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Beethoven Symphony No. 9

August 14, 2026, 6:30 pm

Giancarlo Guerrero (Photo: Elliot Mandel)

Giancarlo Guerrero brings the 2026 season to an epic close with none other than Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, a musical affirmation of humanity on a grand scale. To conclude our season-long celebration of American music, the program begins with Julia Wolfe’s raucous Liberty Bell and Michael Daugherty’s monumental Mount Rushmore.

Playlist

Julia Wolfe: Liberty Bell

Michael Daugherty: Mount Rushmore

Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 9, Choral

Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus
Giancarlo Guerrero, Conductor
Christopher Bell, Chorus Director
Karen Slack, Soprano
Imara Miles, Mezzo-Soprano
John Matthew Myers, Tenor
Jongwon Han, Bass-Baritone

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Meet the Host

Dave Schwan has been around music all his life and has worked in broadcasting for over 40 years. Dave joined WFMT in 2010, and he hosts a number of programs including live broadcasts from Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts and the Grant Park Music Festival. In addition, he is a program host for the internationally syndicated WFMT Jazz Network. Dave is also the Sunday morning news anchor at WGN radio. As an amateur musician, he has been involved in various instrumental and choral groups in Chicago, playing both classical and jazz music. A native of Highland, Indiana, Dave grew up listening to WFMT and attending concerts around the Chicago area. During his travels, he’s had the opportunity to attend concerts around the U.S. and in Europe.

Through the Night with Peter van de Graaff

Through the Night with Peter van de Graaff

Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Playlist