It will mark Muti’s tenth-anniversary season as music director as well as the 250th birthday of Beethoven. Muti conducts all of Beethoven’s symphonies over the course of the season, culminating in the triumphant Symphony No. 9 in June 2020.

hough it seems like we can only count on our hands the number of times we see the saxophone in the concert hall, the instrument does have a robust and diverse classical repertoire.

As you fire up the grill, we have the perfect soundtrack for you: some of our favorite American works, from classics like Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue to modern masterpieces like John Adams’ City Noir.

This summer’s festival is anchored by the eighty-second annual residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.