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!
Get your tickets today!
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
Christian McBride & Brad Mehldau | OCT 10
AAN at 10 Kickoff
In a rare bass and piano duo performance, McBride and Mehldau showcase their extraordinary musical rapport and captivating interplay. The combination promises an evening of nuanced musical conversation.
Following the concert, join other African American Network members in Grainger Ballroom for the first event of the 10th season.
Till Eulenspiegel & Bullock Sings Aucoin | DEC 6
Voices and Verses, Co-hosted with the CSO Latino Alliance
Star soprano Julia Bullock gives the world premiere of a new song cycle, written for her by former CSO Sir Georg Solti Conducting Apprentice Matthew Aucoin. Set to the poetry of Chilean writer Raúl Zurita, the piece explores themes of memory, language and spirituality.
More information about the AAN event to come soon.
Merry, Merry Chicago! | DEC 21
Gather with friends and loved ones in Orchestra Hall — decked with boughs of holly — for a program of familiar carols, holiday songs and festive surprises.
More information about the AAN event before the 4:30 p.m. concert to come soon.
José James with Lizz Wright: Marvin Gaye’s I Want You | FEB 6
Singer Lizz Wright joins forces with internationally renowned José James to reimagine the music of this provocative album in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Experience this soulful homage to one of R&B’s most influential recordings.
More information about the AAN event to come soon.
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.