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Ein Heldenleben

May 19-22, 2022
Ein Heldenleben
Overview Program Performers

Overview

Hear the sounds of bravery, battle and romance in Strauss’ exuberant Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life), led by Karina Canellakis. Kirill Gerstein performs Schumann’s only piano concerto, a work that brims with joy and melody. Augusta Read Thomas’ Brio is a study in agility and motion, building to a full-throttle, sparkling intensity.

Ticket holders are invited to a free preconcert conversation featuring Carl Grapentine in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The conversation will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets required.

Program
Thomas

Brio

Schumann

Piano Concerto

R. Strauss
Ein Heldenleben
Chopin

Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 42 [May 19, May 21 Encore]

Sponsors

These concerts are generously sponsored by the Zell Family Foundation.

The appearance of Kirill Gerstein is made possible by the Grainger Fund for Excellence.

Discover more on Experience CSO
For Karina Canellakis, conducting has ‘always been on my mind’
Conducting runs in the family for Karina Canellakis. “I was always fascinated by conducting, always,” she said. “My dad’s a conductor, and he always thought it was just a normal thing for me to do."
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The CSO’s connection to a signature work, Strauss’ ‘Ein Heldenleben’
Richard Strauss’ tone poem Ein Heldenleben has ties to Chicago dating back more than a century. Theodore Thomas, founder of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led the work’s U.S. premiere on March 9, 1900.
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Augusta Read Thomas compares her ‘Brio’ to a burst of positive energy
Augusta Read Thomas' "Brio" is dedicated to Iowa native and Chicago resident Kay Bucksbaum, arts patron, philanthropist and CSO trustee. She writes: "The title 'Brio' hopefully captures the spirit of Kay’s magnificence, twinkle and positive energy.”
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Strauss: Ein Heldenleben
Considered one of the world’s greatest Strauss ensembles, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays "Ein Heldenleben," whose U.S. premiere it gave in 1900, along with Webern's "Im Sommerwind."
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Orchestral Excerpt Insights: Robert Chen
Robert Chen, concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, explains the intricacies of the violin solo in Richard Strauss' "Ein Heldenleben."
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Ein Heldenleben

Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben received its United States premiere by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1900 and has remained a staple of the Orchestra’s repertoire ever since. Fritz Reiner’s 1954 recording of the tone poem for RCA Victor was the first stereophonic recording captured of the CSO. More recently, it was performed and recorded by the Orchestra under the baton of the late Bernard Haitink. Enjoy this recording on CSO Resound.

Available at the Symphony Store