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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Sound and Fury
May 21-23, 2026
Overview
James Gaffigan leads the Orchestra in a lively program of dance rhythms and playful invention. Grieg’s Holberg Suite breathes fresh life into elegant dances from the Baroque era. CSO Assistant Concertmaster Yuan-Qing Yu takes center stage in Kreisler’s charming Violin Concerto, and Anna Clyne’s Sound and Fury finds inspiration in Shakespeare’s rhythmic use of language. Completing the program, Haydn’s Symphony No. 101 (The Clock) — whose Andante movement was demanded as an encore at its premiere — delights with witty surprises and its famous tick-tock rhythm.
Conductor James Gaffigan replaces Pekka Kuusisto, who has chosen not to travel to the United States at this time. CSO Assistant Concertmaster Yuan-Qing Yu steps in to play Fritz Kreisler’s Violin Concerto in C Major.
Program
Grieg
Holberg Suite
Kreisler
Violin Concerto in C Major (In the Style of Vivaldi)
Clyne
Sound and Fury
Haydn
Symphony No. 101 in D Major (The Clock)
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 Robbie Ellis in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.
Sponsors & Partners
Media Partner
These concerts are sponsored in part by Gage Hospitality Group.
Discover more on Experience CSO
Though James Gaffigan has spent much of his career working in Europe, he has regularly returned to the United States for guest-conducting runs; he also has always maintained American music as one of the pillars of his repertoire.
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Of Kreisler's Violin Concerto in C Major, Yuan-Qing Yu says, “Somehow [it] was never on my radar. I gave it a listen, and I thought it was so charming. So I was very happy to be asked [to solo], and a chance to learn a new piece is always great.”
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When American conductor James Gaffigan learned of American comedian-actor Jim Gaffigan, it was cause for consternation. The maestro says, "I’m sick of people expecting me to be funny all the time."
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