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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
DiDonato Performs Neruda Songs
May 7-9, 2026
Overview
In her final program as 2025/26 CSO Artist-in-Residence, Joyce DiDonato — one of today’s most compelling operatic storytellers — brings extraordinary emotional depth to Neruda Songs, Peter Lieberson’s lush and intimate song cycle set to the poetry of Pablo Neruda. Sensuous, searching and profoundly human, this music captures love in all its forms — from quiet devotion to overwhelming passion.
A landmark work of the 21st century, Neruda Songs has become one of the most celebrated vocal works of recent decades. Written for Lieberson’s late wife, the acclaimed mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, these deeply personal songs unfold like letters of devotion.
Led by conductor Edward Gardner, the program concludes with Walton’s First Symphony, a sweeping and dramatic work filled with tension, lyricism and theatrical flair.
Program
Barber
First Essay for Orchestra
Lieberson
Neruda Songs
Walton
Symphony No. 1
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 Oliver Camacho in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.
CSO Latino Alliance Reception
On Thursday, May 7, the CSO Latino Alliance hosts a networking reception. Tickets are required for entry. Learn more about the event at CSO Latino Alliance »
Sponsors & Partners
These concerts are generously sponsored by United Airlines.
The Artist-in-Residence at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is made possible through a generous gift from James and Brenda Grusecki.
Discover more on Experience CSO
Of her upcoming turn in "Neruda Songs," Joyce DiDonato admits it's “very tricky” to take on music so closely associated with someone else. “But all great artists want the music to live on — and to be offered to the public again.”
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"Having two jobs is a lot," says conductor Edward Gardner of his opera and orchestra posts. "You’ve got to invest an enormous amount of energy and time, but the rewards mean that it’s a massive privilege to be in that position.”
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This season's Artist-in-Residence Joyce DiDonato speaks with Frank Villella, the CSOA's director of the Rosenthal Archives, for a wide-ranging conversation.
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