When it comes to holiday music, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and its presenting arm, Chicago Symphony Presents, have all the bases covered with programs offering the old and new, sacred and secular, and familiar and unfamiliar. Here is an overview of the many seasonal options, which all take place at Chicago Symphony Center, except where noted:
Nov. 27-29, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” in Concert. In the first sequel to the 2010 animated fantasy, the heroes Hiccup and Toothless discover a secret cave with wild dragons and a mysterious Dragon Rider. Soon they find themselves in an epic battle to save the future of man and dragons. Conducted by Nicholas Buc, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs composer John Powell’s score live to picture. Last season’s performances of the original “How to Train Your Dragon” sold out, so grab your ducats now.
Nov. 28, Vienna Boys Choir, Christmas in Vienna. There might be no more famous choral group in the world than this ensemble, which traces its storied history to an imperial decree from the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I in 1498. It maintains four ensembles, one of which is on the road at any given time. For this Chicago Symphony Presents Concert, the program will feature Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, holiday hymns and carols.
Dec. 8, A Chanticleer Christmas. The 12-member, male a cappella vocal group annually performs 25 or so holiday concerts nationwide between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each year since 2000, save for the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, Chanticleer has made a Chicago yuletide stop. As in recent seasons, the group performs at Orchestra Hall, instead of its longtime venue of the Fourth Presbyterian Church. “We love coming to Chicago, and every year, our Christmas tour starts on the East Coast, and we wind our way back,” said Music Director Tim Keeler. “We would never miss a stop in Chicago.”
Dec. 11-13, “Elf” in Concert. In full yuletide regalia, Buddy the elf (Will Farrell) travels to New York to find his long-lost father (Bob Newhart, who in real life, was a native of Oak Park). Conducted by Justin Freer, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra perform John Debney’s festive score. As Buddy likes to insist, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Dec. 15, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass. While not a yuletide concert per se, this annual offering always occurs during the holiday season and is always festive in spirit. The event showcases the CSO’s brass section, which has built an international reputation for its bold, shining sound. As usual, this concert will be led by Michael Mulcahy, a member of the CSO trombone section since 1989.
Dec. 17-19, Messiah. With its uplifting messages and compassionate storytelling, Handel’s oratorio never fails to inspire. Four vocal soloists (soprano Sherezade Panthaki, countertenor Hugh Cutting, tenor Andrew Haji and bass baritone Paul Max Tipton) join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, led by Baroque music authority Masaaki Suzuki. The work’s iconic melodies and ensemble passages, including “For Unto Us a Child is Born” and the Hallelujah Chorus, are instantly recognizable.
Dec. 18-23, Merry, Merry, Chicago! This CSO Special Concert, an annual, family-friendly holiday revue, is performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, this season led by Thomas Wilkins. Broadway favorite Mandy Gonzalez and actor Brian McCartney will join the CSO for yuletide favorites such as “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Christmas in Chicago.”
