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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Brahms, Strauss & Ravel La valse
May 28-31, 2026
Overview
Brahms’ First Piano Concerto awes with its grand scale, intense passion and unabashedly dramatic piano writing — the ideal showcase for Martin Helmchen, “who brings both freshness and expressive depth to everything he plays” (Chicago Classical Review). Works by Ravel and Richard Strauss evoke the romance and intrigues of Vienna’s bygone golden age.
Conductor David Afkham is replacing Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, who must withdraw from May 28-31 CSO performances while continuing recovery from an injury last week that doesn’t yet allow for international travel. The concert program remains unchanged.
Program
Brahms
Piano Concerto No. 1
Schumann
Waldszenen, Op. 82: VII. Vogel als Prophet [May 28, 31 Encore]
Martin Helmchen piano
J.S. Bach (arr. Reger)
Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639 [May 29, 30 Encore]
Martin Helmchen piano
R. Strauss
Suite from Der Rosenkavalier
Ravel
La valse
Performers
Extras
Enhance your concert experience.
Preconcert Dining
Explore Symphony Center’s on-site dining options for a seamless preconcert experience. Preorder a Sound Bites meal to enjoy in the Rotunda before the concert — or make a reservation to dine at the Thomas Club, offering a prix fixe menu featuring traditional American fare and a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. View menus and learn more »
Preconcert Conversation
Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Kyle Dzapo in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.
Sponsors & Partners
This concert is sponsored by Zell Family Foundation.
Discover more on Experience CSO
Pianist Martin Helmchen calls his CSO engagements “probably the greatest memories of my concerts in the U.S. I’ve not had an ongoing relationship like this, a constant kind of partnership, with any other orchestra outside of Europe.”
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In April 1904, Richard Strauss guest conducted the Chicago Orchestra with his wife, Pauline, as soprano soloist.
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Now that Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider has established dual careers as a conductor and violin soloist, the challenge is devoting time to both: “I asked Daniel Barenboim about that once, and he said, ‘When you figure it out, you tell me.’ "
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