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Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass
Dec 16, 2025 — 7:30 PM
Overview
Celebrated around the world for its mighty sound and razor-sharp precision, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra brass section presents its annual December spectacular. CSO trombone Michael Mulcahy leads a concert featuring brilliant works by French composers, including favorites by Berlioz, Ravel, Poulenc and Chabrier. Revel in a festive showcase of color and virtuosity, with vivid chamber music and orchestral showpieces arranged for brass.
Program
Berlioz (arr. Pollard)
Hungarian March from The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24
Escaich
Old Song
Poulenc
Sonata for Horn, Trumpet and Trombone
Poulenc (arr. Higgins)
Quatre petites prières de Saint François d'Assise
Ravel (arr. Boyd)
La valse
Chabrier (arr. Boyd)
España
Ravel (arr. Allen)
Alborada del gracioso
Tomasi
Fanfares liturgiques
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 »
Meet Members of the CSO Brass & Sam Quinones
After the performance, join members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra brass section and author Sam Quinones (The Perfect Tuba) in the first-floor Rotunda for an informal meet and greet and book signing. This event is free and open to all ticketholders. Tickets are not required.
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Sponsors & Partners
This concert is generously sponsored by the Schmidt Family Fund.
The Perfect Tuba
In The Perfect Tuba, National Book Critics Circle Award-winning author Sam Quinones traces the rich history of the tuba, the determined musicians who master it — including CSO legend Arnold Jacobs — and the transformative power of shared joy and humble achievement.
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Discover more on Experience CSO
A highlight of this season's annual CSO Brass concert will be the event's first appearance of Timothy Higgins, who took over as the CSO’s principal trombone in September.
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The legendary brass section of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is featured on this live recording from 2011, with works by Gabrieli, Bach, Prokofiev and others,
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CSO trumpet John Hagstrom, who produced "The History of the CSO Brass: Legacy of Excellence," hopes the video gives viewers "insight into the mindset and work ethic that maintains the quality of the entire orchestra."
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