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.
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.
Honeck Conducts Mozart Requiem | NOV 20
Manfred Honeck presents Mozart’s Requiem as it might have been heard at the composer’s funeral, in a powerful and dramatic musical experience. The presentation Co-Host will be a member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus.
Presentation Focus
Beethoven Coriolan Overture
Haydn Symphony No. 93
Mozart Requiem
Salonen Conducts La mer | FEB 5
Debussy’s La mer and Gabriella Smith’s Lost Coast evoke the ocean’s grandeur, inspired by seascapes from France to Northern California. The presentation Co-Host will be a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Presentation Focus
Debussy Images
Smith Lost Coast
Debussy La mer
Sibelius 2 & Tüür Accordion Concerto | APR 2
Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 stands as a symbol of Finnish nationalism. Brahms’ Haydn Variations and Erkki-Sven Tüür’s accordion concerto complete the program. The presentation Co-Host will be a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Presentation Focus
Brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Tüür Prophecy
Sibelius Symphony No. 2
Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein | JUNE 11
Bernstein’s The Age of Anxiety features Jean-Yves Thibaudet performing the piano part. Orchestral highlights from Gershwin and Weill musicals frame a stirring selection of spirituals. The presentation Co-Host will be a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Presentation Focus
Gershwin (orch. Rose) Overture to Girl Crazy
Various Selected Spirituals
Weill (arr. R. R. Bennett) Lady in the Dark, Symphonic Nocturne
Bernstein Symphony No. 2 (The Age of Anxiety)
Evening Schedule:
- 6:00 Doors Open
- 6:15 Presentation
- 7:30 CSO Concert
Please note: Dessert and a glass of wine are included.
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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
