Late 19th Century France

The works on this program were born out of the emotions experienced moving into a new stage of life while still mourning the previous one — emotions captured well by the two French composers featured. César Franck’s childhood was one defined by his father who pushed him into a world of music and performing that, while showcased his budding talent, …

Mendelssohn’s Magnificence

Along with his siblings, Felix Mendelssohn began music instruction early in his life, performed his first concert at just nine years old, and composed his first symphony at fifteen.

Taste of Scandinavia

Born only 20 years apart, Danish composer Carl Nielsen and Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg represent a fruitful tradition of skilled Scandinavian composers.

Late 18th Century Classics

Quartets by Mozart and Haydn, plus a wind setting of excerpts from Don Giovanni.

French Exoticism

Diverse instrumentation for singular sounds. Music by Debussy, Saint-Saëns, and Milhaud.

Illinois Phil 2024–25: John Williams, American Symphonies, Messiah, More

The orchestra’s slate of seven concerts will kick off in September with “Three Great American Symphonies.”

Transforming Traditions

Evolutionary works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Erwin Schulhoff.

Young Mendelssohn

An early string quintet by Felix Mendelssohn, plus a violin sonata by JS Bach.

Beethoven’s Star Pupil

Exploring the relationship between Johann Nepomuk Hummel and Ludwig van Beethoven.