CSO Special Concerts range from new music to holiday to film scores

Along with main-stage programs, musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra appear in special concerts, family-related events and genre-specific series throughout the season.

CSO Special Concerts

Next season, three special concerts feature musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in compelling and celebratory programs.

Symphony Ball, Sept. 23: The annual fund-raising concert is part of a multi-week engagement with Riccardo Muti; at this gala performance, he leads the CSO in Italian opera selections and a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with Leonidas Kavakos as soloist.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass, Dec. 19: Led by CSO trombone Michael Mulcahy, the brass section shares its annual gift of music in a program of inspiring and intriguing selections.

“Shaken, Not Stirred,” June 4: The concert features iconic music from the James Bond film franchise, including hits from “Skyfall,” “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever” and more. Conductor John Morris Russell leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, joined by Broadway star and vocal powerhouse Capathia Jenkins in this musical salute to the world’s most famous secret agent.

CSO Holiday Concerts

Merry, Merry Chicago!, Dec. 15-17 and 22-23: The CSO’s annual presentation of its holiday revue returns with a festive program of carols and popular songs, led by Thomas Wilkins, principal conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

“Home Alone,” Dec. 8-10: The Christmas-themed 1990 film comedy, starring Macaulay Culkin, and shot in part in Chicago and its suburbs, features an Oscar-nominated score by the legendary John Williams. Podium favorite Richard Kaufman conducts members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

CSO at the Movies

The popular series has become a CSO staple, with frequently sold-out performances. Its programs offer an opportunity to introduce young and new audiences to live orchestral music as the CSO performs live the scores of classic films.

“Fantasia” in Concert, Nov. 24-26: Opening the season is “Fantasia” in Concert, a program that blends sections of Walt Disney’s groundbreaking animated film “Fantasia” (1940) with “Fantasia 2000.” Captivating music from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral), Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Stravinsky’s The Firebird, Respighi’s The Pines of Rome and more will come to life on the big screen in memorable interpretations by Disney animation legends. Emil de Cou conducts the CSO.

“An American in Paris,” Feb. 9: The series continues with the Oscar-winning film “An American in Paris” featuring music of Ira and George Gershwin. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, the 1951 MGM classic is an unforgettable showcase for onscreen dance partners Leslie Caron and Gene Kelly; it features a ballet sequence choreographed by Kelly himself. Constantine Kitsopoulos conducts the CSO.

“Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” May 3 and 5: The score of Oscar-winning composer John Williams is at the heart of Steven Spielberg’s 1977 sci-fi adventure, with a story that suggests the communicative power of music may extend to extraterrestrial life. Richard Kaufman conducts the CSO.

Hisaishi Conducts Hisaishi, June 27-29: The season concludes with special orchestral concerts featuring the music of acclaimed Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi, most widely known for his work with celebrated Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. In his Orchestra Hall debut, Hisaishi will conduct the CSO in his own Symphony No. 2 and music from Studio Ghibli’s animated film “Princess Mononoke” (1997).

CSO for Kids

Families can discover the joy of sharing music together at Symphony Center in two series designed with young listeners in mind. CSO for Kids programming is created with support from the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which advances education, training and community engagement efforts for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association.

Once Upon a Symphony: This series welcomes children ages 3 to 5 for programs created with Chicago Children’s Theatre, inspired by classic storybooks and paired with live music and song featuring musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Next season’s programs include performances of “Three Little Pigs” (Dec. 9, Jan. 6 and Feb. 10) and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” (April 6, April 20 and May 18).

Family Matinees: These concerts on Nov. 4, Feb. 17 and May 11 introduce the world of the orchestra in hourlong programs built around themes of discovery and wonder, led by dynamic conductors and featuring special guests with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Full program details will be announced later.

CSO MusicNOW

The contemporary music series featuring CSO musicians invites audiences to discover new music from today’s most innovative compositional voices in concerts at Symphony Center. Programs are curated by Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery. Program details and dates will be announced this summer.