Ashley Rands of Patron Services selects choral works and concertos

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.

Ashley Rands, a Patron Services associate, lists  programs on her list of must-see selections for 2026/2027. Here they are, in order of priority.

Mäkelä, Petrushka & Belshazzar’s Feast, CSO Classical (Oct. 8-9) 

I have been listening to a lot of Walton after this season’s performance of his First Symphony and am really loving his writing. I always enjoy the CSO doing big and dramatic music. As a trombonist, I have a lot of appreciation for Gabrieli and am excited to hear Principal Trombone Tim Higgins’ arrangement of the program’s first piece, Canzon duodecimi toni. Stravinsky’s Petrushka is also a lot of fun, and I have never heard it live before!

Brahms Requiem, CSO Classical (Oct. 29-31)

I am a lover of all things Brahms, but am especially excited to hear such a big piece with the wonderful Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Brahms wrote this work after his mother’s death, and so the piece is very emotional and ethereal. I can’t wait for it to come to life in the hall.

Jordan, Hadelich & Tchaikovsky 4, CSO Classical (April 2-3)

I don’t play the violin, but I wish I did, just to perform the Korngold concerto. It is such a fun and exciting piece of music that will only be highlighted by Hadelich’s dynamic playing. My favorite Tchaikovsky symphony is the Fourth, so I feel very lucky to see it live with one of the best symphonies in the world.

Merry, Merry Chicago! CSO Featured Concert (Dec. 18-23) This will be my first holiday season staying in Chicago, and I have heard from many people that the annual Merry, Merry Chicago! revue is a delightful and festive experience. 

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2, CSO Classical (June 10-12)  This is one of my favorite piano concertos, and I have not had the chance to hear it live yet! I have no doubt that pianist Benjamin Grosvenor will do an incredible job in making the piece come alive. My dad is a big Elgar fan, so it will be nice to hear Elgar’s Symphony No. 1 and think of him.

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