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Chicago Symphony Presents
Bruce Liu
Nov 1, 2026 — 3:00 PM
Overview
Ever since his meteoric rise at the 2021 International Chopin Competition, Bruce Liu has roused audiences with performances that balance breathtaking power and poetic refinement. Don’t miss the chance to be swept up by his “immaculate pianism” and “fiery virtuosity” (Chicago Classical Review) in his highly anticipated return to Chicago.
Program
Ligeti
Fanfares from Etudes, Book I
Beethoven
Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 (Moonlight)
Chopin
Two Nocturnes, Op. 27
Ravel
Alborada del gracioso from Miroirs
Debussy
Rêverie
Beethoven
Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 (Waldstein)
Mompou
Glossa sobre Au clair de la lune
Albéniz
El puerto from Iberia, Book I
Liszt
Rhapsodie espagnole
Chopin
Etude in A-flat Major, Op. 25, No. 1 [Encore]
Chopin
Etude in G-flat Major, Op. 10, No. 5 [Encore]
Glass
Etude No. 6 [Encore]
Chopin
Etude in A Minor, Op. 25, No. 11 [Encore]
BEETHOVEN (trans. Uslan and Liu)
Für Elise in Ragtime [Encore]
Schubert
Moment Musicaux in F Minor, Op. 93, No. 3 [Encore]
Performers
Enhance your experience
Preconcert Dining
Preorder a meal to enjoy in the Rotunda at Chicago Symphony Center before the concert. Select from a menu of handcrafted sandwiches, salads and various snacks. Your order will be ready for pickup at the Bass Bar.
Preorder Sound Bites Learn more and view the menu
Postconcert CD Signing
Following his recital, join pianist Bruce Liu in Grainger Ballroom for a signing of his latest album, Lunaris. Copies will be available for purchase at the Symphony Store and in Grainger Ballroom before the signing. This event is free and open to all ticketholders.
Inside the Music
Guest artists
On his disc "Lunaris," pianist Bruce Liu journeys through the night, imagination and transcendence in some of the most iconic piano works ever written.
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Ravinia Festival
It’s all about “enjoying the process,” says rising young pianist Bruce Liu, rather than trying to achieve a particular result.
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About the music
From 1795 to 1822, Beethoven wrote 32 piano sonatas, many of them iconic, such as the "Waldstein" (No. 21), "Appassionata" (No. 23) and "Hammerklavier" (No. 29). So why the special love for his "Moonlight" Sonata ?
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