The Chicago Symphony Orchestra gave the U.S. premiere of Bartók’s Second Piano Concerto in 1939, and two years later, the composer was soloist in the same work in his only appearances with the ensemble. Honoring the birthdays of both Bartók (March 25) and former principal guest conductor Pierre Boulez (March 26), this program continues with The Miraculous Mandarin and the Second Violin Concerto featuring Gil Shaham.
Bartók and Boulez

Béla Bartók
Playlist
Piano Concerto No. 2, by Béla Bartók
Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Claudio Abbado, conductor; Maurizio Pollini, piano
The Miraculous Mandarin, by Béla Bartók
Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Pierre Boulez, conductor; Chicago Symphony Chorus; Duain Wolfe, director
Hungarian Sketches, by Béla Bartók
Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Pierre Boulez, conductor
Violin Concerto No.2 , by Béla Bartók
Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Pierre Boulez, conductor; Gil Shaham, violin