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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Petr Popelka & Hilary Hahn
Sep 17-19, 2026
Overview
Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto is packed with magical melodies and sparkling action, and there’s no more stylish interpreter than Hilary Hahn, one of the top violinists of our time, and the CSO’s former Artist-in-Residence. The Romantic journey begins with Schumann’s powerful Manfred Overture and concludes with Dvořák’s Fifth Symphony. Considered Dvořák’s symphonic breakthrough, the Fifth transports listeners from a Bohemian country meadow to a Viennese ballroom.
Program
Schumann
Overture to Manfred
Mendelssohn
Violin Concerto
Bach
Partita No. 3 in E, BWV1006: Loure [Sep 17 Encore]
Hilary Hahn violin
Bach
Partita No. 2 in D minor - Sarabande [Sep 18 Encore]
Hilary Hahn violin
Bach
Partita for Solo Violin No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006: VI. Gigue [Sep 19 Encore]
Hilary Hahn violin
Bach
Partita for Solo Violin No.3 in E Major, BWV1006: IV. Menuet I [Sep 19 Encore]
Hilary Hahn violin
Dvořák
Symphony No. 5
Performers
Enhance your experience
Preconcert Conversation
Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Kyle Dzapo 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.
Sponsors & Partners
The appearance of Hilary Hahn is made possible with support from The Paul Ricker Judy Endowment Fund.
The appearance of Petr Popelka is made possible by the Juli Plant Grainger Fund for Artistic Excellence.
Inside the Music
Guest artists
For Hilary Hahn, performing in Chicago is like returning home. “You look forward to it," she says. "You know what you are returning to. You anticipate it in a way that’s really pleasant."
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Guest conductors
Along with his European posts, Petr Popelka has built relationships with several top U.S. orchestras, including the CSO. Of his season-opening turn, he says, “Of course, that’s something very special.”
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About the music
Violinists and critics sometimes speak of the “Big Five” violin concertos, a list that typically consists of the celebrated works in the form by Beethoven, Brahms, Bruch, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky.
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