Chicago Symphony Orchestra Upcoming Events

Afterwork Masterworks: Beethoven 7 - May 16 2012

16 EDT

Relax after a long day at the office with Afterwork Masterworks concerts. This midweek series features four concerts with early start times, usually without intermission so you can be on your way home by 8:00 p.m. Every Afterwork Masterworks program is followed by a casual and entertaining meet-and-greet reception with the guest artists and musicians from the Orchestra. Enjoy complimentary wine and an engaging Q&A session in Grainger Ballroom.

Please note: The City of Chicago will be hosting the NATO summits in May 2012. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has learned that there may be major disruptions in the Loop due to extensive security measures, increased congestion and the possibility of road closures.

As a precaution, please allow extra travel time to ensure that you arrive on time to Symphony Center. The CSO will continue to keep ticketholders notified as we learn new developments that could affect your concert experience.

Beethoven 7 - May 17 2012

16 EDT

Principal Tuba Gene Pokorny is an anchor of the CSO’s legendary brass section and widely respected by colleagues, pupils and concertgoers. He demonstrates the entirety of the tuba’s range of expression in Vaughan Williams’ animated concerto. Jaap van Zweden leads Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, which the composer himself called “one of my best works.”

Please note: The City of Chicago will be hosting the NATO summit in May 2012. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has learned that there may be major disruptions in the Loop due to extensive security measures, increased congestion and the possibility of road closures.

Beethoven 7 (CSO in Naperville) - May 19 2012

16 EDT

The performance by the 80-piece CSO concludes North Central College’s stellar 2011-2012 Sesquicentennial Fine & Performing Arts Season, which featured performances by such legends of classical, jazz and rock music as Yo-Yo Ma, Herbie Hancock and The Beach Boys. The evening’s program includes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 under the direction of renowned conductor Jaap van Zweden and Vaughan Williams’ Tuba Concerto featuring acclaimed soloist Gene Pokorny.

Please note: Symphony Center tickets are not transferrable for this event. May 19 Symphony Center CSO tickets are valid for May 12, 2012. Please call Patron Services at 312-294-3000 if you need further assistance.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit North Central College website.

Gershwin Rhapsody In Blue - May 23 2012

16 EDT

An all-star pianist lineup teams up with the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra for a special performance featuring George Gershwin's masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue with acclaimed jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Also on this program, four pianists pair off to tackle Mozart's well-known Concerto for Two Pianos, and the Orchestra shines alone in Ravel's frantically climactic La Valse.

Following this performance, join us for a Q&A in Grainger Ballroom with Cyrus Chestnut as part of the ComEd Dynamic Artist Series.

Ax Plays Beethoven Emperor - May 24 2012

16 EDT

This event has LIMITED AVAILABILITY. Please call (312) 294-3000 for returned ticket availability and additional seating options.

After a recent brilliant performance of Beethoven's Emperor Concerto, The New York Times said Emanuel Ax "...played with youthful brio, incisive rhythm, bountiful imagination, delicacy when called for and thundering power when the piano fought back." Ax, in his role as curator of the 2012 Keys to the City Piano Festival, will also appear in piano recitals and special concerts during his May residency.

Ax Plays Beethoven Emperor - May 25 2012

16 EDT

This event has LIMITED AVAILABILITY. Please call (312) 294-3000 for returned ticket availability and additional seating options.

Jazz Piano Showcase - May 25 2012

16 EDT

With its dazzling harmonic and melodic capabilities, the piano has played a leading role in developing the sound of jazz. Join us for a celebration of the stylistic spectrum of jazz piano featuring one of the most dynamic and influential musicians of our time, Grammy® Award-winning pianist Danilo Pérez in a program celebrating jazz icon Thelonious Monk. Also on the program are Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes, crowned as “jazz world royal couple” by The New Yorker.

Youth Piano Showcase - May 26 2012

16 EDT

Keys to the City honors young piano students from across the city with an afternoon of activities and performances at Symphony Center.

This event will be free and open to the public. Stay tuned for more information!

Chicago Amateur Piano Competition - May 26 2012

16 EDT

The Chicago Amateur Piano Competition is the first contest in the Midwest honoring the fundamental role amateur pianists play in promoting the piano and its repertoire. In the spirit of enjoyment and fun, we offer a chance for amateurs to perform the music they love, to celebrate all the wonders of the piano, and to encourage fellow amateur pianists in a friendly atmosphere.

TICKETS ARE FREE BUT REQUIRED. Please reserve your seat by clicking on the "Best Seats by Section" button below.

Read more at chicagopianocompetition.org >

Ax Plays Beethoven Emperor - May 26 2012

16 EDT

This event has LIMITED AVAILABILITY. Please call (312) 294-3000 for returned ticket availability and additional seating options.