Justin Corp, Patron Services supervisor, ready for Mahler and Mäkelä

The 2024/25 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. Tickets and subscriptions for all series are now on sale and can be ordered online or over the phone. 

Can’t decide which concerts to select? Over the next weeks, staff members will offer their own choices for the must-see performances of 2024/25. 

“We’re about to enter my fourth season since starting at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s in store,” says Patron Services supervisor Justin Corp. From the return of Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä to a performance from jazz harpist Brandee Younger, here are his top concert picks for the 2024/2025 season: 

Everything between April 17 and May 9: For real, this is a crazy stretch of concerts with Mahler (which the CSO always turns to gold), Daniil Trifonov (our new artist-in-residence), the Chicago Symphony Chorus and Uniting Voices, Jaap van Zweden, and of course, Klaus Mäkelä. This is a month where I may set up a cot in the office because I will be going to all of these. Plus, Zakir Hussain! 

Seong-Jin Cho Plays Prokofiev, Feb. 27–March 2: I haven’t had the chance to hear Seong-Jin Cho yet, and I feel like it’s a crime. The main reason I picked this concert is for the Sibelius Symphony No. 5, which is absolutely to die for. Sibelius marries chaos, mystique and pure joy, and I can’t wait to see this concert. 

CSO x The Joffrey Ballet, April 10-13: Maybe I should revise my first one to say “between April 10 and May 9” because concerts with the Joffrey Ballet are absolute “can’t-miss” events. Two of the greatest art ensembles in the city of Chicago — and the world — combine for an incredible evening of music and dance. I know nothing about any of the repertoire, I just have that much faith in these groups. 

Cécile McLorin Salvant, Feb. 21: Cécile is as unique as it possibly gets. I can’t find the words to explain her talent or her general aesthetic. She has released seven albums since 2010, six of which have been nominated for Grammy Awards. Definitely check out this vocalist while she’s in town. 

Hiromi’s Sonicwonder/Brandee Younger Trio, April 4: Jazz harpist Brandee Younger recently visited Symphony Center with Makaya McCraven and Meshell Ndegeocello, and I said during this performance, “wow, I could’ve listened to a performance of just her all night long.” Much to my surprise, that’s exactly what I’m going to do on April 4. And anyone who enjoyed Herbie Hancock’s performance in March 2024 will be blown away by Hiromi’s Sonicwonder. 

Symphony Center’s friendly and knowledgeable Sales and Patron Experience team members are here to help. For personalized assistance with your ticket order, call 312-294-3000 or chat with them on CSO.org.