A New Era Takes Shape in Chicago
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has unveiled its 2026-27 season — the first to fully bear the artistic imprint of Music Director Klaus Mäkelä. At 30, the Finnish conductor is among the youngest music directors in the CSO's history, and his programming choices signal both ambition and accessibility.
Season Highlights
The season centers on a Beethoven focus that spans the entire year, reflecting Mäkelä's belief that Beethoven's music remains essential to orchestral programming while acknowledging the composer's enduring audience appeal. The Beethoven works will be woven throughout the season rather than concentrated in a single festival.
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma returns to Orchestra Hall for a performance of Shostakovich's First Cello Concerto, continuing one of the most celebrated artist-orchestra relationships in American classical music.
A world premiere from composer Mason Bates adds contemporary repertoire to the season. Bates, known for integrating electronic elements with orchestral writing, has become one of the most frequently performed living American composers.
Finnish music features prominently in the programming — an unsurprising but welcome development given Mäkelä's background. The repertoire choices introduce Chicago audiences to works from the rich Finnish symphonic tradition beyond Sibelius.
What This Means for the Field
Mäkelä's appointment represents a generational shift in American orchestral leadership. His programming balances canonical repertoire with contemporary works and reflects a conductor comfortable drawing on both the standard European tradition and newer voices.
For musicians following orchestral trends, the CSO season offers a preview of how the next generation of music directors may approach the fundamental question of what orchestras should play — and for whom.
Comments
Sign in to join the discussion.