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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The Planets
Nov 2-7, 2023
Overview
Daniel Harding leads Holst’s The Planets, the interstellar orchestral suite that has inspired generations of sci-fi film composers. Experience the ferocity of “Mars,” the golden song of “Jupiter,” the eerie calm of “Saturn” and the haunting off-stage vocals of the ethereal “Neptune.” The full Chicago Symphony Chorus delights in Brahms’ radiant Schicksalslied (“Song of Destiny”).
Program
Schumann
Overture to Manfred
Brahms
Schicksalslied
Holst
The Planets
Performers
Extras
Enhance your concert experience.
Preconcert Dining
Enhance your concert experience by dining at Forte featuring contemporary Mediterranean cuisine or the Thomas Club featuring traditional American fare. Learn more »
Classic Encounter
Thursday, November 2: Pre-concert multimedia discussion hosted by Chicago’s favorite radio DJ, WXRT’s Terri Hemmert, with co-host John Hagstrom, CSO trumpet (The Bleck Family Chair).
You will have the opportunity to add Classic Encounter to your order after selecting your seats for the concert.
Learn more about Classic Encounter »
Preconcert Conversation
Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Laura Sauer-Shah in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.
Adler Planetarium Exhibition
On Tuesday, November 7, join astronomers from the Adler Planetarium for an exhibition in Grainger Ballroom, starting at 6:30 and running through intermission. Patrons may participate in a hands-on activity to create their own planisphere and enjoy a video presentation exploring the planets. No additional tickets are required.
Sponsors & Partners
The appearance of the Chicago Symphony Chorus has been made possible by a generous gift from The Grainger Foundation.
Official Airline of the CSO
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency
Media Partners
Discover more on Experience CSO
Though he's one of the world's busiest conductors, Daniel Harding has a second career as an Air France pilot: "I’ve learned things about myself and conducting in a year [as a pilot] that I didn’t learn in 29 years before as a conductor.”
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After its debut in 1918, Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite The Planets became an international phenomenon — it was so popular during Holst’s lifetime that it conferred what would now be considered rock-star status on the composer.
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Legendary WXRT host Terri Hemmert describes her involvement with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Classic Encounter series as “one of the best things that has ever happened to me.”
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As legendary disc jockey Terri Hemmert returns as the host of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Classic Encounter series this season, she's also celebrating her 50th anniversary at WXRT-FM.
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On December 31, 1920, Frederick Stock led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the U.S. premiere of Gustav Holst's The Planets.
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During the 1957-58 season, Margaret Hillis — on the invitation of sixth music director Fritz Reiner — founded the Chicago Symphony Chorus.
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