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Benjamin Grosvenor
Mar 8, 2026 — 3:00 PM
Overview
Join Benjamin Grosvenor for a fascinating program of fantasies and sonatas spanning the 19th century. Beethoven’s dreamlike Moonlight Sonata is followed by Robert Schumann’s mighty C Major Fantasy, dedicated to fellow virtuoso Liszt. Scriabin’s luminous Sonata No. 2 — inspired by the sea, with its gentle, moonlit waves and stormy climax — leads to Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit, a masterpiece of shimmering colors and breathtaking virtuosity.
Program
Beethoven
Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 (Moonlight)
Schumann
Fantasy in C Major, Op. 17
Scriabin
Sonata No. 2 in G-sharp Minor, Op. 19
Ravel
Gaspard de la nuit
Moszkowski
Etude in A-flat Major, Op. 72, No.11 [Encore]
Ravel
Jeux d'eau [Encore]
Performers
Extras
Preconcert Dining
Preorder a meal to enjoy in the Rotunda at Symphony Center before the concert. Select from a menu of handcrafted sandwiches, salads and various snacks. Your order will be ready for pick up at the Bass Bar. Learn more about Sound Bites preorder meal pickup »
Listen
Discover more on Experience CSO
From 1795 to 1822, Beethoven wrote 32 piano sonatas, many of them iconic, such as the "Waldstein" (No. 21), "Appassionata" (No. 23) and "Hammerklavier" (No. 29). So why the special love for his "Moonlight" Sonata ?
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When pianist Leif Ove Andsnes returns to Symphony Center for concerts March 12-14 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he also will participate in a residency at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University.
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Benjamin Grosvenor has long felt a special connection to the music of Chopin: “He was such a gifted melodist and knew how to spin those melodies in a way that was vocal and yet perfectly suited to the piano.”
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