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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Sleeping Beauty & Dvořák Cello Concerto
Oct 22-25, 2026
Overview
The crown jewel of cello repertoire, Dvořák’s heroic and soulful Cello Concerto marks the return of Jian Wang, a soloist with a lustrous sound and compelling interpretive ideas. Selections from Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty transport you to the Golden Age of ballet, painted in a thousand wondrous sounds. Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider opens the program with music from his native Denmark, in Nielsen’s quicksilver Maskarade Overture.
This program will also be performed at Wheaton College on October 23.
Program
Nielsen
Overture to Maskarade
Dvořák
Cello Concerto
Tchaikovsky
Suite from The Sleeping Beauty
Performers
Enhance your experience
Preconcert Conversation
Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Daniel Schlosberg 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
College Night — Thursday, October 22
Prior to the concert on Thursday, October 22, college students are invited to enjoy pizza, treats and a Q&A with a CSO musician.
Sponsors & Partners
The appearance of Jian Wang is made possible by the Grainger Fund for Excellence.
This performance is made possible with the generous support of William R. Jentes†.
Inside the Music
About the music
Among his many milestones, Tchaikovsky raised the bar for ballet music. He wrote music full of soaring, inventive melodies, daring harmonies and rhythmic vitality. His three ballets have become classics that endure to this day.
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Guest artists
When cellist Jian Wang returns to Chicago this fall, a longtime friend and collaborator will be on the podium: Danish conductor Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider.
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About the music
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider once reminded a Royal Albert Hall audience that "Denmark is not all Lego and pastries!” His exhibit A: Carl Nielsen's overture to his opera "Maskarade,"
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