Yo-Yo Ma with the CSO

May 1, 2023

Overview

In a career spanning four decades, internationally revered cellist Yo-Yo Ma has dazzled the world as both a musician and a champion for culture’s impact on humanity. For one night only, he joins the CSO, conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto, for an evening of transformative music. Ma brings his “warm, singing tone” (Boston Classical Review) to Elgar’s Cello Concerto, a lament for a lost world in the aftermath of the Great War. Elgar’s elegiac work is juxtaposed with Tchaikovsky’s explosive Fourth Symphony, an exploration of the importance of joy, hope and optimism in the face of adversity.

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


Preconcert Dining

Enhance your concert experience by dining at the Thomas Club, located on the ninth floor of Symphony Center with sweeping views of Lake Michigan. View the menu | Make a reservation through Tock

Program
Elgar

Cello Concerto

Casals

Song of the Birds [Solo Encore by Yo-Yo Ma]

Tchaikovsky

Symphony No. 4

Sponsors

The musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra have graciously contributed their services for this evening’s Pension Benefit Concert.

This concert is generously sponsored by The Negaunee Foundation.

 

Beethoven for Three

Superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins forces with his dear friends, violinist Leonidas Kavakos and pianist Emanuel Ax, for the second installment of Beethoven for Three — the trios’ exploration of Beethoven’s works arranged for chamber ensemble. Find this and other highlights of Ma’s acclaimed discography at the Symphony Store.

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