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When it comes to holiday music, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and its presenting arm, Symphony Center Presents, have all the bases covered with programs offering the old and new, sacred and secular, and familiar and unfamiliar. Here is an overview of the many seasonal options, which all take place at Symphony Center, except where noted:
Nov. 28-30, “How to Train Your Dragon.” In this animated fantasy from 2010, a young Viking named Hiccup defies tradition when he befriends a fierce dragon he calls Toothless; together, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both of their worlds. Featuring John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score, performed live to picture by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Conner Gray Covington.
Nov. 29, Vienna Boys Choir, Christmas in Vienna. There might be no more famous choral group in the world than this ensemble, which traces its storied history to an imperial decree from the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I in 1498. It maintains two ensembles, one of which is on the road at any given time. For this Symphony Center Presents Special Concert, the program will feature Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, holiday hymns and carols.
Dec. 9, A Chanticleer Christmas. The 12-member, male a cappella vocal group annually performs 25 or so holiday concerts nationwide between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each year since 2000, except for the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, Chanticleer has made a yuletide stop here for a Symphony Center Presents Special Concert. This season, the group performs at Orchestra Hall, instead of the Fourth Presbyterian Church. “We love coming to Chicago, and every year, our Christmas tour starts on the East Coast, and we wind our way back,” Music Director Tim Keeler told Experience CSO. “We would never miss a stop in Chicago.”
Dec. 12-14, “Home Alone.” This true holiday favorite, filmed in part in Chicago and its suburbs, features John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by members of the CSO, led by Nicholas Buc and joined by the Deerfield Singers, prepared by Anastasia Cameron Balmer. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, "Home Alone" is fun for the entire family!
Dec. 15, Bach Marathon. J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos have no direct connection to the yuletide, but performances of the works have become a holiday tradition with many ensembles, including the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the CSO’s pre-professional training arm. Ken-David Masur, the Civic’s principal conductor, is adding what he calls a “little twist” to the annual custom. Instead of all six Brandenburg Concertos, the finale concert will feature four of them, along with other Bach works at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut. (Tickets will become available on Dec. 1.)
Dec. 16, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass. While not a yuletide concert per se, this annual offering always occurs during the holiday season and is always festive in spirit. The event showcases the CSO’s brass section, which has built an international reputation for its bold, shining sound. As usual, this concert will be led by Michael Mulcahy, a member of the CSO trombone section since 1989.
Dec. 19-23, Merry, Merry, Chicago! This CSO Special Concert, an annual, family-friendly holiday revue, is performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, this season led byJohn Morris Russell, and the Chicago Symphony Chorus, prepared by Chorus Director Donald Palumbo. Featured will be yuletide favorites such as “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Christmas. in Chicago”
