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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Songs of Love and Farewell
Apr 9-12, 2026
Overview
Why are we here, and what comes next? Throughout time, humans have wrestled with these questions, resulting in compositions like Richard Strauss’ radiant swan song, Rachmaninov’s haunting depiction of the journey of souls to the afterlife, Janáček’s portrait of hope and solidarity in a Siberian prison camp and Wagner’s spine-tingling meditation on eternal love.
Program
Janáček
Overture to From the House of the Dead
Rachmaninov
The Isle of the Dead
R. Strauss
Four Last Songs
Wagner
Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde (Orchestral version)
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 setting with a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. View menus and learn more »
Preconcert Conversation
Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Jesse Rosenberg on April 9 and Stephen Alltop on April 10-12 in Orchestra Hall, starting 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.
College Night
Join the CSO Student Ambassadors for a preconcert pizza dinner, Q&A with a CSO musician and the concert — all with an $18 student ticket. Learn more »
Sponsors & Partners
These concerts are generously sponsored by Sage Foundation.
Discover more on Experience CSO
Conductor Jakub Hrůša is happy to help oblige a demand for the works of his homeland, the Czech Republic. “It’s something that I love."
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Of Strauss' "Last Four Songs," soprano Corinne Winters says, "They’re just heavenly works. There are other equally beautiful pieces, but I don’t think anything is more beautiful than these four songs.”
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The Chicago Symphony Orchestra first performed Strauss' Four Last Songs in October 1954 with Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Fritz Reiner conducted.
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