The Chicago Symphony Orchestra begins its 89th summer season at the Ravinia Festival under the dynamic leadership of Chief Conductor Marin Alsop. The opening-night program features a captivating lineup of music that blends contemporary brilliance with timeless masterworks, starting with Amen, a powerful and evocative work by American composer and Grammy nominee Carlos Simon. Inspired by the rich traditions of Black gospel music, Amen vividly captures the youthful energy and spiritual fervor of a Pentecostal church service, layering rhythmic vitality with lush harmonies to create an uplifting and deeply expressive experience.

Following this stirring opening, acclaimed pianist Bruce Liu—praised by Le Monde for his “magician’s fingers and soul of integrity”—takes the stage for his anticipated Ravinia and CSO debut. Liu offers his virtuosic interpretation of Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, a dazzling set of variations that explores the full spectrum of pianistic expression, from playful wit to thunderous intensity. The piece’s famous 18th variation, with its soaring, lyrical melody, stands among Rachmaninoff’s most beloved musical moments.

The evening reaches its climax with the mystic vigor of Igor Stravinsky’s revolutionary 1913 ballet score The Rite of Spring. With its bold harmonies, driving rhythms, and primitive energy, this work caused a riot at its Paris premiere and forever changed the course of music history. 

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