravinsky’s brilliantly colorful Marielle Labèque piano y0-yo ma Saint-Saëns: “This simplicity, this grandeur, this showpiece Scherzo fantastique to two evocative bruch Concerto for Two Pianos serene light which rose before the musical world works inspired by the sea. Witness the spectacular tchaikovsky Manfred Symphony like a breaking dawn…at first one was dazzled, then CSO low brass section, distinguished for its purity charmed, then conquered.” of sound and clarity of attack, in a new work by May 19 H Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon, Salonen Conducts Mahler 9 December 2 H whose compositions have been acclaimed as Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor Shaham Performs Mendelssohn “the most inventive and substantive additions to mahler Symphony No. 9 When Riccardo Muti and Yo-Yo Ma join forces, Violin Concerto American music in years” (The Baltimore Sun). John Storgårds conductor cso debut June 2 G it is “musicmaking at the highest level.”—Chicago Tribune Gil Shaham violin March 3 H Janowski Conducts Wagner & grieg Suite No. 1 from Peer Gynt Beethoven Eroica Symphony Beethoven 4 mendelssohn Violin Concerto Herbert Blomstedt conductor Marek Janowski conductor sibelius Symphony No. 1 mozart Symphony No. 39 weber Overture to Euryanthe beethoven Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) beethoven Symphony No. 4 The incomparable Yo-Yo Ma, renowned for his “technical command, purity of tone wagner Overture and Venusberg Music and generosity of spirit” (Chicago Sun-Times), collaborates with Muti and the CSO March 17 G from Tannhäuser for Shostakovich’s introspective and dark-hued Second Concerto. This program of music Muti, Chen & Mozart wagner Prelude to Act 3 of by 20th-century Russian masters also features Shostakovich’s buoyant Festive Riccardo Muti conductor Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Overture and Prokofiev’s thrilling Third Symphony, a work of dramatic climaxes, rich Robert Chen violin wagner Prelude to Act 1 of melodies and vivid orchestral color. Paul Neubauer viola cso debut Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg haydn Symphony No. 89 mozart Sinfonia concertante June 16 H Chicago Symphony Orchestra mozart Symphony No. 36 (Linz) Muti & Yo-Yo Ma Riccardo Muti conductor See description on facing page. Yo -Yo Ma cello

Shostakovich Festive Overture Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 2 Prokofiev Symphony No. 3

Performed June 14–16 thursday c & e, friday c, saturday b & h

photos left to right: jay friedman, michael mulcahy, charles vernon, gene pokorny

26 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 27 saturday C 5 concerts at 8:00 season highlights SEP 23 DEC 23 FEB 24 MAR 24 MAY 26 the cso’s September 23 March 24 Muti, Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto & Muti Conducts Mutter Schubert Mass in E-flat Major own Riccardo Muti conductor Riccardo Muti conductor Anne-Sophie Mutter violin Amanda Forsythe soprano The 2017/18 season shines a spotlight on the penderecki The Awakening of Jacob Elizabeth DeShong mezzo-soprano cso debut unparalleled talents of the CSO’s own performers tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Paul Appleby tenor cso debut and composers. Programs include three world schumann Symphony No. 2 Nicholas Phan tenor premieres conducted by Riccardo Muti. Nahuel di Pierro bass cso debut December 23 Chicago Symphony Chorus September 28–October 1 Shostakovich 5 & Duain Wolfe chorus director Ogonek World Premiere Beethoven Violin Concerto weber Overture to Oberon cso commission Nikolaj Znaider conductor and violin raimi Three Lisel Mueller Settings Riccardo Muti conducts a new work by CSO Mead beethoven Violin Concerto world premiere, cso commission Composer-in-Residence Elizabeth Ogonek, whose recent shostakovich Symphony No. 5 schubert Mass in E-flat Major premiere performed by the London Symphony Orchestra Nikolaj Znaider has appeared as a virtuoso The celebrated Chicago Symphony Chorus, marking was described as “colorful and vivid…confident soloist of “fine technical control, deep musical its 60th anniversary in 2017/18, joins Riccardo and individual, consistently tantalizing to the ear” understanding and even greater feeling” Muti, the CSO and international soloists for a moving (Classical Source). (Chicago Tribune) and a conductor with performance of Schubert’s exquisite final Mass, “no shortage of fireworks” (Bachtrack). written at the end of the young composer’s life. January 18 & 20 He makes his Orchestra Hall podium debut “The performance of Schubert’s Mass by Muti and Mozart Bassoon Concerto performing and conducting Beethoven’s lyrical the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will Rafael Payare leads the CSO in Mozart’s lively masterpiece Violin Concerto and Shostakovich’s landmark likely figure on best-of lists. Muti and his that will showcase CSO Principal Bassoon Keith Buncke in Symphony No. 5. CSO forces put across the heaven-storming drama his CSO solo debut. as much as the moments of consolation and February 24 spiritual introspection” (Chicago Classical Review). February 1–3 Chopin & Mendelssohn Higdon World Premiere: Christoph Eschenbach conductor conductor May 26 Low Brass Concerto David Fray piano Salonen & Uchida cso co-commission featuring weber Overture to Der Freischütz Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor Jay Friedman, Michael Mulcahy, Charles Vernon chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 Mitsuko Uchida piano and Gene Pokorny mendelssohn Overture to brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn Witness the purity of sound and clarity of attack of A Midsummer Night’s Dream bartók Piano Concerto No. 3 the CSO low brass section in a new work by Pulitzer mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 (Italian) schoenberg Transfigured Night Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon, whose Esa-Pekka Salonen leads a program that pairs compositions have been acclaimed as “the most inventive Brahms’ captivating Variations on a Theme and substantive additions to American music in years” by Haydn with Schoenberg’s hauntingly beautiful (The Baltimore Sun). Transfigured Night and Bartók’s serene and expressive Third Piano Concerto, featuring Mitsuko Uchida. March 15–17 “It was in the otherworldly slow movement Muti, Chen & Mozart that Uchida’s profound poetic sensibility rose Riccardo Muti conducts a program of Haydn and to the fore, building to an eloquent emotional Mozart, featuring CSO Concertmaster Robert Chen in climax from the simple, hushed chords of Mozart’s celebrated Sinfonia concertante. the opening bars—atmospheric yet as clear as ice water” (Chicago Tribune). March 22–24 Raimi World Premiere: Three Lisel Mueller Settings cso commission Riccardo Muti conducts a new work for mezzo-soprano and orchestra by CSO violist and prolific composer Max Raimi.

April 19–21 Debussy Sacred and Profane Dances CSO Principal Harp Sarah Bullen is featured soloist photos top to bottom: elizabeth ogonek, keith buncke, jay friedman, michael mulcahy, as Muti conducts Debussy’s Sacred and Profane charles vernon, gene pokorny, robert chen, max raimi, sarah bullen Dances, plus other works by Debussy and Tchaikovsky.

photos top to bottom: riccardo muti, anne-sophie mutter, esa-pekka salonen, mitsuko uchida

28 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 29 saturday D 5 concerts at 8:00 sunday A 6 concerts at 3:00 NOV 11 DEC 16 JAN 20 APR 21 MAY 12 OCT 1 NOV 5 DEC 3 MAR 11 JUN 3 JUN 24

November 11 April 21 October 1 March 11 Dohnányi Conducts Schubert 9 Muti Conducts Tchaikovsky & Debussy Muti Conducts Bruckner 4 Kavakos Performs Shostakovich Christoph von Dohnányi conductor Riccardo Muti conductor Riccardo Muti conductor Charles Dutoit conductor Arabella Steinbacher violin Sarah Bullen harp rossini Overture to William Tell Leonidas Kavakos violin bach, orch. webern Ricercar No. 2 Women of the Chicago Symphony Chorus ogonek New Work mussorgsky, orch. rimsky-korsakov from The Musical Offering Duain Wolfe chorus director world premiere, cso commission Prelude to Khovanshchina berg Violin Concerto tchaikovsky Francesca da Rimini bruckner Symphony No. 4 (Romantic) shostakovich Violin Concerto No. 1 schubert Symphony No. 9 (Great) tchaikovsky Suite from Swan Lake “Nobility, lyrical feeling and dramatic thrust are kodály Suite from Háry János Esteemed conductor Christoph von Dohnányi debussy Sacred and Profane Dances keys to Muti’s approach to the Bruckner debussy La mer leads the CSO in a program of valedictory debussy Nocturnes symphonies. The sound he elicited from one of masterpieces. Arabella Steinbacher, highly Muti caps a season-long celebration of the 125th the world’s great Bruckner bands was lean June 3 regarded for her “finely polished technique and anniversary of Tchaikovsky’s death with two of his and incisive” (Chicago Tribune). Riccardo Muti and Janowski Conducts Wagner & a beautifully varied palette of timbres” most celebrated and tragically romantic works: the CSO continue a multi-season exploration of Beethoven 4 (The New York Times), performs Berg’s last the symphonic poem Francesca da Rimini and his Bruckner’s symphonies with the sunny Romantic Marek Janowski conductor composition, his deeply moving Violin Concerto treasured ballet Swan Lake. In a rare treat, Muti pairs Symphony. Also on the program is the rousing weber Overture to Euryanthe written in memory of Alma Mahler’s daughter. these works with two by French composer Claude William Tell Overture and a world premiere beethoven Symphony No. 4 Schubert’s exuberant final symphony has Debussy, another master of vivid orchestral colors: by Mead Composer-in-Residence Elizabeth Ogonek, wagner Overture and Venusberg Music one of the most exhilarating finales in symphonic the ethereal Nocturnes featuring women of the whose music has been praised as “lush and from Tannhäuser repertoire. Chicago Symphony Chorus, and Sacred and Profane enticingly scored” (The Arts Desk). wagner Prelude to Act 3 of Dances with CSO Principal Harp Sarah Bullen as Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg December 16 soloist. November 5 wagner Prelude to Act 1 of Trifonov, Rachmaninov & Tchaikovsky Schiff, Bach & Beethoven Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Jaap van Zweden conductor May 12 Sir András Schiff conductor and piano Conductor Marek Janowski and the CSO, both Daniil Trifonov piano Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony mozart Serenade for Winds in C Minor great masters of music from the Austro- wagner Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin Emmanuel Krivine conductor bartók Divertimento for String Orchestra German tradition, perform a program of works rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 Isabelle Faust violin cso debut bach Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F Minor by Weber, Beethoven and Wagner. Janowski, tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 brahms Tragic Overture beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 in his subscription series debut, leads the schumann Violin Concerto CSO in glorious orchestral excerpts from two January 20 saint-saËns Symphony No. 3 (Organ) December 3 of Wagner’s grandest operas. Also on the Bernstein West Side Story Shaham Performs Mendelssohn program is Beethoven’s sunny Fourth Symphony, Rafael Payare conductor Violin Concerto a work imbued with romantic pathos. Keith Buncke bassoon cso solo debut John Storgårds conductor cso debut bernstein Symphonic Dances Gil Shaham violin June 24 from West Side Story grieg Suite No. 1 from Peer Gynt Muti Conducts Rossini Stabat mater mozart Bassoon Concerto mendelssohn Violin Concerto Riccardo Muti conductor bartók Concerto for Orchestra sibelius Symphony No. 1 Krassimira Stoyanova soprano Rafael Payare’s debut with the CSO in 2015 Gil Shaham, one of today’s pre-eminent violinists Ekaterina Gubanova mezzo-soprano was called “the best classical concert of and “a virtuoso of deeply intense sincerity” Dmitry Korchak tenor cso debut the Ravinia season” (Chicago Tribune). He makes (The New York Times), performs Mendelssohn’s Eric Owens bass-baritone his subscription series debut leading the CSO enchanting and well-loved concerto. An acclaimed Chicago Symphony Chorus in Bernstein’s much loved Symphonic Dances interpreter of Sibelius, Finnish conductor Duain Wolfe chorus director from West Side Story and Bartók’s popular John Storgårds makes his CSO debut leading the mozart Kyrie in D Minor Concerto for Orchestra. CSO Principal Bassoon composer’s first symphonic masterpiece. cherubini Chant sur la mort de Joseph Haydn Keith Buncke showcases his artistry and rossini Stabat mater extraordinary agility in Mozart’s lively masterpiece.

photos top to bottom: photos top to bottom: daniil trifonov, riccardo muti, rafael payare, women of the chicago symphony chorus eric owens, gil shaham, leonidas kavakos, marek janowski

30 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 31 tuesday A 5 concerts at 7:30 tuesday B 5 concerts at 7:30 cso tuesday series sponsor: SEP 26 DEC 19 JAN 30 APR 10 MAY 15 NOV 21 DEC 12 FEB 27 APR 17 MAY 22

September 26 April 10 November 21 April 17 Muti, Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto & Dutoit Conducts Muti, Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 & Muti, Dvořák New World Symphony & Mutter Ravel Daphnis and Chloe Gerstein Copland Lincoln Portrait Riccardo Muti conductor Charles Dutoit conductor Riccardo Muti conductor Riccardo Muti conductor Anne-Sophie Mutter violin Jean-Yves Thibaudet piano Kirill Gerstein piano walker Lyric for Strings penderecki The Awakening of Jacob Chicago Symphony Chorus puccini Preludio sinfonico copland Lincoln Portrait tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Duain Wolfe chorus director r. strauss Suite from dvořák Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) schumann Symphony No. 2 debussy, orch. ravel Sarabande and Danse Le bourgeois gentilhomme Riccardo Muti presents an extraordinary “Muti and Mutter together is an electric ravel Piano Concerto for the Left Hand brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 celebration of music that embodies collaboration” (Chicago Classical Review). The ravel Daphnis and Chloe the American spirit. Copland’s inspirational 2017/18 season opens with acclaimed violinist Charles Dutoit returns to conduct a sensuous December 12 Lincoln Portrait uses the words of Abraham Anne-Sophie Mutter joining Riccardo Muti all-Ravel program that features a rare complete Dvořák 5 & Lincoln to punctuate the stories of both and the CSO for Tchaikovsky’s dazzling Violin performance of one of Ravel’s most ravishing scores, Barber Cello Concerto an individual life and a diverse nation. Concerto. Krzysztof Penderecki’s atmospheric the lush and romantically yearning Daphnis and Jiří Bělohlávek conductor cso debut Dvořák’s New World Symphony, one of his most The Awakening of Jacob, best known from Stanley Chloe, as well as his orchestration of Debussy’s Alisa Weilerstein cello beloved works, was influenced by the sounds Kubrick’s The Shining, and Schumann’s rich and elegant Sarabande and lively Danse. French pianist smetana Selections from The Bartered Bride of American folk music. emotive Second Symphony, one of his noblest Jean-Yves Thibaudet, a virtuoso of “dazzling barber Cello Concerto works, bookend this dramatic start to the season. technique and passion” (The Straits Times), performs dvořák Symphony No. 5 May 22 Ravel’s dark and powerful Concerto for the Left Renowned Czech conductor Jiří Bělohlávek Salonen Conducts Mahler 9 December 19 Hand. makes his CSO podium debut with Dvořák’s Fifth Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor Trifonov, Rachmaninov & Tchaikovsky Symphony. “Jiří Bělohlávek has this music in his mahler Symphony No. 9 Jaap van Zweden conductor May 15 bones. His Dvořák 5 is a pastoral delight” His final completed work before his tragic death Daniil Trifonov piano Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony (The Arts Desk). The extraordinary Alisa Weilerstein at the age of 50, Mahler’s Ninth Symphony wagner Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin Emmanuel Krivine conductor returns to perform one of her favorite works, reflects his personal turmoil and spiritual uncertainty rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 Isabelle Faust violin cso debut Barber’s Cello Concerto, which she describes as as he faced his own mortality. The result is a tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 brahms Tragic Overture “a very emotional piece…with fireworks and fearlessly introspective symphony containing schumann Violin Concerto aching lyricism.” some of the most devastatingly beautiful January 30 saint-saËns Symphony No. 3 (Organ) music he ever composed. Esa-Pekka Salonen leads Honeck Conducts Mahler 5 Emmanuel Krivine leads the CSO in Brahms’ February 27 the CSO, one of the world’s great Mahler orchestras, Manfred Honeck conductor turbulent Tragic Overture and Schumann’s Chopin & Mendelssohn in this profound work by one of history’s greatest Till Fellner piano heart-wrenching Violin Concerto with Christoph Eschenbach conductor conductor symphonists. mozart Piano Concerto No. 25 Isabelle Faust, an artist of “disarming warmth David Fray piano mahler Symphony No. 5 and sweetness who can unveil hidden weber Overture to Der Freischütz Manfred Honeck leads the CSO in Mahler’s epic strains of lyricism” (The New York Times). chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 Fifth Symphony. Opening with a lone trumpet call, Saint-Saëns shimmering Organ Symphony mendelssohn Overture to this spectacular work launched a new chapter in brings the concert to a majestic close. A Midsummer Night’s Dream Mahler’s music—an instrumental symphonic style mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 (Italian) enjoy engaging filled with an inward-looking dramatic instensity. French pianist David Fray’s Symphony Center Till Fellner returns to perform Mozart’s grand Piano recital last spring was called “musical poetry” artist q&as after Concerto No. 25 by the Chicago Tribune. He returns to perform Chopin’s tenderly lyrical Second Piano Concerto. each tuesday Christoph Eschenbach, music director of the National Symphony Orchestra, rounds out a richly series concert romantic program with Carl Maria von Weber’s noble overture to his opera Der Freischütz and two of Mendelssohn’s most beloved masterpieces.

photos top to bottom: photos top to bottom: jiŘÍ bĚlohlÁvek, kirill gerstein, cso tuesday series media sponsor: riccardo muti, manfred honeck, jean-yves thibaudet chicago symphony orchestra

32 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 33 the chicago symphony chorus celebrates its 60th anniversary season in 2017/18

THE CSO AT WHEATON COLLEGE Hear this illustrious ensemble in these season highlights: muti conducts schubert mass sacred choral works by poulenc & gounod 3 fridays at 7:30 The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns to Wheaton College’s beautiful Edman Memorial in e-flat major Performed October 5–7 thursday c & e, friday b, saturday b & g Chapel in 2017/18. Join us for three performances of glorious classical music led by esteemed Performed March 22–24 conductors, including Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti. See highlight on page 6 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Alain Altinoglu conductor Sandrine Piau soprano cso debut November 10 January 26 muti conducts debussy Michael Schade tenor Dohnányi Conducts Schubert 9 Honeck Conducts Mahler 5 nocturnes Andrew Foster-Williams bass-baritone cso debut Christoph von Dohnányi conductor Manfred Honeck conductor Performed April 19–21 Chicago Symphony Chorus Arabella Steinbacher violin Till Fellner piano See description on page 18 Duain Wolfe chorus director bach, orch. webern Ricercar No. 2 mozart Piano Concerto No. 25 from The Musical Offering mahler Symphony No. 5 muti conducts rossini Prokofiev Suite from The Love for Three Oranges berg Violin Concerto stabat mater Poulenc Gloria Symphony No. 9 (Great) Saint Cecilia Mass schubert March 16 Performed June 21–24 Gounod Muti, Chen & Mozart See highlight on page 13 alain altinoglu Riccardo Muti conductor Robert Chen violin French conductor Alain Altinoglu leads a program of richly scored works, including Paul Neubauer viola cso debut dutoit conducts ravel Poulenc’s joyfully devotional Gloria. The power of Gounod’s Saint Cecilia Mass is best haydn Symphony No. 89 daphnis and chloe described by his contemporary, Saint-Saëns: “This simplicity, this grandeur, this mozart Sinfonia concertante Performed April 5–10 serene light which rose before the musical world like a breaking dawn…at first one mozart Symphony No. 36 (Linz) See description on page 32 was dazzled, then charmed, then conquered.”

34 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 35 Unique interpretations from Great orchestras. Revered maestros. Beloved masterworks. SYMPHONY classical music masters SYMPHONY CENTER CENTER PRESENTS CHAMBER MUSIC PRESENTS ORCHESTRAS

scp orchestras media sponsor: 4-concert series 2-concert package

Witness small ensemble music-making at the highest level as The Symphony Center Presents Orchestra series brings Wednesday, November 8, 8:00 some of the most illustrious names in classical music take the stage exceptional ensembles from around the world to Orchestra Mariinsky Orchestra at Orchestra Hall. Hall. Join us for the revered Mariinsky Orchestra of Valery Gergiev conductor St. Petersburg and Valery Gergiev performing Russian Denis Matsuev piano Friday, November 10, 8:00 powerhouses and Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä leading shostakovich Symphony No. 9 Joshua Bell violin his acclaimed Minnesota Orchestra in treasured masterpieces. prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2 Alessio Bax piano r. strauss Ein Heldenleben Joshua Bell is internationally renowned as “one of the most imaginative, “Put Russian conductor Valery Gergiev on a podium and the usual result is technically gifted and altogether extraordinary violinists of our time” musical fireworks. Pair him with his hometown orchestra, St. Petersburg’s (The Washington Post). Experience an evening of breathtaking artistry as venerable Mariinsky Orchestra, and the chemistry becomes combustible, Bell returns to Symphony Center. especially when the sensational Moscow-born pianist Denis Matsuev is a guest” (Chicago Classical Review). All three return to Symphony Center to take Sunday, February 25, 3:00 on Prokofiev’s formidable Second Piano Concerto, plus a performance of Leonidas Kavakos violin Shostakovich’s wry Ninth Symphony. Yo-Yo Ma cello Emanuel Ax piano Sunday, January 28, 3:00 brahms Piano Trio No. 1 Minnesota Orchestra brahms Piano Trio No. 2 Osmo Vänskä conductor brahms Piano Trio No. 3 Inon Barnatan piano Three of the world’s greatest classical musicians join forces for an intimate sibelius En Saga performance exploring the piano trios of Johannes Brahms—works that span tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 the composer’s life from youthful ardor to mature wisdom. “[Ax, Kavakos beethoven Symphony No. 7 and Ma] seemed to relish every second on stage together. The crowd relished One of America’s top symphonic ensembles, the Minnesota Orchestra has every single note. A thunderous applause filled the hall” (The Massachusetts a long history of acclaimed performances around the world. Finnish Republican). conductor Osmo Vänskä and his celebrated ensemble—both superb Sibelius interpreters—head to Orchestra Hall for the composer’s profound Sunday, March 18, 3:00 symphonic poem En Saga, along with Tchaikovsky’s majestic First Piano Itzhak Perlman violin Concerto with Israeli pianist Inon Barnatan and Beethoven’s Symphony Martha Argerich piano No. 7. “That plush, super-charged Minnesota sound is back with a new edge Program to include: of tenacity” (The Guardian). bach Violin Sonata No. 4 in C Minor, BWV 1017 photos top: valery gergiev conducts the mariinsky orchestra franck Violin Sonata bottom: osmo vÄnskÄ conducts the minnesota orchestra “Perlman’s rich lyricism and Argerich’s famed spontaneity make a heady combination” (The Financial Times). Reigning violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman returns to Symphony Center and reunites with another living legend, add this concert to your series and save with subscriber-preferred prices! pianist Martha Argerich. Don’t miss this remarkable collaboration, a rare meeting of two brilliant musical minds. Saturday, October 28, 8:00 China NCPA Orchestra Sunday, April 15, 3:00 Lü Jia conductor Evgeny Kissin and the Emerson String Quartet Wu Man pipa mozart Piano Quartet in G Minor, K. 478 Program to include: fauré Piano Quartet No. 1 harrison Pipa Concerto dvořák Piano Quintet No. 2 brahms Symphony No. 4 A pianist of phenomenal eloquence and technique, Evgeny Kissin makes a Praised for its “joyful confidence and youthful strength” (Musical America), rare SCP Chamber Music series appearance alongside the superb Emerson the China NCPA Orchestra performs an eclectic program of symphonic works. photos top row: joshua bell, leonidas kavakos String Quartet. Join us for an afternoon of exceptional virtuosity as these American composer Lou Harrison’s Pipa Concerto spotlights a traditional second row: yo-yo ma, emanuel ax third row: itzhak perlman, martha argerich classical marvels collaborate. Chinese instrument performed by the world’s reigning pipa virtuoso and Silk bottom row: evgeny kissin, emerson string quartet the appearance of evgeny kissin is generously supported by js charitable trust. Road Ensemble member Wu Man.

36 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 37 SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS PIANO Unsurpassed talent. Unforgettable afternoons. sundays at 3:00 10-concert series: E 5-concert series: A or B

Expect dazzling displays of virtuosity from internationally acclaimed artists on the Symphony Center Presents Piano series. Explore exhilarating repertoire with phenomenal artists such as Chicago favorites Emanuel Ax and Mitsuko Uchida and rising stars Lucas Debargue and Martin Helmchen—and don’t miss the return of the extraordinary Evgeny Kissin!

October 8 B October 22 A February 18 B April 8 A May 13 A June 10 A Louis Lortie Piotr Anderszewski Mitsuko Uchida Emanuel Ax Evgeny Kissin Martin Helmchen liszt Années de pèlerinage, First Year, mozart Fantasy in C Minor, K. 475 schubert Sonata in B Major, D. 575 beethoven Sonata in A Major, Op. 2, No. 2 Russian superstar pianist Evgeny Kissin makes his schumann Novelletten, Op. 21, Nos. 1, 2, 5 and 8 Switzerland mozart Sonata in C Minor, K. 457 schubert Sonata in A Minor, D. 845 liszt Three Petrarch Sonnets highly anticipated return to the SCP Piano series. beethoven Diabelli Variations liszt Années de pèlerinage, Second Year, Italy janáček On an Overgrown Path, Book II schubert Sonata in D Major, D. 850 liszt Vallée d’Obermann from Années A performer of magisterial virtuosity and probing Chicago Classical Review called Martin Helmchen’s A renowned champion of the vibrant works of chopin Selected Works An artist of impeccable skill and graceful expression, de pèlerinage, First Year, Switzerland intelligence, Kissin makes each of his Chicago performance with the Chicago Symphony Franz Liszt, Louis Lortie opens the 2017/18 Recognized for the intensity and originality of his Mitsuko Uchida returns to the SCP Piano series with bach Partita No. 5 in G Major appearances a celebrated event. “Inevitably a Orchestra in 2016 an “outstanding CSO debut…with Symphony Center Piano season with the first two interpretations, Piotr Anderszewski returns to an all-Schubert program. The New York Classical beethoven Sonata in C Major, Op. 53 torrent of applause ensued, swelling to thunderous a reading of uncommon freshness and sparkling suites from the composer’s Années de pèlerinage. Symphony Center in his first recital since Review calls Uchida “the great Schubert interpreter (Waldstein) rhythmic clapping by the time the pianist had personality. This was Beethoven playing of great Drawing heavily on the influence of Romantic 2009 with selected works by Mozart and Chopin, of this generation. Uchida’s Schubert transcends Hear beloved performer Emanuel Ax, renowned served up three encores” (Chicago Tribune). individuality and distinction.” Don’t miss the art and literature, as well as nature, these plus Janáček’s evocative On an Overgrown Path. time and place.” for his poetic performances, in an intimate recital the appearance of evgeny kissin is generously Symphony Center recital debut of this revelatory are some of Liszt’s finest and most quintessential “The high point for some listeners may have been that includes one of Beethoven’s most notable supported by js charitable trust. young pianist. compositions. “Lortie’s credentials for taking on the magisterial drama of Mozart’s Fantasy and March 25 A sonatas, the serene Waldstein. “Ax has an opulent this greatest of musical pilgrimages are self-evident Sonata in C Minor, an important pairing establishing Boris Berezovsky tone and an unerring sense of lyricism. He makes May 20 B from the start…delivered with epic sweep and immediately the Polish musician’s impeccable chopin Four Impromptus difficult passages seem utterly normal. His Yefim Bronfman grandeur, wonderfully shimmering tremolos, and musical credentials” (Los Angeles Times). chopin Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52 performances are of a pianist at one with the schumann Humoreske a huge tonal range” (BBC Music Magazine). chopin Selected Etudes music” (Chicago Tribune). widmann Eleven Humoresques November 19 B scarlatti Selected Sonatas stravinsky Three Movements from Petrushka scp piano series Lucas Debargue prokofiev Sonata No. 8 in B-flat Major April 22 B Yefim Bronfman returns with a program that pairs schubert Sonata in A Minor, D. 784 Russian virtuoso Boris Berezovsky makes a Maurizio Pollini Schumann’s romantic Humoreske with a modern subscribers schubert Sonata in A Major, D. 664 welcome return to Chicago after a 20-year absence. “Exquisitely wrought and flawlessly delivered. take on the same work by Jörg Widmann, Eleven szymanowski Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 21 Acclaimed for his exceptional technique and By the time [Pollini] reached his second encore he Humoresques, which The Arts Desk calls “Schumann receive exclusive Rising French pianist Lucas Debargue has rapidly translucent sound, Berezovsky will no doubt give was playing like a god” (The Independent). Join through a glass darkly.” Bronfman’s commanding garnered audience and critical acclaim for an exhilarating performance. “Here, surely, we have us for an afternoon of superb music-making as technique is not to be missed. “Bronfman is the Mt. access to artists his intellectual and lyrical performances. The the truest successor to the great Russian pianists” legendary pianist Maurizio Pollini makes his annual Fuji of pianists. He radiates majestic calm—until Tchaikovsky Competition laureate takes the stage (Gramophone). Symphony Center visit. he reminds you that he is a volcano” (Los Angeles at special at Orchestra Hall to make what promises to be Times). an impressive Chicago debut. “There has never postconcert been a foreign pianist who caused such a stir since Glenn Gould’s arrival in Moscow and Van receptions Cliburn’s victory at the Tchaikovsky Competition” (The Huffington Post).

photos top row, left to right: emanuel ax, mitsuko uchida, evgeny kissin, boris berezovsky, yefim bronfman photos bottom row, left to right: louis lortie, martin helmchen, piotr anderszewski, lucas debargue, maurizio pollini

38 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 39 Chicago’s most exciting new music experience. season highlight Celebrating its 20th anniversary season!

chicago symphony orchestra’s MusicNOW at 20 JOHN

4 mondays at 7:00 OCT 2 NOV 13 APR 2 MAY 21 WILLIAMS

Harris Theater for Music and Dance 205 East Randolph Street RETURNS Subscriptions: Regular $80, Student $36

For 20 seasons, MusicNOW has taken concertgoers on an immersive, sonic journey Legendary composer John Williams returns to the podium through groundbreaking repertoire. Celebrate with us as CSO Mead Composers- at Orchestra Hall to conduct the incomparable CSO in his in-Residence Samuel Adams and Elizabeth Ogonek present four programs of expertly most beloved and unforgettable works. Don’t miss this thrilling curated contemporary music featuring new commissions and multimedia works event featuring music from some of the greatest films in performed by musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Each evening includes cinema history. pre- and postconcert music and a reception with free food and drink. Performed April 26–29 The complete programming lineup of MusicNOW’s 20th anniversary season thursday b & i, saturday a & e, cso at the movies is coming soon!

For more new music, join us as Riccardo Muti conducts the CSO in three world premieres at Orchestra Hall in 2017/18. See page 29 for more details.

Experience your favorite films in a whole new way. One of our most popular series—on sale now! CSO AT THE MOVIES

3 fridays at 8:00 NOV 24 JAN 19 APR 27*

Enjoy hits ranging from Hollywood’s Golden Age to today’s blockbusters, accompanied live by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Save your seat for three thrilling nights of musical movie magic. Full programming and dates will be announced soon! photos top to bottom: samuel adams and elizabeth ogonek, major support for musicnow is generously provided by the irving harris foundation, the sally mead musicnow postconcert reception, musicnow concert hands foundation, the julian family foundation, cindy sargent and the zell family foundation. *april 27 performance will be john williams returns

40 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 41 grow up with the cso! magical musical moments for the young people in your life Celebrate at symphony center Enjoy these festive musical celebrations for the whole CSO family, including the stunning voices of Chanticleer and the Vienna Boys Choir, presentations of the heartwarming the Holidaysclassic Home Alone and the return of the CSO’s annual holiday spectacular Merry, Merry Chicago!

FAMILY November 25 Vienna Boys Choir: Matinees Christmas in Vienna December 5 & 6 A Chanticleer Christmas 3 saturdays at 11:00 am A or 12:45 pm B Perfect for ages 5–11! AT FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 126 EAST CHESTNUT STREET The 2017/18 Family Matinee series focuses on harmony. Join us for three programs that explore the extraordinary possibilities that are within December 9 & 10 reach when we strengthen our connections with one other. Home Alone Film with Orchestra December 2 March 17 May 5 Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Friends in Harmony Planet Earth The Firebird Richard Kaufman conductor Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chicago Symphony Orchestra Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Anima-Young Singers of Greater Chicago Thomas Wilkins conductor Edwin Outwater conductor Tania Miller conductor Emily Ellsworth artistic director Program to include selections from: Program to include selections from: stravinsky Suite from The Firebird ©1990 twentieth century fox berlioz Rákóczy March britten Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes What would it be like to live in a world without mÁrquez Danzón No. 2 beethoven Symphony No. 6 harmony? Stravinsky’s The Firebird depicts December 15–23 What is the sound of friendship? Though our vivaldi Four Seasons the heroic efforts of Prince Ivan and a magical Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s world is made up of diverse people, speaking Composers have been inspired to represent glowing bird to defeat evil and restore harmony Merry, Merry Chicago! 6,500 languages, every community on the magnificent vistas, sweeping panoramas to the world in this program featuring Members Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra planet uses the common language of music and rolling streams in music for hundreds of years. of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and guest Emil de Cou conductor to express who they are and to bring people This program explores the wonders of our natural dancers. Chicago Children’s Choir together. This program explores ways that world and its evolution by drawing from amazing Josephine Lee artistic director composers from across the world communicate works of orchestral music. a spirit of unity and brotherhood through music.

6 saturdays at 10:00 and 11:45 am Perfect for ages 3–5!

Vibrant music, engaging storytelling and enchanting visuals blend together in a playful concert experience designed especially for our youngest audience members. With Once Upon a Symphony, we invite you to share your love of music with the young children in your family and begin an exciting journey with the CSO.

Stone Soup NOV 18 JAN 20 FEB 3

The Elves and the Shoemaker MAR 3 APR 14 APR 28

produced and presented in partnership with

For CSO Family Matinee and Once Upon a Symphony concerts, extend the fun with FREE preconcert adventures in the Rotunda, featuring activities with partner organizations, photos counter clockwise from top: colorful and engaging exhibits and interactive musical experiences. merry, merry chicago!, a chanticleer christmas, home alone, vienna boys choir

42 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 43 SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS Jazz

SPECTACULAR ARTISTS. UNFORGETTABLE CONCERTS. Full series lineup will be announced in April. Stay tuned! Saturday, October 28, 8:00 Saturday, November 25, 3:00 Tuesday, December 5, 7:30 China NCPA Orchestra Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna Wednesday, December 6, 7:30 Lü Jia conductor The Vienna Boys Choir brings the sounds of Fourth Presbyterian Church Wu Man pipa pipa the holidays to Symphony Center. Enjoy 126 East Chestnut Street Program to include: this enchanting afternoon of popular folk songs, A Chanticleer Christmas harrison Pipa Concerto classical masterpieces and beloved holiday Revel in the spirit of the holidays with the dazzling brahms Symphony No. 4 favorites, perfect for the whole family. sounds of the “world’s reigning male chorus” Praised for its “joyful confidence and youthful (The New Yorker). The Grammy® Award-winning SPECIAL CONCERTS strength” (Musical America), the China NCPA a cappella group will perform cherished Christmas Orchestra performs an eclectic program of favorites, from classical to contemporary, These concerts make a perfect addition to any concert series. Subscribers save up to 10%! symphonic works. American composer Lou surrounded by the soaring arches of Chicago’s Harrison’s Pipa Concerto spotlights a traditional Fourth Presbyterian Church. Chinese instrument performed by the world’s reigning pipa virtuoso and Silk Road Ensemble member Wu Man.

Friday, September 22, 7:00 Tuesday, October 10, 7:30 Saturday, December 9, 3:00 Symphony Ball Bill Murray, Jan Vogler and Friends Sunday, December 10, 1:00 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Bill Murray actor and vocals Sunday, December 10, 4:30 Riccardo Muti conductor Jan Vogler cello Home Alone Anne-Sophie Mutter violin Mira Wang violin Film with Orchestra rossini Overture to William Tell Vanessa Perez piano Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 (Turkish) Legendary actor and Wilmette native Bill Murray teams up with acclaimed Richard Kaufman conductor tchaikovsky Suite from The Sleeping Beauty German cellist Jan Vogler to present a spirited evening of music and Anima-Young Singers of Greater Chicago The Women’s Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association literature. In this rare live appearance, Murray brings his irresistable charm Emily Ellsworth artistic director proudly presents a prestigious gala evening of music and celebration to and wit to readings of classic American poetry and prose, alongside musical williams Home Alone open the 2017/18 season. Enjoy a festive preconcert reception, followed selections by Bach, Bernstein, Gershwin and more. This beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful by Riccardo Muti leading the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in beloved score performed live by Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin masterpieces, including Rossini’s William Tell Overture and Tchaikovsky’s McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas The Sleeping Beauty. Anne-Sophie Mutter, “the undisputed queen of vacation, and who must defend his suburban Chicago home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and violin-playing” (The Times, London), performs Mozart’s fiery Turkish heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family! Concerto. ©1990 twentieth century fox

44 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 45 sounds & stories MORE SPECIAL CONCERTS Your online multimedia magazine for all things CSO Save up to 10% when you add these concerts to your subscription. feature articles previewing upcoming concerts Call 312-294-3000 or visit cso.org for prices. free cso radio broadcasts of hundreds of recent performances

videos of Riccardo Muti, CSO musicians and visiting artists program notes about this season’s concerts

Visit the CSO’s digital magazine at cso.org/soundsandstories today on your computer, tablet or mobile device!

Friday, December 15, 7:00 Wednesday, December 20, 8:00 Saturday, December 16, 3:00 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass Sunday, December 17, 1:00 The legendary brass section of the Chicago Sunday, December 17, 4:30 Symphony Orchestra, renowned for its incredible Friday, December 22, 7:00 power, matchless brilliance and dazzling Saturday, December 23, 3:00 virtuosity, performs a concert of symphonic Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s masterworks and traditional favorites. Riccardo Muti conductor Merry, Merry Chicago! Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Schoenberg Kol Nidre Emil de Cou conductor Shostakovich Suite on Verses of Michelangelo Buonarroti Chicago Children’s Choir Josephine Lee artistic director Ring in the holidays at Symphony Center with Merry, Merry Chicago! This festive event features this concert is presented in collaboration “One of the best classical music recordings of 2016… treasured carols, a spirited sing-along of holiday favorites and a visit by a very special guest from with the midwest clinic, an international band the North Pole. and orchestra conference. a gripping live performance.”—The New York Times

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association is grateful for the generous support of these leading corporate and our sponsors foundation sponsors.

Sunday, March 4, 3:00 Sunday, April 29, 3:00 Lang Lang in Recital John Williams Returns Heralded as the “hottest artist on the Chicago Symphony Orchestra classical music planet” by The New York Times, John Williams conductor international superstar Lang Lang returns Legendary composer John Williams returns to the podium at Orchestra Hall to conduct the Julius N. Frankel The Elizabeth F. Cheney The Negaunee Foundation to Symphony Center for what promises to be a incomparable CSO in his most beloved and unforgettable works. Don’t miss this thrilling event Foundation Foundation spellbinding performance. featuring music from some of the greatest films in cinema history.

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation 46 chicago symphony orchestra symphony center presents cso.org 312-294-3000 47 chicago symphony orchestra | riccardo muti zell music director | symphony center presents 220 south michigan avenue chicago, illinois 60604

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