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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Salonen Conducts La mer
Feb 5-7, 2026
Overview
Embark on a thrilling voyage over two striking visions of the ocean — Debussy’s ravishing La mer and Gabriella Smith’s showpiece for cello, Lost Coast. Inspired by a hiking trip along the rugged Northern California coastline, the concerto features Chicago native Gabriel Cabezas — for whom it was written. Another evocative marvel, Debussy’s Images conjures up French folk dances, English-Scottish jigs and a Spanish street festival.
Program
Debussy
Images
Smith
Lost Coast
Debussy
La mer
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 Daniel Schlosberg with composer Gabriella Smith in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.
Classic Encounter
Thursday, Feb 5: Preconcert multimedia discussion hosted by the “Queen of Rock and Roll” Terri Hemmert, with guest CSO musician.
You will have the opportunity to add Classic Encounter to your order after selecting your concert seats.
Sponsors & Partners
The appearance of Esa-Pekka Salonen is made possible by the Juli Plant Grainger Fund for Artistic Excellence.
These concerts are generously sponsored by United Airlines.
Media Partner
Discover more on Experience CSO
Cellist Gabriel Cabezas prefers "bouncing around between different kinds of projects," he says. "Music is always fresh to me, whatever I’m doing. I don’t feel trapped in any one thing.”
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When writing "La mer," a symphonic ode to wind, waves and the majesty of the ocean, Claude Debussy took inspiration from famous seascapes, including "The Great Wave" by Katsushika Hokusai.
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For Gabriella Smith, the title Lost Coast has taken on a secondary meaning. "The piece is a raw expression of the grief, loss, rage and fear triggered by climate change, as well as the joy, beauty and wonder of the world’s last wild places."
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