CHICAGOSymphony Center celebrates the 2019 holiday season with programming that offers a wide range of musical experiences perfect for audiences of all ages and tastes, beginning November 29 for Thanksgiving weekend and continuing through December 23. All performances take place, unless otherwise noted, at Symphony Center, located at 220 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Complete holiday programming information is available at cso.org/holidays
Conductor Justin Freer leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra ( CSO ) in a performance of HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE TM for the first concert on the CSO at the Movies series on Friday, November 29, at 7:30 p.m., and for two CSO Special Concerts on Saturday, November 30, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 1, at 3:00 p.m. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter is mysteriously entered into the Triwizard Tournament, a grueling contest among three wizarding schools in which he confronts a dragon, water demons and an enchanted maze only to find himself in Lord Voldemort's grasp. All will change when Harry, Ron and Hermione leave childhood forever and face challenges beyond their imagining. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the entire film in high-definition on a 32-foot screen while hearing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing every note live of Patrick Doyle's original score featuring unforgettable themes by John Williams.
A time-honored tradition returns to Symphony Center for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend when the VIENNA BOYS CHOIR performs Christmas in Vienna on Saturday, November 30, at 2:00 p.m. This festive matinee program is filled with classic carols, traditional folk songs and holiday favorites. The choir was founded more than 500 years ago and is known for its polished sound, irresistible charm and mastery of a wide range of repertoire, from music of the Renaissance to contemporary works. Today's chorus consists of 100 choristers between the ages of 10 and 14, divided into four touring choirs that travel throughout Europe, Asia and North America, performing more than 300 concerts for nearly half a million people each year.
The Grammy® Award-winning vocal ensemble CHANTICLEER returns to Chicago for their 19th consecutive year to present A Chanticleer Christmas in two special concerts on Tuesday December 3, at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. Performing in the intimate setting of Fourth Presbyterian Church on Chicago's Magnificent Mile ( 126 E. Chestnut St. ), Chanticleer opens each concert in candlelight in what has become a favorite holiday tradition for many Chicago concertgoers. The San Francisco-based 12-voice ensemble has been hailed as "the world's reigning male chorus" by The New Yorker. Recently celebrating the 40th anniversary of its founding in 1978, Chanticleer was also named 2008 Ensemble of the Year by Musical America, the first time a vocal ensemble was so recognized. Known for their awe inspiring clarity and precision, the vocal talents of Chanticleer kick-start the holiday season with a program of festive choral works
Members of the CSO perform three special, non-subscription presentations of the heartwarming holiday classic HOME ALONE in Concert on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 7, at 3:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 8, at 3:00 p.m. Roosevelt University's CCPA Conservatory Chorus and Walter Payton College Prep Concert Choir join Members of the CSO for these performances. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and must defend his suburban Chicago home against two bungling thieves. This delightful holiday caper features an Oscar®-nominated score by renowned composer John Williams performed live by Members of the CSO.
The incomparable CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ( CSO ) BRASS offers its thrilling annual concert on Wednesday, December 18, at 8:00 p.m. Known for its power and precision, the CSO Brass performs traditional brass repertoire and symphonic masterworks. Among this year's selections highlighting the power and beauty of this extraordinary ensemble are works by Ravel, Debussy, Sibelius, and Puccini.
The CSO's annual tradition, MERRY, MERRY CHICAGO! returns for its fifth year at Symphony Center with a celebration of holiday music offered in six performances, December 14 to 23. Conducted by Emil de Cou, the program features Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus directed by Duain Wolfe. Festive songs and carols such as "Deck the Halls", "White Christmas" and "Angels we Have Heard on High" are featured alongside classic choral works like the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah, as well as orchestral selections such as Suppe's Overture to Poet and Peasant and Herald Angels, a composition by CSO violist Max Raimi.
Program and Ticket Details
Tickets for all CSOA-presented concerts can be purchased by phone at 800-223-7114 or 312- 294-3000; online at cso.org, or at the Symphony Center box office: 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604.
Discounted student tickets for select concerts can be purchased, subject to availability, online in advance or at the box office on the day of the concert. For group rates, please call 312-294- 3040. CSO tickets for select program are also available through the city's new Teen Arts Pass ( TAP ) program. More information available at teenartspass.urbangateways.org/ .
Artists, programs and prices are subject to change.
United Airlines is the Official Airline of the CSO.
Film presentations at Symphony Center are generously sponsored by Megan and Steve Shebik.
The appearance of the Chicago Symphony Chorus is made possible by a generous gift from Jim and Kay Mabie.
These programs are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
—From a press release