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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Yo-Yo Ma & the CSO
Nov 11, 2026 — 7:30 PM
Overview
For all the rich dimensions of Yo-Yo Ma’s extraordinary career, Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto holds a special place. It was one of the first concertos he ever recorded, over 40 years ago, and it charts a searing emotional journey: Composed after the death of Stalin, the piece unleashes moods of biting sarcasm, rage, despair and soulful poignancy. Ma joins conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, a frequent guest in Chicago, including with the CSO and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. A different side of Russian music, Rachmaninov’s plush and glittering Symphonic Dances shows the master at the height of his late powers.
Photo: Yo-Yo Ma and Carlos Miguel Prieto in 2023
Program
Ginastera
Four Dances from Estancia
Shostakovich
Cello Concerto No. 1
Rachmaninov
Symphonic Dances
Performers
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Preconcert Conversation
Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Robbie Ellis 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
This concert is generously sponsored by The Negaunee Foundation.
Inside the Music
Guest conductors
Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto has a deep conviction about the role of music as a bridge between societies: “Sometimes importance is given to things [related to] the economy or politics, but culture is actually what endures the most."
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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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About the music
In December 2009, Yo-Yo Ma was appointed the first Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant, “to deepen the Orchestra’s engagement with the Chicago community and to nurture the legacy of the CSO while supporting a new generation of musicians.”
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