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Chicago Symphony Orchestra Opening Night Gala Provided by Chicago Symphony Orchestra  |
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 The Chicago Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 118th season with a special Opening Night Gala performance on Saturday, September 20, at 7 p.m., featuring superstar pianist Lang Lang and conductor Charles Dutoit. The Orchestra will perform Mussorgsky’s beloved “Pictures from an Exhibition” and Sibelius’ grand “Finlandia,” and Lang Lang will join the CSO for Chopin’s exquisite Piano Concerto No. 2.
After the concert, gala guests will be transported via trolley to a special tent at Millennium Park, outfitted in lavish decorations inspired by the Northern Lights. The CSO’s Opening Night Gala is generously sponsored by BP. This year’s Opening Night chairs are Chester A. Gougis and Shelley Ochab of Chicago. Gala packages range in price from $500 to $1750 each and can be ordered by calling (312) 294-3185. Concert-only tickets (includes concert and a post-concert celebration at Symphony Center) range from $55 to $173 and can be ordered by calling Symphony Center’s Box Office at (312) 294-3000.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Opening Night Gala marks the start of the season-long “Echoes of Nations” theme, an exploration of music that reflects the distinctiveness and unique traditions of cultures from around the world. This focus—which features nearly 40 Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Center Presents concert programs, complemented by lectures, poetry readings and multimedia events—celebrates composers who embraced the sounds of their native cultures, particularly language and folk melodies, and incorporated them into their own musical styles.
During its Opening Night concert, the Orchestra will perform two works as part of the “Echoes of Nations” theme. The concert opens with “Finlandia,” a piece written by Jean Sibelius in support Finland’s resistance to Russian influence in their country. The stirring, patriotic music became a symbol of Finnish nationalism and cemented Sibelius’ standing as Finland’s musical hero. The Orchestra will close the program with Mussorgsky’s beloved “Pictures from an Exhibition,” a masterwork that uses musical storytelling and realism as an expression of Russian nationalism.
In November, Lang Lang returns for a five-day “Echoes of Nations” residency that includes concerts of Eastern and Western music, as well as master classes for young musicians and other special events. On November 14, Lang Lang is joined by CSO Concertmaster Robert Chen and Principal Cello John Sharp for a chamber concert featuring Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 1 and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio. On November 15, he will be joined by fellow Chinese musicians performing on traditional Chinese instruments for a family program designed to introduce music lovers of all ages to the sounds of his rich musical heritage. That evening Lang Lang and the ensemble will bridge the sounds of East and West with a unique program of solo piano works from the Western canon alongside music from traditional Chinese repertoire. Both concerts will include music from Lang Lang’s 2006 album “Dragon Songs.” Associated educational activities and master classes will be announced at a later date.
Complete event information:
Saturday, September 20, 2008, 7 p.m.
Opening Night of the 118th Season
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Charles Dutoit, Conductor
Lang Lang, Piano
SIBELIUS "Finlandia," Op. 26, No. 7
CHOPIN Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21
MUSSORGSKY "Pictures from an Exhibition" (orch. Ravel)
Tickets: Gala packages including pre-concert drinks and post-concert dinner and dancing are available by calling (312)294-3185. Concert-only tickets ($55-$173) can be purchased by calling CSO Ticketing at (312)294-3000 or 800-223-7114, visiting the CSO’s Web site, cso.org, or visiting the Symphony Center Box Office at 220 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60604. Box Office and CSO Ticketing hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (during concert season only). For group rates, please call (312)294-3040. Artists, programs and ticket prices are subject to change. |
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