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Petr Popelka & Hilary Hahn

Sep 17-19, 2026
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Overview

Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto is packed with magical melodies and sparkling action, and there’s no more stylish interpreter than Hilary Hahn, one of the top violinists of our time, and the CSO’s former Artist-in-Residence. The Romantic journey begins with Schumann’s powerful Manfred Overture and concludes with Dvořák’s Fifth Symphony. Considered Dvořák’s symphonic breakthrough, the Fifth transports listeners from a Bohemian country meadow to a Viennese ballroom.

  • Venue
    Symphony Center
  • Price
    $49.00+ (incl. fees)
  • Length
    2 hours
  • Preconcert conversation
    Kyle Dzapo
  • Program Book
    Read more
Schedule
Program
Schumann

Overture to Manfred

Mendelssohn

Violin Concerto

Dvořák

Symphony No. 5

Extras

Enhance your concert experience.

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.


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 at Symphony Center 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 »

Sponsors & Partners

The appearance of Hilary Hahn is made possible with support from The Paul Ricker Judy Endowment Fund.

The appearance of Petr Popelka is made possible by the Juli Plant Grainger Fund for Artistic Excellence.


Discover more on Experience CSO
For Hilary Hahn, performing in Chicago is like returning home. “You look forward to it," she says. "You know what you are returning to. You anticipate it in a way that’s really pleasant."
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Along with his European posts, Petr Popelka has built relationships with several top U.S. orchestras, including the CSO. Of his season-opening turn, he says, “Of course, that’s something very special.”
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Violinists and critics sometimes speak of the “Big Five” violin concertos, a list that typically consists of the celebrated works in the form by Beethoven, Brahms, Bruch, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky. 
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