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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The Soldier’s Tale
Oct 23-25, 2025
Overview
Step into Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale, a semi-staged collaboration with The Goodman. Costumes, props and evocative lighting help bring to life the Faustian fable of a soldier-fiddler who makes a pact with the devil. Framed by the composer’s Septet and Octet, the program blends theatrical storytelling with dazzling ensemble playing.
Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale
New translation by Liz Diamond, after the original French libretto by Charles Ferdinand Ramuz
Produced in association with The Goodman
Program
Stravinsky
Fanfare for a New Theatre
Stravinsky
Septet
Stravinsky
Octet
Stravinsky
The Soldier’s Tale
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 Johann Buis in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.
A Conversation with Chicagoland Veterans
Prior to the Saturday evening performance at 6:15 p.m. in the Forte event space at Symphony Center, join CSO trumpet John Hagstrom, Kaedy Puckett Molley (Warrior-Scholar Project) and Greg Sanchez (Office for Military-Affiliated Communities, University of Chicago) for a panel discussion. Led by U.S. Army Veteran and CSO Student Ambassador to University of Chicago Nathan Held, this conversation will examine the themes of The Soldier's Tale through the lens of a veteran and delve into the benefits of experiencing art post-service. No additional ticket is needed. Veterans and active-duty military personnel can access specially priced tickets with promo code VETERAN. Get concert tickets »
Sponsors & Partners
These concerts are generously sponsored by United Airlines.
Discover more on Experience CSO
Stravinsky's "The Soldier's Tale," which the CSO is presenting with The Goodman, including director Steve Scott, promises to be a perfect vehicle to reacquaint audiences with the artistry of the CSO's principal players.
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Over the course of four decades, Igor Stravinsky was a frequent guest conductor, leading the Orchestra in concerts at Orchestra Hall, the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee and at the Ravinia Festival.
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Igor Stravinsky composed "The Soldier's Tale," his hourlong theater piece, out of economic necessity, when his income was cut off by World War I and the Russian Revolution.
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