“Italian” Mendelssohn & Elgar’s Enigma

Concluding her three weeks with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chief Conductor Marin Alsop leads CSO in a program that traverses continents, cultures, and a rich spectrum of emotions.

The evening begins with Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony, a brilliant reflection of the composer’s travels. Full of lively rhythms, soaring melodies, and radiant orchestral color, the work serves as a musical diary, capturing the essence of the country’s sun-drenched skies, vibrant city piazzas, and spirited dances.

Next, the spotlight turns to the CSO’s principal clarinetist, Stephen Williamson, who brings flair and virtuosity to Copland’s Clarinet Concerto. A quintessentially American work, this concerto blends jazz, folk, and classical influences, taking listeners on a vibrant pan-American journey. Williamson’s powerful and nuanced performance guides audiences through diverse landscapes, weaving the energetic rhythms of jazz with the lyrical, expansive sounds of Copland’s signature style.

The program culminates with Elgar’s Enigma Variations, a deeply personal and emotionally rich work. Through a series of musical portraits, Elgar paints vivid depictions of his closest friends, each variation a unique expression of their personalities.