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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Mäkelä Conducts Sibelius & Shostakovich
Sep 24-26, 2026
Overview
Two exhilarating symphonies launch the fall residency of Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä. Sibelius’ Seventh Symphony sweeps you along like a mighty river flowing to the sea, joining noble trombone calls with misty, churning string currents. Shostakovich’s Fourth Symphony, written under Stalin’s shadow, shows the composer at his most wild and audacious. Be riveted by this panorama of moods and genres — funeral marches, waltzes, birdsongs and caustic interjections.
Program
Sibelius
Symphony No. 7
Shostakovich
Symphony No. 4
Performers
Enhance your experience
Preconcert Conversation
Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Weston Williams 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.
Listen
Sponsors & Partners
These performances are made possible by the Juli Plant Grainger Fund for Artistic Excellence.
Media Partner