Karlos Piñero-Mercado, Patron Services associate, highlights an array of visiting talent

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. 

Patron Services associate Karlos Piñero-Mercado is delighted by the range of visiting talent featured across the upcoming Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Center Presents seasons. From opportunities to hear legendary pianists like Mitsuko Uchida and Simon Trpčeski to performances from talented vocalists across jazz, opera and beyond, here are their top selections for 2024/25: 

Riccardo Muti & Mitsuko Uchida, Oct. 31–Nov. 3: I am excited for this one because I have yet to see Mitsuko Uchida live, and I have been watching videos of her performances since my undergraduate degree. The way she plays is incredibly mesmerizing and highly sensitive to the music. I am excited to see both Muti and Uchida collaborate on Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto in what is sure to be a phenomenal performance and experience for all. Who doesn’t love an all-Beethoven concert! 

Esa-Pekka Salonen & bass-baritone Christian Van Horn, Feb. 6-8: The work of Bluebeard’s Castle by Bartók is not one you see being performed often. With such an incredible voice as Christian Van Horn’s, we are in for a treat with these concerts, led by conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen. 

Cécile McLorin Salvant, Feb. 21: This artist is on the same level as Samara Joy for me: an incredible vocalist who takes you on a journey that transcends into your dreams. Definitely won’t want to miss this one. 

Jakub Hrůša & Simon Trpčeski, March 20-22: I am going to this program because Rachmaninov and Shostakovich are two of my favorite composers. Plus, seeing Jakub Hrůša conduct is something that leaves me inspired by the end of the performance. 

Hiromi & Brandee Younger, Apr. 4: I went to the Makaya McCraven concert last year and fell in love with Brandee’s performance on the harp. I had been following her on Instagram and knew she was a big deal, but to see her live was mesmerizing. Hiromi is someone I have heard a lot of hype about, and I saw her NPR Tiny Desk performance back in September. I cannot wait to see both of these performers take over the stage at Symphony Center. 

Klaus Mäkelä & Wiebke Lehmkuhl in Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, Apr. 24-26: Mahler is one of my all-time favorite composers. To me, the music that Mahler created takes us away from our daily troubles and teaches us how to live the human experience alongside one another. Also, having our new music director Klaus Mäkelä and a rare voice type like contralto Wiebke Lehmkuhl perform this piece is going to be amazing! 

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.