Chicago Symphony

10/12/2026

Get a glimpse of what's to come during the first Chicago Symphony Presents Piano recital of the season! Bruce Liu brings performances of songs from his newest album ‘Lunaris’ — including Beethoven's famous Moonlight Sonata, featured in this sneak peek.

Get tickets to the November 1 recital at chicagosymphony.org/ps/25832

10/12/2026

On April 5 and 6, 1907, Sir Edward Elgar led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in performances of three of his works, including the famous Enigma Variations. “... The Orchestra gave him their closest attention and heartiest sympathy,” wrote William Lines Hubbard in the Chicago Daily Tribune. “Sir Edward himself seemed genuinely pleased.”

Hear the Enigma Variations performed in upcoming concerts on October 15-17.

In April 1907, Sir Edward Elgar made his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, leading his overture In the South (Alassio), Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma) and the first Pomp and Circumstance March.

10/12/2026

Beethoven turned four iconic notes into one of the most powerful symphonies in the history of music. Hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra bring them to life on November 5-8, alongside performances of Strauss' mischievous Burlesque featuring pianist 藤田真央 - Mao Fujita.

Secure your seat at chicagosymphony.org/ps/25710

10/11/2026

This week on CSOradio, legendary Chicago Symphony Orchestra soloists take center stage in this program, including Steven Staryk in Massenet’s Meditation from Thaïs, Donald Peck in Debussy’s Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun, and Arnold Jacobs in Vaughan Williams’s Tuba Concerto. Dale Clevenger and fellow horns are featured in Schumann’s Konzertstück, and the broadcast closes with Samuel Magad, Charles Pikler, and John Sharp in Strauss’s Don Quixote.

Listen on demand starting tomorrow at cso.org/csoradio

Legendary Chicago Symphony Orchestra soloists take center stage in this program, including Steven Staryk in Massenet’s Meditation from Thaïs, Donald Peck in Debussy’s Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun, and Arnold Jacobs in Vaughan Williams’s Tuba Concerto. Dale Clevenger and fellow horns are...

10/11/2026

Wishing a very happy birth anniversary to our founder and first music director, Theodore Thomas, on the occasion of his 191st birthday!

Wishing a happy birthday to the Orchestra's founder and first music director, Theodore Thomas!

10/10/2026

In his latest album released on Deutsche Grammophon this summer, Bruce Liu journeys through a series of iconic piano works associated with nighttime and the moon — including Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and Debussy’s Rêverie, which he will perform as part of a Chicago Symphony Presents recital on November 1.

On his disc "Lunaris," pianist Bruce Liu journeys through the night, imagination and transcendence in some of the most iconic piano works ever written. 

10/10/2026

Violin, cello and piano unite in a program of some of the most expressive chamber-music gems ever written. Join CSO musicians Baird Dodge and Karen Basrak, along with pianist Daniel Schlosberg, for this intimate musical evening on October 20.

Pay what you wish, starting at $15, for this concert. Reserve your seat at chicagosymphony.org/ps/26168

10/09/2026

An unforgettable complete feast for the ears in Orchestra Hall: Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä led Thomas Hampson, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus through a thrilling program of Gabrieli, Stravinsky, and Walton.

📷: Todd Rosenberg

10/09/2026

Give Blood. Experience Music. Help Save Lives.

Participate in a blood drive at Chicago Symphony Center during Open House Chicago on October 17, featuring Abbott's mixed reality experience with original music performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and receive a voucher for a complimentary pair of tickets to an upcoming concert.

Learn more and sign up for an appointment at https://chicagosymphony.org/performances/26-27/events/open-house-chicago/

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has recorded a new score by local composer Joe Clark to accompany “Intergalactica," a mixed-reality video game specifically designed to aid with blood donation.