Top concert picks for 2022-23 from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association staff

Robert Coad, manager of VIP Services, confesses he’s mad about Mahler

July 20, 2022 — ‹ 5 min read

Robert Coad, manager of VIP Services, counts three Mahler symphonies among his must-see concerts of next season.

The 2022-23 seasons of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Center Presents are just weeks away, and members of the Sales and Patron Experience team are here to help. Though the box office opens — in person, by phone or online — for single-ticket purchases beginning Aug. 3, subscriptions for all series are now available.

Can’t decide which concerts to select? Over the next few weeks, staff members will offer their own choices for the must-see performances of 2022-23.

Up first is Robert Coad, manager of VIP Services at Symphony Center, who’s mad about Mahler, with three of his top selections devoted to the composer’s symphonies, which have become cornerstones of the CSO’s Austro-German repertoire. Though he works long hours at his day job, Coad manages to attend all concerts of the Thursday A, B and C CSO Classical series. That’s dedication.

His Top 5 picks:

1. Feb. 16-18, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. Well before I worked here, I fell in love with the CSO and Mahler when I heard Mahler 5 conducted by Daniel Barenboim.

2. June 8-10, the CSO in Mahler’s Symphony No. 9: Exploring my love for Mahler and watching Jakub Hrůša conduct — really looking forward to this concert.

3. Nov. 16, Berlin Philharmonic in Mahler’s Symphony No. 7: I know it’s not the CSO, but I have never heard the Berlin Philharmonic, and I am really looking forward to this concert.

4. June 23-25, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Beethoven’s Missa solemnis: My first season here was Barenboim’s last. I never did get to hear his last performance, and I will not miss Riccardo Muti’s last.

5. May 25-27, the CSO in Respighi’s Pines of Rome: Love that piece! And love it when Muti features our principal players in solo roles. David Herbert is going to rock the Kraft Timpani Concerto No. 1.

Our friendly Sales and Patron Experience team members are here to help. For personalized assistance with your ticket order, call 312-294-3000 or chat with us on CSO.org.