Grab a drink and learn something new!
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® — the perfect pairing with your CSO Classical concerts.
2025/26 Classic Encounter
Honeck Conducts Mozart Requiem | NOV 20
Salonen Conducts La mer | FEB 5
Sibelius 2 & Tüür Accordion Concerto | APR 2
Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein | JUNE 11
Choose three or more Classic Encounter and concert dates to guarantee the best concert seating and gain access to exclusive perks such as discounted parking rates, presale offers and more.
Subscribe to the new season and save 15%. Individual tickets go on sale in early August.
Need help? Contact our friendly and knowledgeable Patron Services team for personalized assistance by calling 312-394-3000.
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
Elder, Goosby & Price | 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
How to Order: Select tickets to the concert and follow the prompt to add Classic Encounter to your order for $25.
Evening Schedule:
- 6:00 Doors Open
- 6:15 Presentation
- 7:30 CSO Concert
Please note: Dessert and a glass of wine are included.
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
Media Partner
