Tim George, a trombonist and Patron Services rep, primed for brass power

The 2026/27 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. 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 2026/27.

Tim George, a Patron Services associate and a trombonist, notes that “even though it has been stated numerous times and in different ways, the 26/27 season will bring a plentiful variety of music to the stage. So I share my highlights and how my personal connections excite me for what is ahead.”

Here are his must-see selections for the upcoming season:

Freedom Riders with Special Guests Kurt Elling & Lizz Wright, SCP Jazz (Oct. 2)

Kicking off with the SCP Jazz series, the Freedom Riders take the stage with two amazing vocalists to share their version of the power of music. During my undergraduate studies at the University of North Texas, I was lucky to witness a 2022 project that featured Kurt Elling called “Life in Poetry & Music.” Composed by Rich DeRosa, the work had vibrant colors and spoken poetry, all conveying a deep feeling that’s hard to describe. I am excited to hear what the Freedom Riders can cook up with Lizz Wright and Kurt Elling about the notion of shared humanity.

CSO Brass, SCP Featured Concert (Dec. 15)

For me, one thing that defines Chicago is the tradition and culture of the CSO Brass, whose simplicity and beauty is conveyed through sound. As a trombonist myself, it is a privilege every year for the stage to be dedicated to exceptional brass playing, as is the case with this concert. My time with Michael Mulcahy during my master’s degree studies opened my eyes (and ears) to what is possible by buzzing a metal tube. This is a concert to be not missed.

Rana Plays Tchaikovsky, CSO Classical (Feb. 4-7)

One of my goals for next season is embracing new connections to less familiar music, in this case, Beatrice Rana performing Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto. With her worldwide acclaim and her playing empowering the CSO audiences before, this program promises to be a wonderful pairing with Nielsen’s Fourth Symphony. I was fortunate to be shown a WFMT-FM archive recording of Nielsen played by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1966. The fiery interpretation still holds to this day; thus, in February, it will be so exciting to hear the current CSO uphold its tradition.

Stanley Clarke & Hiromi with PUBLIQuartet, SCP Jazz (March 19)

Later in the jazz series, bassist Stanley Clarke, keyboardist Hiromi and the string ensemble PUBLIQuartet pay tribute to the legendary pianist Chick Corea. During my time at University of North Texas, my talented roommate and friend arranged selections of Corea’s “Children’s Songs” for trombone choir. This project was a pivotal to my experience of making music; nothing beats making music with your friends.

Hrůša Conducts Shostakovich 7, CSO Classical (April 15-18)

Arguably my most anticipated concert next season, Shostakovich 7 is a large work that has so many connections to my life. Beyond the epic brass playing that activates my loud-music neurons, there are poignant moments throughout the symphony that contrast with the intensity that defines Shostakovich.

The Civic Orchestra of Chicago gave an electric performance of his Seventh Symphony in 2025, with friends onstage making it even more memorable. With Jakub Hrůša leading the CSO, the performance is sure to serve as fuel for resistance to oppression.

Note: Curated and create-your-own subscriptions are available now; tickets for individual concerts go on sale Aug. 5.