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The CSO African American Network, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this season, has released details of its 2025/26 programming.
The AAN showcases Black composers, conductors and artists across genres including classical, jazz and new music through networking events, celebrations and artist meet-and-greets. These events are held alongside six concerts, which this season, feature artists Christian McBride & Brad Mehldau, soprano Julia Bullock with the CSO, José James with Lizz Wright and more.
A liaison and volunteer group with more than 1,800 active members, the CSO African American Network was established in 2016. The group aims to engage Chicago’s culturally rich African American community through the sharing and exchanging of unforgettable musical experiences while building relationships for generations to come.
A season subscription package is available, which gives patrons the flexibility to choose three or more African American Network concerts at special prices. Subscriber benefits include flexible ticket exchanges, exclusive parking rates and the opportunity to add on additional concerts at a discount, including Herbie Hancock and Samara Joy & the CSO.
The following concerts feature an AAN event; a separate, free reception ticket is required for the pre- or postconcert celebrations, artist meet-and-greets and
networking opportunities.
Christian McBride & Brad Mehldau, SCP Jazz, Oct. 10:
In a rare bass and piano duo performance, these two Chicago favorites showcase their extraordinary musical rapport and captivating interplay. The concert promises to deliver an evening of nuanced musical conversation.
Till Eulenspiegel & Bullock Sings Aucoin, CSO Classical, Dec. 6:
Soprano Julia Bullock gives the world premiere of a new song cycle, written for her by former CSO Sir Georg Solti Conducting Apprentice Matthew Aucoin. Set to the poetry of Chilean writer Raúl Zurita, the piece explores themes of memory, language and spirituality.
Merry, Merry Chicago!, CSO Featured Concert, Dec. 21:
Gather with friends and loved ones in Orchestra Hall — decked with boughs of holly — for the CSO’s annual yuletide revue featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by John Morris Russell, in carols and holiday songs, along with festive surprises.
José James with Lizz Wright: Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You,” SCP Jazz, Feb. 6:
Singer Lizz Wright joins forces with composer-vocalist José James to reimagine the music of icon Marvin Gaye’s provocative album on its 50th anniversary in a soulful homage to one of R&B’s most influential recordings.
Mike Reed’s Chicago Inspirations, SCP Jazz, May 1:
Chicago-based drummer-composer Mike Reed explores the legacy of Chicago bassist and ACM member Fred Hopkins with new works, including a commission by Henry Threadgill.
Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein, CSO Classical, June 13:
Chicago’s Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir performs a stirring selection of spirituals, alongside orchestral highlights from Gershwin and Weill musicals.
Additional featured concerts in the 2025/26 African American Network Season
showcase the artistry of Blacknificent 7 composers Jessie Montgomery, Carlos Simon and Joel Thompson, soprano Jeanine De Bique, jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and more. The concerts are:
Piccolo Play & Adagio for Strings, CSO Classical, Oct. 3-4
Honeck Conducts Mozart Requiem, CSO Classical, Nov. 20-23
Jaap van Zweden, Himari & Mozart Jupiter, CSO Classical, Feb. 12-15
Nubya Garcia/Somi, SCP Jazz, March 13
IMPACT: Showcasing Education & Community Programs of the CSO, Negaunee Music Institute, March 15
Miles Davis at 100: Gonzalo Rubalcaba/Unlimited Miles, SCP Jazz, March 27
Alsop Conducts Adams, Copland & Marsalis, CSO Classical, June 4-6
Lincoln Portrait & Ellington Harlem, CSO Classical, June 18-21
CSO African American Network individual tickets and 2025/26 Season subscriptions may be purchased now at cso.org/AAN or by phone at (312) 294-3000. Individual AAN concert tickets start at $40. For concerts with an event, a separate, free, reception ticket is also required.
Membership to the AAN is free and open to all. Sign up now at cso.org/AAN. Members enjoy access to:exclusive pre- and postconcert events, a large networking community, ticket offers throughout the season and more. More information is available at cso.org.
All artists and programs are subject to change.
