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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Mäkelä, Petrushka & Belshazzar’s Feast
Oct 8-9, 2026
Overview
Step into the opulent Babylon of Belshazzar’s Feast, Walton’s dramatic cantata depicting a king’s blasphemous revelry and divine reckoning. Captivated by the sheer theatricality of the biblical tale, Walton fills the score with lavish orchestral color and hints of jazz. The great baritone Thomas Hampson joins the CSO, augmented by a double chorus, two brass bands and an organ. Stravinsky paints a scene of orchestral color in his dazzling tale of puppets springing to life amid a fantastical Russian carnival, and the CSO brass step forward to offer two joyous works by Venetian master Giovanni Gabrieli.
Program
Gabrieli (arr. Higgins)
Canzon duodecimi toni
Stravinsky
Petrushka
Gabrieli (arr. Crees)
Sonata pian’ e forte
Walton
Belshazzar’s Feast
Performers
Extras
Preconcert Conversation
Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Johann Buis 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
Sponsors & Partners
These concerts are generously sponsored by Zell Family Foundation.
The appearance of the Chicago Symphony Chorus has been made possible by a generous gift from The Grainger Foundation.