2025/26 AAN Concerts & Events
The African American Network invites you to its 10th anniversary season, celebrating Black composers, conductors and performers across genres including classical, jazz and new music. This season, the African American Network hosts celebrations, artist meet-and-greets and networking events. Everyone is welcome!
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Concert tickets start at $40 with promo code AANSEASON — an easy and incredible savings opportunity to hear world-class music at Symphony Center.
FOR CONCERTS WITH AAN EVENTS:
For concerts with an AAN event, a separate, free event ticket is also required. Your concert ticket pricing will be adjusted after you have added your seats to the order.
When ordering your concert ticket, follow the prompts to add your free reception ticket to the order. Both a concert ticket and reception ticket are required for admittance to the reception. If you forgot to order the reception ticket or have questions and need assistance, contact Patron Services online.
Subscription Package
Enjoy additional benefits when you subscribe to the AAN season.
- Secure your concert and event tickets in one easy order.
- Order additional Symphony Center concerts at special pricing.
- Secure your favorite seats — more seating availability!
- Ease your planning with flexible ticket exchanges.
- Access exclusive rates at nearby parking garages, 15% savings on purchases at the Symphony Store and more.
Order an AAN season subscription
Merry, Merry Chicago! | DEC 21
AAN at 10: Holiday Harmony
Gather the whole family for the AAN’s holiday event with the Chicago West Community Music Center String Ensemble, holiday cookies and hot chocolate.
Afterward, enjoy Symphony Center’s joyous musical celebration of the season featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.
José James with Lizz Wright: Marvin Gaye’s I Want You | FEB 6
AAN at 10: Black History Month Celebration
Singer Lizz Wright joins forces with internationally renowned José James to reimagine the music of Marvin Gaye’s provocative album in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Experience this soulful homage to one of R&B’s most influential recordings.
After the concert, celebrate Black History Month with AAN members in Grainger Ballroom.
Mike Reed’s Chicago Inspirations | MAY 1
Drummer-composer Mike Reed explores the legacy of Chicago bassist and ACM member Fred Hopkins with new works, including a commission by Henry Threadgill.
More information about the AAN event to come soon.
Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein | JUNE 13
Chicago’s Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir performs a stirring selection of spirituals alongside sumptuous orchestral highlights from Gershwin and Weill musicals.
More information about the AAN event to come soon.
Showcasing the artistry of Blacknificent 7 composers Jessie Montgomery, Carlos Simon and Joel Thompson, soprano Jeanine De Bique, jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and more!
Piccolo Play & Adagio for Strings | OCT 3-4
Pergolesi’s sacred masterpiece is filled with spine-tingling music on the nature of grief, hope and healing. These emotions also course through works by Barber and Carlos Simon.
Honeck Conducts Mozart Requiem | NOV 20-23
Manfred Honeck presents Mozart’s Requiem as it might have been heard at the composer’s funeral, in a powerful and dramatic musical experience.
Jaap van Zweden, Himari & Mozart Jupiter | FEB 12-15
Sensational teen Himari illuminates Bruch’s First Violin Concerto in her CSO subscription debut. Mozart’s electrifying Jupiter Symphony caps the program.
Nubya Garcia / Somi | MAR 13
Tenor saxophonist Nubya Garcia and vocalist Somi make their Symphony Center debuts with graceful, powerful and genre-blending music.
IMPACT: Showcasing Education & Community Programs of the CSO | MAR 15
Be inspired by the musicians who are learning, growing and serving Chicago through the programs produced by the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Miles Davis at 100: Gonzalo Rubalcaba / Unlimited Miles | MAR 27
Pay tribute to Miles Davis’ centennial and his enduring legacy with a double bill concert featuring virtuosic pianism and bold new arrangements.
Alsop Conducts Adams, Copland & Marsalis | JUNE 4-6
The CSO joins forces with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for Liberty (Symphony No. 5), Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Wynton Marsalis’ latest symphonic work. Copland’s Appalachian Spring and a new work by John Adams kick off an all-American celebration.