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CHICAGO — The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) announces that tickets for a festive array of seasonal concerts in November and December 2014 go on sale tomorrow, Friday, July 25. CSOA-presented 2014/15 Holiday programs offer audiences of all ages and tastes a chance to share unique, family-friendly events and treasured music of the season beginning November 28 and continuing through December 23. The performances take place, unless otherwise noted, at Symphony Center which is located at 220 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago.
Holiday programming kicks off Thanksgiving weekend with three performances of PIXAR IN CONCERT featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Richard Kaufman in a delightful program inspired by classic Pixar films such as the Toy Story trilogy, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc. Up, Brave and more. The performance on Friday, November 28 at 8 p.m. officially opens the 2014/15 CSO at the Movies series, with two additional non-subscription performances offered on Saturday, November 29 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 30 at 3 p.m. Memorable scores from Pixar’s 14 films including their latest release, Monsters University, will be played live by Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians alongside visually stunning clips of some of the most beloved characters in animation history.
A Thanksgiving-weekend tradition at Symphony Center, the VIENNA BOYS CHOIR returns to Chicago for a matinee performance on Saturday, November 29 at 3 p.m. Highlighting holiday favorites and carols, new compositions as well as folk songs both sacred and secular, the choir’s enchanting program delights audiences of all ages. The beloved choir was founded more than 500 years ago and is known for its polished sound, irresistible charm and mastery of a wide range of repertoire, from music of the Renaissance to contemporary works. Throughout the choir’s history, the talented boys of the ensemble have worked with such musical luminaries as Mozart, Gluck and Bruckner, and the choir once counted Franz Schubert as one of its singers.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s WELCOME YULE!, now in its 20th year, is a spectacular holiday tradition that is unique to Chicago. Conceived and conducted by Duain Wolfe, director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, this full-length musical production is a feast for eyes and ears, with dancers, a children’s chorus, sing-alongs, and appearances by beloved holiday characters. This year, Welcome Yule! is presented December 13 through 23 with performances on Saturday, December 13 at 3 p.m.; Sunday, December 14 at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Friday, December 19 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 20 at 3 p.m.; Sunday, December 21 at 3 p.m.; Monday, December 22 at 3 p.m.; and Tuesday, December 23 at 3 p.m.
Heartwarming, jubilant and set in the gorgeously decorated Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, WELCOME YULE! is first-rate, bell-jingling entertainment for children, teens, adults, and seniors. As an extra Christmas treat, before each performance and during intermissions, choirs from local schools and community ensembles will entertain concertgoers with musical interludes throughout the lobby spaces of Symphony Center.
The Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble CHANTICLEER marks its 14th annual Chicago engagement of “A Chanticleer Christmas” with two performances on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and are presented in the elegant Fourth Presbyterian Church on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile (126 E. Chestnut St.). Based in San Francisco and founded in 1978, the 12-voice male a cappella ensemble has developed a remarkable reputation as “an orchestra of voices.” Undeniably one of the world’s foremost choruses, Chanticleer was also named 2008 Ensemble of the Year by Musical America, the first time a vocal ensemble has been so recognized. Celebrating their 37th anniversary this season, Chanticleer offers a seasonal program filled with traditional carols, revered sacred works, and delightful holiday favorites.
On Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m., Grammy-nominated and internationally renowned female a cappella ensemble SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK® presents “Celebrating the Holydays,” a one-of-a-kind concert featuring music from faiths and religions around the globe performed through stunning vocals rooted in the rich textures of African American traditions. With American, Latin, Chinese, African and Hebrew influences, this program honors the holiday spirit from Christmas to Kwanzaa. The repertoire includes traditional holiday standards such as “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “This Little Light of Mine,” and more, blended with new holiday favorites.
The incomparable CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (CSO) BRASS returns for a weekday matinee performance on Thursday, December 18 at 3 p.m. Known for their power and precision, the ensemble performs traditional brass repertoire as well as symphonic masterworks and holiday treasures. The CSO’s brass section has long been known for its matchless brilliance, mighty sound and spectacular power.
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