Frommer's Review
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is considered among the best in the world; a legacy of the late maestro Sir Georg Solti, who captured a record-breaking 31 Grammy awards for his CSO recordings and showcased the orchestra at other major musical capitals during frequent international tours. Recently departed musical director Daniel Barenboim -- a talented conductor and piano prodigy who left the CSO after the 2005-06 season -- proved a worthy successor. (Currently, interim leadership is in place in the form of Bernard Haitink, the CSO's principal conductor; and Pierre Boulez, the CSO's conductor emeritus.) Under Barenboim, the orchestra added more modern works into their repertoire, but crowd-pleasing favorites by Beethoven or Brahms are performed regularly as well.
Like many other orchestras around the country, the CSO has tried to diversify its programming to attract younger audiences. The "Symphony Center Presents" series has recently included some of the top jazz, world beat, Latin, and cabaret artists in the world. Although demand is high, good seats for concerts -- turned in by subscribers who can't make it -- often become available on concert days. Call Symphony Center, or stop by the box office to check availability.
Summertime visitors have an opportunity to hear a CSO performance at the delightful Ravinia Festival (tel. 847/266-5100) in suburban Highland Park, led by music director Christoph Eschenbach.
The highly regarded Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the CSO's training orchestra since 1919, presents free programs at Orchestra Hall. The Chicago Symphony Chorus also performs there.
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