Mahler 1

Oct 26-28, 2023

Overview

Mahler’s First Symphony unfolds with the elemental sounds of nature, foot-stomping folk dances and a stormy but ultimately heroic finale. Conductor Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider opens with the symphony's original second movement, Blumine, notable for its gentle trumpet serenade. Distinguished cellist Jian Wang takes center stage for Bloch’s stirring “Hebraic Rhapsody.”

Program
Mahler

Blumine

Bloch

Schelomo

Mahler

Symphony No. 1

Bach

 Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007 [Oct. 28 Encore]
Jian Wang cello

Extras

Enhance your concert experience with this additional event.

Preconcert Dining

Enhance your concert experience by dining at Forte featuring contemporary Mediterranean cuisine or the Thomas Club featuring traditional American fare. Learn more »


Preconcert Conversation

Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Carl Grapentine in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.

Sponsors
CSO Resound: Mahler 1

Hailed was “warmly expansive” and “beautifully played” (Chicago Tribune), Bernard Haitink leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Gustav Mahler’s titanic Symphony No. 1 in this acclaimed recording on CSO Resound.

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Discover more on Experience CSO
Now that Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider has established dual careers as a conductor and violin soloist, the challenge is devoting time to both: “I asked Daniel Barenboim about that once, and he said, ‘When you figure it out, you tell me.’ "
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An expert interpreter of Mahler’s symphonies, Bernard Haitink leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the composer's triumphant First Symphony.
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Cellist Jian Wang regards Bloch's Schelomo as one of his favorites. “It’s a very beautiful piece written in a modern way," he said. "It’s one of the rare instances where modern technique really shines very expressively."
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Though he began as a violin soloist, Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider finds himself more frequently on the podium: “I conduct for the reason I play the violin, because I love music."
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To celebrate the enduring legacy of Gustav Mahler, born July 7, 1860, here some pertinent facts and a playlist of memorable CSO performances of his works.
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Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, who will lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in concerts Oct. 14-17, explains why he has decided to resume using his full name.
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