Hilary Hahn (Photo: OJ Slaughter)
Health concerns have caused Hilary Hahn to withdraw from her upcoming performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She was set to perform Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto on September 19th and 20th in the CSO’s first concerts of the 2024-2025 season.
Hahn’s withdrawal is the latest in a string of health-related cancellations by the superstar violinist. Her first cancellations occurred in June due to a respiratory illness, followed by more cancellations from a double pinched nerve later that month. The injury was severe enough to cause the cancellation of all of Hahn’s concerts through September 8th. While Hahn expressed optimism that the condition would improve by fall, she now explains in a post to Facebook that her recovery is not yet complete.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Hilary Hahn have shared a unique connection. She made her debut at Symphony Center in 2002, and has been a frequent guest of the orchestra ever since. The violinist completed a three-year run as the CSO’s inaugural artist-in-residence in May 2024, which included mentoring young artists and experimenting with unorthodox concert structures in addition to performances with the orchestra.
In Hahn’s stead, American violinist Benjamin Beilman will perform the Barber Concerto for both concerts on September 19 and 20. Beilman is fast becoming well-acquainted with the city’s orchestra. The soloist made his CSO debut last season by subbing in for Renaud Capuçon to perform Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No.3. He opened the Grant Park Music Festival’s 2019 season. In 2022, he became one of the youngest artists ever to join the Curtis Institute of Music as a faculty member.
Other works on the CSO’s debut concert of the 2024-2025 season include classics like Bernstein’s Overture to West Side Story, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, and Ginastera’s Four Dances from Estancia, all conducted by Andrés Orozco-Estrada. Michael Tilson Thomas’ Agnegram, a piece written for the composer’s friend, Agnes Albert, will open the program.
For ticketing and information, visit the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at cso.org
