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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Jaap van Zweden & Vadim Gluzman
Nov 19-21, 2026
Overview
Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony is the orchestral equivalent of a binge-watch drama, with each movement drawing you into the next, bursting with yearning, nostalgia and soaring climaxes. Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto captures the chapters in which he concluded his years as an expat and returned to the Soviet Union. Chicago favorite Vadim Gluzman takes on its kaleidoscopic solo part. Julia Wolfe’s new work takes inspiration from the iconic bell that has long stood as a symbol of freedom and perseverance.
Program
Wolfe
Liberty Bell
Prokofiev
Violin Concerto No. 2
Rachmaninov
Symphony No. 2
Performers
Enhance your experience
Preconcert Conversation
Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring LaRob K. Rafael in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.
Preconcert Dining
Explore Chicago 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.
Reservations Learn more and view the menu
Poems While You Wait — Thursday, November 19
Poems While You Wait is a collective of poets and their vintage typewriters who provide an unexpected and unpretentious encounter with poetry. The process is simple: come to Grainger Ballroom between 6:45 p.m. and a few minutes before the start of the 7:30 p.m. concert to give your name, topic of choice (funny, sad or serious; big or small) and $10 donation (all of which goes to the nonprofit book publisher Rose Metal Press) before going to enjoy the performance. At intermission, return to Grainger Ballroom to pick up your custom-made, one-of-a-kind original poem to keep for yourself or to give as a gift.
No additional tickets required.
Sponsors & Partners
The appearance of Jaap van Zweden is made possible by Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation.
The appearance of Vadim Gluzman is made possible by the Grainger Fund for Excellence.
Inside the Music
About the music
“The image of the silent, cracked Liberty Bell is emblazoned in my memory,” says Philadelphia-born composer Julia Wolfe. “The bell has stood, throughout time, as a symbol for freedom."
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About the music
Sergei Rachmaninov first appeared with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in December 1909, conducting his Isle of the Dead and performing as soloist in his Second Piano Concerto.
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Guest artists
For violin virtuoso Vadim Gluzman, all roads lead to Ukraine. "My whole family, for centuries, came from Ukraine," he said. "I very much support them as much as I can emotionally."
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