Mäkelä Conducts Ein Heldenleben

Feb 19-21, 2026
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Overview

It isn’t hard to guess the identity of the central character in A Hero’s Life, Richard Strauss’ extravagant showpiece filled with action, valor and romance — it’s undeniably the composer himself. Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä pairs the work with music from his native Finland: Sibelius’ Lemminkäinen, a symphonic portrait of the life and romantic escapades of the country’s folk hero.

  • Venue
    Symphony Center
  • Price
    $49.00+ (incl. fees)
  • Length
    2 hours 10 minutes
  • Preconcert Conversation
    Carl Grapentine
Schedule
Program
Sibelius

Lemminkäinen

R. Strauss

Ein Heldenleben

Performers
Conductor
Zell Music Director Designate

Extras

Enhance your concert experience.

Preconcert Dining

Explore Symphony Center’s on-site dining options for a seamless preconcert experience. Preorder a Sound Bites meal to enjoy in the Rotunda before the concert — or make a reservation to dine at the Thomas Club, offering a prix fixe menu featuring traditional American fare and a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. View menus and 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 & Partners

These concerts are generously sponsored by Zell Family Foundation.


Discover more on Experience CSO
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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On March 6, 1954, Fritz Reiner and the Orchestra recorded together for the first time: Richard Strauss' Dance of the Seven Veils from Salome and Ein Heldenleben, both for RCA.
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