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Conrad Tao
June 7, 2026 — 3:00 PM
Overview
A part of Symphony Center’s monthlong America 250 musical journey, Illinois native and pianist Conrad Tao returns with a genre-blurring recital. Praised by the Chicago Tribune for his virtuosity, profundity and invention, Tao moves effortlessly between concert music, jazz, Broadway and the Great American Songbook.
Gershwin sits at the heart of the program, from intimate songs to a thrilling arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue. Along the way, Tao draws unexpected connections between Gershwin, Debussy, Ravel, Rachmaninov and Schoenberg while weaving in music by Billy Strayhorn, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen and Scott Joplin.
Playful, spontaneous and deeply personal, the recital showcases Tao’s singular ability to move between styles and traditions with imagination and unmistakable joy — creating an afternoon that feels as vibrant and dynamic as American music itself.
Program
Gershwin
The Man I Love
Schoenberg
Klavierstück, Op. 33a
Gershwin
Clap Yo’ Hands
Berlin
All By Myself
Tao
Improvisation on Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Var. 15
Rachmaninov
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Var. 15
Arlen
Over the Rainbow
Rachmaninov
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Var. 18
Strayhorn
Lush Life
Joplin
Maple Leaf Rag
Schoenberg
Klavierstück, Op. 33b
Korngold
Randy and Drake from Kings Row
Gershwin (arr. Tao)
I Loves You, Porgy
Gershwin
I Got Rhythm
Debussy
Pour les arpèges composés from Etudes
Ravel
Sonatine
Strayhorn
Chelsea Bridge
Gershwin
Rhapsody in Blue
Ravel (arr. Tao)
Le jardin féerique from Ma mère l'Oye [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 »
Sponsors & Partners
This performance is generously sponsored by Martha C. Nussbaum and Gerd Wichert.
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