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.
Brahms Requiem | OCT 29
Brahms’ A German Requiem offers a chance to reflect on love, sorrow and the passing of time. Mozart’s Linz Symphony is at once joyous and contemplative. Guest musician co-host to be confirmed.
Presentation Focus
Mozart Symphony No. 36 (Linz)
Brahms A German Requiem
Honeck Conducts Bates & Mahler 1 | FEB 25
Mahler’s inaugural symphony spans the awakenings of nature to a storm-tossed finale. Hear an anti-fascist superhero tale at the world premiere of Mason Bates’ The Escapist Symphony. Guest musician co-host to be confirmed.
Presentation Focus
Bates The Escapist Symphony [World Premiere, CSO Commission]
Mahler Symphony No. 1
A Little Night Music | MAR 18
Prokofiev’s concerto is a speciality of Alisa Weilerstein. Schumann’s Fourth is a memento of his happy marriage. Eine kleine Nachtmusik reveals Mozart at his most charming. Guest musician co-host to be confirmed.
Presentation Focus
Prokofiev Symphony-Concerto
Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Schumann Symphony No. 4
Mäkelä, Batiashvili & Sibelius 1 | MAY 13
Klaus Mäkelä surveys music from Finland with works by Magnus Lindberg — a world premiere and his First Violin Concerto featuring Lisa Batiashvili — and a Sibelius symphony. Guest musician co-host to be confirmed.
Presentation Focus
Lindberg New Work [United States Premiere, CSO Co-commission]
Lindberg Violin Concerto No. 1
Sibelius Symphony No. 1
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.
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
Sound Bites: preorder meal pickup at Symphony Center
From lobby bars serving delightful refreshments to sit-down pre-concert dining and options for unforgettable private events, the two world-class institutions Levy Restaurants and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association are working together to deliver an elevated concert experience.
Media Partner
