Chicago Symphony Orchestra

06/19/2026

Thursday night marked the first performance of the final CSO Classical program of the 2025/26 Season — and boy was it a powerful way to cap the year! Joshua Weilerstein led a varied selection of American works showcasing the depth and range of the Orchestra, anchored by Copland’s Lincoln Portrait with special guest narrator Harry J. Lennix. A Chicago native and accomplished actor and producer, Lennix brought the speeches and writings of our nation’s beloved 16th president to life against the composer’s signature open harmonies and folk-influenced sounds. Framing this centerpiece were works that captured distinct American landscapes and experiences: Jessie Montgomery’s Banner, Martinů’s The Rock (named after the famous Plymouth Rock), Ives’ boisterous Three Places in New England and Duke Ellington’s Harlem, orchestrated by Luther Henderson and John Mauceri.

Catch the final two performances on Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 3:00 → cso.org/ps/25136

📷: amy aiello photography

06/19/2026

Today, we honor the Juneteenth holiday and share a vibrant performance of the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, written by James Weldon Johnson, arranged by Roland M. Carter and recorded live in Orchestra Hall by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conductor James Gaffigan and the Apostolic Church of God - Chicago Sanctuary Choir on June 13. 🎶

06/18/2026

Curious about subscribing but don’t know where to start? Our incredible Sales and Patron Experience team offer their advice and top picks for the 2026/27 Season at Symphony Center.

Read more from Kathy Nordmeyer, whose upcoming favorites include Hilary Hahn and the CSO in its season opener, Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä conducting Mahler’s massive Ninth Symphony and much more.

Explore all package options at cso.org/subscribe

Kathy

06/17/2026

The renowned Chicago Symphony Brass Quintet presented a program highlighting the power and pageantry of chamber music for brass on Tuesday. Audiences experienced the distinct sound of the legendary ensemble as they performed a variety of American works, spanning pieces by Gershwin, Copland and Ives, as part of the CSO's musical tribute to America's 250th anniversary. Patrick Godon enhanced the performance with the grandeur of the organ, which was featured in Hans Zimmer's Suite from Interstellar and Ward's America the Beautiful, arranged by Godon himself.

📷: Kevin Sabitus
Musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

06/17/2026

Honor the great composer Igor Stravinksy on the 144th anniversary of his birth and listen to a selection of his works as recorded by the CSO — including music from his ballet Petrushka, which you can hear performed live in Orchestra Hall under the direction of Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä next October.

Playlist · 13 Songs

06/16/2026

In partnership with University of Chicago Presents, CSO chamber ensembles are returning to the University of Chicago campus for three concerts during the 2026/27 season — on October 11, February 26 and April 11. The series will feature several of the CSO’s principals and assistant principals. Learn more about the programs in this article.

University of Chicago Presents has announced details of its 2026/27 Season, including three dates — Oct. 11, Feb. 26 and April 11 — for the CSO Chamber Music series.

06/16/2026

Without John Williams, says his longtime collaborator and filmmaker Steven Spielberg, “There is no Force, we do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe." In video clips, here's a look back at the composer's stellar legacy.

Join the CSO and conductor Steven Reineke for an evening of Williams' iconic music on June 23. Get tickets → http://cso.org/ps/25339

Film-score icon John Williams has won five Academy Awards and holds 54 Oscar nominations. Ahead of the CSO's concert June 23 saluting his music, here's a look back at his stellar legacy.

06/16/2026

You may recognize Harry J. Lennix from his roles in The Blacklist, The Matrix franchise and the DC Universe. This week, he joins the CSO as narrator for three performances of Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait.

Don’t miss this final CSO Classical program of the season! Get tickets today at cso.org/ps/25136