Chef Sheherazade

Chief Conductor Marin Alsop and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra invite audiences to embark on an exhilarating sonic journey across the globe in Breaking Barriers 2025. This captivating concert will explore the intersection of global adventure, music, and culture, transporting listeners from the mystic shores of the Arabian Sea to the vibrant rhythms of Cuba.

The evening climaxes with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade, a spellbinding symphonic suite that draws inspiration from the fantastical tales of One Thousand and One Nights. As the CSO’s bard weaves these ancient stories into musical form, the orchestra brings to life exotic adventures that unfold through rich textures and evocative melodies.

The journey begins in personal reflection with Reena Esmail’s RE|member, a poignant work that blends Western and Indian traditions. Through its intricate rhythms and lush harmonies, RE|member speaks to the profound ways our experiences shape us, celebrating the beauty of returning home and the new connections we forge along the way.

A propulsive excerpt of Chicago-based composer Tim Corpus’s Great Lake Concerto follows, offering a fresh and dynamic tribute to the region. Featuring soloists Vadim Karpinos (CSO assistant principal timpani and percussion) and Ed Harrison (principal timpanist of Lyric Opera of Chicago), the work offers vibrant melodies that evoke the spirit and beauty of this iconic landscape.

The energy carries into the infectious rhythms of Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, a symphonic overture inspired by the composer’s two-week trip to Havana, where he fell in love with the vibrant sounds of Afro-Cuban music.