Join us at classical music’s coolest conversation!
Start your Thursday night at Symphony Center with a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage and an interactive multimedia discussion between Chicago’s favorite radio DJ, WXRT’s Terri Hemmert, and a CSO musician. From rock to classical, the Beatles to Haydn, learn more about the works programmed and their influence on popular music. Enjoy four evenings of Classic Encounter in the 2024/25 Season — the perfect pairing with your CSO Classical concerts.
About Your Host
Terri Hemmert
Credit: Todd Rosenberg
Legendary disc jockey and “Queen of Rock and Roll radio” (WTTW) Terri Hemmert brings a unique charm to Symphony Center. Starting as an overnight announcer and public affairs director in 1973, she became Chicago’s first female morning-drive personality in 1981. In 2002, she became host of “Breakfast with the Beatles,” and in 2010 she was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Terri, who some call “Aunt Terri,” offers a friendly initiation into the symphony experience, an introduction for those who are curious and an opportunity to get comfortable while pairing music in the most unique fashion.
2024/25 Classic Encounter
The Tempest & The Sea Hawk – Thursday, December 12
Embark on a seafaring journey with works portraying Shakespeare’s magical island, a rough-hewn fishing village in England and a Hollywood tale of swashbuckling sailors.
Co-Host: John Bruce Yeh, Assistant Principal Clarinet and E-flat Clarinet
Concert Program
Britten Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes
Mahler Songs of a Wayfarer
Tchaikovsky The Tempest
Korngold (Arr. Russ) Suite from The Sea Hawk
Haydn Mass in Time of War – Thursday, March 13
Composed as Napoleon’s forces were threatening Austria, Haydn’s Mass in Time of War is presented along with Beethoven’s auspicious debut as a symphonist.
Co-Host: Cari Plachy, Section Leader Soprano 1
Concert Program
MacMillan Larghetto
Beethoven Symphony No. 1
Haydn Mass in Time of War
Mahler 6 with Jaap van Zweden – Thursday, May 8
Experience the soaring emotional peaks and valleys of Mahler’s Sixth Symphony, with its fateful hammer blows and nostalgic sounds of mountain pastures.
Co-Host: Cynthia Yeh, Principal Percussion
Concert Program
Mahler Symphony No. 6
Elder, Goosby & Price – Thursday, June 5
In Randall Goosby, American composer Florence Price “has her ideal champion,” writes The Guardian. Goosby performs Price’s violin concerto on a program with Prokofiev’s enchanting Seventh Symphony.
Co-Host: Alexander Horton, Assistant Principal Bass
Concert Program
Prokofiev Symphony No. 7
Price Violin Concerto No. 2
Wagner Suite from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
Evening Schedule:
- 6:00 Doors Open
- 6:15 Presentation
- 7:30 CSO Concert
Please note: Classic Encounter does not include a full meal.
Dining before Classic Encounter
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association is pleased to partner with local restaurants to present special offers on convenient dining experiences across a variety of tastes before Classic Encounter.
Industry Ales
Brewpub and Cocktail Bar near Symphony Center
Industry Ales Brewpub takes the classic brewery to the next level with upscale decor and vibes of forgotten Chicago history. Offering craft beer brewed in house, a full cocktail program, and a full menu including gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options, this welcoming environment is the perfect place for locals and travelers alike.
Enjoy 10% off your bill when you present your same-day concert ticket.
230 S. Wabash Ave. | 312-496-3624 | industryales.com | Reservations
Russian Tea Time
Historic Russian Tea House and Restaurant Next Door to Symphony Center
A longtime favorite of CSO concertgoers, Russian Tea Time serves a blend of Eastern European, Central Asian and Russian cuisines in an elegant, updated space mere steps from Symphony Center. Enjoy a daily afternoon tea service, a perfect bookend to a weekend matinee or weeknight pre-concert ritual.
Russian Tea Time extends a complimentary tea flight or vodka flight with purchase of an entrée when you present your same-day concert ticket.
77 E. Adams St. | 312-360-0000 | russianteatime.com | Reservations
Subscribe and Save!
Choose three or more Classic Encounter preconcert events and their CSO concert dates to save 15% on the series subscription.
Contact our friendly and knowledgeable Patron Services team for personalized assistance by calling 312-394-3000.
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