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Wrocław's National Forum of Music hosted the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Jaap van Zweden for the ensemble's debut performances in the Polish city.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
For the final stop on their 10-day, eight-city European Tour 2025, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and conductor Jaap van Zweden headed to Wrocław, Poland, for two concerts Thursday and Friday (May 22-23) at the city’s National Forum of Music (Narodowe Forum Muzyki).
Making its Wrocław debut, the CSO performed Mahler’s Sixth and Seventh symphonies to packed houses and sustained applause. On Friday morning, Alexander Hanna, principal bass, and Michael Mulcahy, acting principal trombone, coached students in masterclasses at the venue before the CSO’s second concert.
Others fanned out across Wrocław, located in southwestern Poland and the nation’s third-largest city. It’s known as “The City of Dwarfs,” in a nod to the many dwarf statues (at left) scattered throughout Wrocław’s neighborhoods, including the historic Old Town section. The statues commemorate the Orange Alternative, a Polish anti-communist movement. The whimsical figures, a symbol of that movement, have become a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Once back in Chicago, CSO musicians will enjoy a few days of rest and then return to Orchestra Hall for Field of Dreams in Concert, featuring the 1989 film, performed live to picture under conductor Nicholas Buc on May 30 and June 1, and then an all-American concert on May 31 with conductor James Gaffigan and soprano Janai Brugger in works by Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin and Florence Price.
For the trip to Wrocław, Heidi Lukas, the CSO's outgoing director of operations, is greeted at the gate with a personalized sign reading "Thank you, Heidi."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO horn Daniel Gingrich, nestling on a "Thank you, Heidi" headrest cover, settles in for the flight to Wrocław.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Once inside Wrocław's National Forum of Music, CSO Stage Manager Christopher Lewis (center) and technicians (from left, Todd Snick, Paul Christopher, Josh Mondie and Blair Carlson) gather for a summit.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Drizzling rain greets patrons as they head to the National Forum of Music for the CSO's first concert.
The National Forum of Music, completed in 2015, features a 1,800-seat main hall and three chamber-music spaces.
The first concert begins as Jaap van Zweden leads the CSO in Mahler's Symphony No. 6.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Guest percussionist Eric Millstein performs against a psychedelic backdrop.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Jaap van Zweden conducts the CSO in the third movement of Mahler's Symphony No. 6.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Percussion Cynthia Yeh swings the hammer of fate as the symphony nears its end.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Jaap van Zweden extends his arms in gratitude as he and the CSO take their final bows.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Stephanie Jeong, associate concertmaster, accepts a perfect red rose from a front-row patron.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
After the concert, CSO musicians and staff gather to toast Heidi Lukas over a late-night meal.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Wrocław's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features colorful buildings, picturesque sights and charming shops.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
A statue of Aleksander Fredro, a major Polish playwright, poet and author, dominates this Old Town square.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Enjoying some rare free time, Jaap van Zweden waves as he explores an Old Town square.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Flute Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson hugs CSO flute-piccolo Jennifer Gunn as they head to the stage for the concert.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Now in view: CSO trumpet John Hagstrom (from left), Principal Trumpet Esteban Batallán and Michael Mulcahy, acting principal trombone, who doubles on tenor tuba in Mahler's Seventh.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Jaap van Zweden and the CSO near the midway point of Mahler's Symphony No. 7.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The CSO's percussion, horn and woodwind sections come into view.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Guest guitar Steve Roberts (right) and violin Simon Michal, doubling on the mandolin in Mahler's Seventh, take a bow.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Flanked by Assistant Principal Second Violin Danny Yehun Jin (left) and Principal Viola Teng Li (right), Jaap van Zweden holds a congratulatory rose as CSO musicians stand for bows.
Maestro van Zweden, in a gesture reminiscent of a scene from the Richard Strauss opera "Der Rosenkavalier," gives his rose to Cynthia Yeh, principal percussion.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
As CSO musicians stand for their final bows, Jaap van Zweden waves goodbye.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO bassoon Miles Maner (left) and Keith Buncke, principal bassoon, pack up for the night and the trip home.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
John Deverman, director of orchestra personnel, holds the door as Heidi Lukas, on her last CSO tour, waves goodbye.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
