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Civic Orchestra of Chicago
Finlandia & Beethoven Eroica
Oct 26, 2026 — 7:30 PM
Overview
Forged in an age of revolution, Beethoven’s mighty Eroica Symphony brims with anthems of hope and triumph over oppression. Sibelius channeled Finnish pride in Finlandia, which became a rallying cry during his country’s drive for independence. America’s democratic, pluralistic ideals are refracted in Charles Ives’ variations on “My Country ’Tis of Thee,” while J.E. Hernández’s work explores the nuances of the modern-day immigration story.
Pay what you wish, starting at $5, for this concert. By paying for your ticket, you demonstrate the value music plays in your life and help make this performance available to all. Seating is general admission.
This program will also be performed at South Shore Cultural Center on October 25.
Program
IVES (orch. Schuman)
Variations on America
Hernández
Parallax (or 33,000 Stolen Sunsets)
Sibelius
Finlandia
Beethoven
Symphony No. 3 (Eroica)
Performers
Principal Conductor, Civic Orchestra of Chicago
The Robert Kohl and Clark Pellett Principal Conductor Chair
Sponsors & Partners
The 2026/27 Civic Orchestra season is generously sponsored by Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation, which also provides major funding for the Civic Fellowship program.
Major support for the Civic Orchestra of Chicago is also provided by John and Leslie Burns; Robert and Joanne Crown Income Charitable Fund; Nancy Dehmlow; Leslie Fund, Inc.; the Maval Foundation; Judy and Scott McCue; Barbara and Barre Seid Foundation; and Paul and Lisa Wiggin.
Inside the Music
“What makes my work with the Civic so fulfilling," says Ken-David Masur, "is that each member [has] their heart and hand on the pulse of society’s change."
Explore more
The 2026/27 season programming for the Civic Orchestra of Chicago has been announced and includes familiar orchestral works alongside new music from an array of today’s composers. Concerts take place in neighborhood and community venues and at Symphony Center. More information is available at cso.org.
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"As a Finnish conductor you really can't avoid Sibelius. You are almost expected to play his music," says Klaus Mäkelä. "I'm actually very grateful for that, as his work possesses immense depth."
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