Upcoming events
MusicConnects focuses on educating the audience about music from around the world. We strive to introduce events every few weeks to expand our listeners’ horizons.
Kodo
The master drummers of Kodo explore the boundless possibilities of the taiko drum as they combine elegant music with striking physical feats.
Sphinx Virtuosi
The all-star Sphinx Virtuosi orchestra performs masterpieces by prominent Black and Latino composers and brings its “joyous and uplifting” (Financial Times) energy to its Symphony Center debut.
Pink Martini featuring China Forbes: 30th Anniversary Tour
Celebrating 30 years, Pink Martini has taken audiences around the world, sashaying between French café music, Brazilian sambas, Cuban rumbas and a dash of jazz.
The Music of Our Emotions
Discover how music can help us understand and share our feelings. Born of a life filled with joy and sorrow, love and pain, the music of Tchaikovsky pulses with strong emotions. Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser and members of the CSO present the Russian composer’s courageous journey and demonstrate how music helps all of us express our emotions.
Perfect for ages 5-12!
Once Upon a Symphony: Abiyoyo
In this South African folktale adapted by singer-songwriter Pete Seeger, a boy and his father are banished from their town for making mischief. They are welcomed back when they find a way to make a monster named Abiyoyo disappear. This redemptive story features enchanting music performed by members of the CSO.
Once Upon a Symphony® is designed to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the world of classical music and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Your child’s imagination will be inspired by vivid storytelling and small ensemble performances, as well as sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
The rock-star strummers of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain have won legions of fans with their quicksilver arrangements and dry British humor.
Zakir Hussain & the Masters of Percussion
Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, one of India’s reigning cultural ambassadors, is joined by great drummers and percussionists from numerous world traditions.
Once Upon a Symphony: Abiyoyo
In this South African folktale adapted by singer-songwriter Pete Seeger, a boy and his father are banished from their town for making mischief. They are welcomed back when they find a way to make a monster named Abiyoyo disappear. This redemptive story features enchanting music performed by members of the CSO.
Once Upon a Symphony® is designed to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the world of classical music and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Your child’s imagination will be inspired by vivid storytelling and small ensemble performances, as well as sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Community Pride
A community is a group of individuals working toward a common goal — just like an orchestra! Separately, each instrument is unique, but together they create a harmonious symphony of sound. Featuring the winner of the 2024 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition, this program pairs well-known classics with contemporary masterpieces to demonstrate the joy, power and beauty of coming together in service of something bigger than ourselves.
Perfect for ages 5-12!
Once Upon a Symphony: Abiyoyo
In this South African folktale adapted by singer-songwriter Pete Seeger, a boy and his father are banished from their town for making mischief. They are welcomed back when they find a way to make a monster named Abiyoyo disappear. This redemptive story features enchanting music performed by members of the CSO.
Once Upon a Symphony® is designed to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the world of classical music and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Your child’s imagination will be inspired by vivid storytelling and small ensemble performances, as well as sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre.
RYAN NYTHER (Free Admission)
As part of Logan Center for the Arts Chicago Stages, Jazz Links alum drummer Chase Wilkins will perform a free one-hour set at Café Logan. This is a free pre-show concert before the University of Chicago Presents concert for Gerald Clayton – "White Cities," A Musical Tribute to Charles White. No tickets or reservations are needed to see the free show at Café Logan with Ryan Nyther.
Once Upon a Symphony: The Little Red Hen
A cow, horse and pig all turn down the Little Red Hen’s requests for help planting wheat, grinding flour and baking bread — and are disappointed when the hen eats the delicious bread all by herself. Featuring delightful musical portraits of animals, this classic children’s tale explores the importance of working together as a community.
Once Upon a Symphony® is designed to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the world of classical music and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Your child’s imagination will be inspired by vivid storytelling and small ensemble performances, as well as sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Alec Trio at Chicago Stage (Free Admission)
As part of Logan Center for the Arts Chicago Stages, Alec Trio led by Micah Collier offer a free show at the lovely Café Logan. This free one-hour set at Cafe Logan is pre-show concert to Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott).
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
The always-swinging Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra presents everything from rare historic compositions to newly commissioned works.
Once Upon a Symphony: The Little Red Hen
A cow, horse and pig all turn down the Little Red Hen’s requests for help planting wheat, grinding flour and baking bread — and are disappointed when the hen eats the delicious bread all by herself. Featuring delightful musical portraits of animals, this classic children’s tale explores the importance of working together as a community.
Once Upon a Symphony® is designed to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the world of classical music and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Your child’s imagination will be inspired by vivid storytelling and small ensemble performances, as well as sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Civic at Northside College Prep: Yashima Conducts Mahler 5
Gustav Mahler once described his Fifth Symphony as a “foaming, roaring, raging sea of sound.” Led by Erina Yashima, a former CSO Solti Conducting Apprentice, the symphony charts an awe-inspiring journey, spanning a stormy funeral march, folk-inspired dances, a rapturous Adagietto — said to be Mahler’s love letter to his wife Alma — and a final hymn of triumph.
Note location: This event takes place at Northside College Prep, 5501 N. Kedzie Ave.
Parking is available in the lots along the west side of the school, which are accessible from Kedzie Ave. The entrance to the auditorium is located at the north end of the building.
Tickets are free; reservations are required.
Once Upon a Symphony: The Little Red Hen
A cow, horse and pig all turn down the Little Red Hen’s requests for help planting wheat, grinding flour and baking bread — and are disappointed when the hen eats the delicious bread all by herself. Featuring delightful musical portraits of animals, this classic children’s tale explores the importance of working together as a community.
Once Upon a Symphony® is designed to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the world of classical music and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Your child’s imagination will be inspired by vivid storytelling and small ensemble performances, as well as sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre.
The Wizard of Oz in Concert
When you hear Judy Garland singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” accompanied by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, you might find yourself tapping your heels together three times as you think to yourself, “there’s no place like Orchestra Hall.” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” with Dorothy and revel in Herbert Stothart’s beautiful score performed live by the CSO as MGM’s Technicolor classic plays on the big screen.
The Wizard of Oz in Concert
When you hear Judy Garland singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” accompanied by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, you might find yourself tapping your heels together three times as you think to yourself, “there’s no place like Orchestra Hall.” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” with Dorothy and revel in Herbert Stothart’s beautiful score performed live by the CSO as MGM’s Technicolor classic plays on the big screen.
Tchaikovsky Swan Lake
Swan Lake is the quintessential ballet score — a resplendent fable of dreamlike transformation. Tchaikovsky’s ballet suite caps a program of musical storytelling that includes Gubaidulina’s whimsical Fairytale Poem and Adams’ brightly colored Slonimsky’s Earbox. Vilde Frang makes her instrument sing and soar in Stravinsky’s neoclassical Violin Concerto.
Lincoln String Quartet at Northeastern Illinois University
Experience an enchanting afternoon with the Lincoln String Quartet as it performs two masterworks. Mozart’s String Quartet, renowned for its intricate beauty, forms a cornerstone of his illustrious “Prussian” quartets. Debussy’s revolutionary String Quartet captivates with its impressionistic allure, marked by innovative harmonies, vivid colors and a focus on atmosphere over traditional forms.
Tickets are free; reservations are required.
The Northeastern Illinois University Recital Hall is in the Salme Harju Steinberg Fine Arts Center, which is located off Lot F.
Soundpost: Melodies in Movies – Scoring for Screen
Unlock the power of music in film and TV at Soundpost: Melodies in Motion – Scoring for Screen, an exclusive evening for young professionals and movie lovers. Join award-nominated composer Kubi Uner, a creative force behind soundtracks for Hollywood films like American Traitor, Force of Nature and even a Wyld Stallyns track for Bill & Ted Face the Music. As the director of Columbia College’s top-ranked Music Composition for the Screen program, Kubi will share how music shapes what we see on screen and reveal the secrets of composing for movies and TV.
Schedule
5:30 p.m. Doors/Welcome Reception
6:15 p.m. Program
Beyond the presentation, immerse yourself in an evening of light bites, drinks and curated beats from our DJ, while networking with fellow film, music and art enthusiasts in the stunning Grainger Ballroom. Explore how scores shape cinematic moments through hands-on interactive activations.
But the night doesn’t end there — stick around for a discounted ticket to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert following the event, and experience live classical music at its finest.
Don’t miss this dynamic blend of music, film and networking in one unforgettable evening.
CSO at Krannert Center, University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign
Be transported to the landscapes of southern Spain with vivacious, dance-inspired works by Falla and Chabrier. The journey begins in Riccardo Muti’s native Italy with a boisterous overture by Donizetti and sumptuous ballet music by Verdi. Golijov’s Megalopolis Suite features music from his score to the 2024 release of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic film, in which the fate of Ancient Rome haunts a modern world.
Muti, Uchida, Emperor & Eroica
Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti returns with Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony, a work that shattered the symphonic conventions of its day, with themes of heroism, struggle and triumph. Beethoven’s majestic Emperor Concerto features Mitsuko Uchida, who brings “the unaffected wisdom and clarity that comes with decades of interpretive rigor and commitment” (The New York Times).
A Must-See Event: A rare opportunity to witness two of Beethoven’s most iconic works conducted by Zell Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti. “Under Muti, the Chicago Symphony is all power and finesse with no unsightly edges” (The New York Times).
Masterpiece Spotlight: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto showcases the piano as both a commanding and expressive force.
Artist in Focus: More than a superb pianist, Mitsuko Uchida is “a deep musical thinker with an added gift of personality that lets her express herself and simultaneously disappear inside the music” (New York Classical Review). Her deep understanding of Beethoven’s music promises an unforgettable performance of the Emperor.
Lila Downs: Día de los Muertos
Celebrate Día de los Muertos, Mexico’s Day of the Dead, with the Grammy-winning, Mexican-American singer Lila Downs. Joined by folklórico dancers and stunning visual projections, Downs brings her powerful voice and vibrant stage presence to songs in Spanish and English, as well as indigenous languages from her native Oaxaca.
Charles Lloyd Quartet / Pérez, Patitucci & Blade with Turner
Charles Lloyd Quartet featuring Aaron Parks, Larry Grenadier & Eric Harland
Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci & Brian Blade with special guest Mark Turner
Legacy of Wayne Shorter
“Music of total transport and delight” (Jazzwise)
Experience an evening highlighting two of jazz’s pioneering saxophonists and composers. Bringing his lifetime of genre blending and experimentation to the stage, Charles Lloyd’s performances “perfectly represent the idea that the best jazz needs to be experienced live” (The New York Times). Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci and Brian Blade, the three remaining members of Wayne Shorter’s legendary quartet, are joined by special guest Mark Turner to honor Shorter’s pivotal contributions to jazz through their interpretations of his compositions.
Masterclass with Sharel Cassity
Come join us for an exciting masterclass with saxophonist, composer, and educator Sharel Cassity at the Jazz Institute of Chicago!
This very special two-hour program will feature teaching, stories, and music as Sharel draws her many influences and shares experiences and collaborations with jazz masters, including Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jimmy Heath, and Gary Bartz. Special guest will also accompany Sharel on piano.
Get ready to learn from one of the best in the business and take your skills to the next level. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights, tips, and tricks from a seasoned professional. Don't miss out on this chance to improve your craft and be inspired by Sharel Cassity's expertise. See you there!
Capacity is minimal so make your reservations now.
$5 Suggested Donation
JAZZCITY with NExTGENJAZZ, curated by Jarrard Harris
Join us for a Wonderful night out for JazzCity at FOSTER PARK.
Come experience the Next Generation of Jazz Superstars at Foster Park, Friday, October 4 at 6:30PM. Free and family-friendly. This group of young musicians has been carefully selected and guided for this performance by Chicago jazz great, Jarrard Harris.
6:30PM - Opening act: JAZZ LINKS ENSEMBLE:
Justin Kinnison-trumpet, Silas Moody-trumpet, Johannes Anchetta-Alto Sax, Dylan Reed- Bass, Jude Peterson-Piano, Joseph Cooper- drums
7:00PM - NEXTGENJAZZ, curated by Jarrard Harris and includes:
Will Mallard -Trumpet; Aaron Kaufman-Levine- Sax; Julian Davis Reid- Piano; Carmani Edwards- Bass; Frank Morrison- Drums
World Music Festival Chicago
The annual World Music Festival Chicago features dozens of free and ticketed concerts with international and local artists performing music from all over the globe at venues throughout the city, including the Chicago Cultural Center. Guests can experience the sounds of world music and its subgenres from diverse geographical regions including Brazil, South Korea, and Senegal. FREE admission.
Chicago World Music Festival (Free Admission)
Featuring artists:
Sara Curruchich (Guatemala)
Menjunje (Chicago)
Age 21+
Chicago World Music Festival (Free Admission)
Featuring Global Carnival from Old Town School of Folk Music
World Music Festival Chicago (Free Admission)
6-7:15pm: (Carnatic) Ganesh Rajagopalan, violin, Sriram Ramesh, mridangam
7:45-9pm: (Hindustani) Shubhendra Rao, sitar; Saskia Rao-de Haas, cello; Subrata Bhattacharya, tabla
9:30-10:45pm: (Carnatic) S. Mahathi, vocal; V.S. Gokul, violin; Delhi Sairam, mridangam; Anirudh Athreya, kanjira
11:15pm-12:30am: Amaan Ali Bangash, sarod; Ayaan Ali Bangash, sarod; Amit Kavthekar, tabla
1-2:15am: (Carnatic) Shashank Subramanyam, bansuri flute, Parupalli Phalgun, mridangam; Kamalakiran Vinjamuri, violin
2:45-4am: (Hindustani) Debashish Bhattacharya, slide guitar; Anandi Bhattacharya, vocal; Subhasis Bhattacharya, tabla
4:30-6am: (Carnatic): Mysore Brothers: Manjunath Brothers / Mysore Nagaraj, violin; Mysore Manjunath, violin; Srimushnam Rajarao, mridangam; Giridhar Udupa, ghatam
6:30-8am: (Hindustani) Ashwin Rode, vocal; Praneet Marathe, harmonium; Dhananjay Kunte, tabla
Presented by DCASE in collaboration with the South Asia Institute (SAI) and South Asian Classical Music Society (SACMS). Emcee: Brian Keigher, People of Rhythm Productions
Fiesta Ravinia: Julieta Venegas
The annual Fiesta Ravinia is back to close the 2024 summer season with a daylong celebration of Mexican culture. Family performances and activities are available throughout the park, and Julieta Venegas and La Santa Cecilia make Ravinia debuts as featured guest artists at the Pavilion.
Big Drum / Small World
Big Drum / Small World is an immersive, globally themed multi-media program features performances of all new commissions by prominent, internationally recognized jazz composers hailing from countries as diverse as West Africa, Israel, Cuba, Puerto Rico, India, and the United States.
Chicago Jazz Festival
Produced by DCASE and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC).
The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming. The festival showcases Chicago's local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms.
FREE Admission.
CSO: Disney & Pixar’s Up in Concert
Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Disney and Pixar's blockbuster Up, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs Michael Giacchino's Academy Award-winning score alongside a screening of the film.
CSO Tchaikovsky Spectacular + Carolyn Kuan and Desirée Ruhstrat
Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship alum Carolyn Kuan leads this year's Tchaikovsky Spectacular, complete with Ravinia's signature performance of the 1812 Overture with cannons. She and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra perform Act I from The Nutcracker and 1812 Overture. They welcome soloist Desirée Ruhstrat of the Lincoln Trio, who the Berlin Taggespiegel praised for "intensive fire and assuredness stormily celebrated by the audience," for the cherished Violin Concerto. Both Kuan and Ruhstrat make their CSO debuts on this concert.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Big Boi
Trombone Shorty, also known as Troy Andrews, is on a mission to bring the sounds of New Orleans to the world. He has been an ambassador for that city's distinct form of jazz on television, appearing in HBO's Treme and NBC's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and on the world stage performing alongside the likes of Lenny Kravitz, U2, and Green Day. Andrews' honors include a Blues Music Award, and a Grammy Award for his work on Jon Batiste's We Are.
The Elements with Joshua Bell
Acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell presents The Elements, a cycle of five pieces for violin and orchestra by leading American composers.
Hilary Hahn & Friends
CSO Artist-in-Residence and Musical America’s 2023 Artist of the Year Hilary Hahn returns for an intimate afternoon of chamber music.