Don Quixote

Oct 24-26, 2024

Overview

This storybook program opens with Beethoven’s incisive take on the Prometheus myth and musical highlights from Humperdinck’s fairy-tale adventure, Hansel and Gretel. In Strauss’ fantastical Don Quixote, Principal Cello John Sharp embodies the befuddled “Man of La Mancha” with Principal Viola Teng Li as his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, as they take on windmills, sorcerers and bleating sheep.

Program
Beethoven 

Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus

Humperdinck 

Suite from Hansel and Gretel

R. Strauss

Don Quixote

Performers
Principal Cello
The Eloise W. Martin Chair
Principal Viola
The Paul Hindemith Principal Viola Chair

Extras

Enhance your concert experience.

Preconcert Dining

Enhance your concert experience by dining at the Thomas Club, offering a prix fixe menu featuring traditional American fare for a seamless preconcert dining experience. Reservations | Learn more and view the menu


Preconcert Conversation

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


Día de los Muertos Ofrenda

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, begins on November 1 as a day of remembrance for those who have died. Its roots trace back to precolonial Mexico and the belief that souls return annually to their families so that their lives can be celebrated. Today, families commemorate the day by creating ofrendas (altars), featuring photos, candles, incense and other decorations and offerings to remember the dead.

From October 24 to November 3, visitors to Symphony Center can pay their respects at an ofrenda created by local artist Elvia Rodriguez Ochoa. Honoring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association family who have passed away over the past year, it also features opportunities for the public and Symphony Center patrons to honor their loved ones. The ofrenda is located on the first floor of the Rotunda.

Visitors are invited to leave a small offering — such as a photo or flower — or write a note on the provided notecards to honor their own loved ones on the ofrenda.

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Conductor Donald Runnicles grew up on the iconic historic recordings not only of Georg Solti, but also of Fritz Reiner," he said. "So coming to Chicago with Richard Strauss remains very meaningful.”
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On March 31, 1904, Theodore Thomas introduced his friend Richard Strauss to the Chicago Orchestra at the Auditorium Theatre.
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