Evanston Symphony Orchestra

A perfect, if dark, teaser for Valentine’s Day, Richard Wagner’s opera Tristan und Isolde is the ultimate love story. The Prelude und Liebestod combines the opening and closing segments of the opera, and portrays love, and every possible emotion of it. Ludwig van Beethoven’s grandiose and heroic Piano Concerto No. 5, the “Emperor” was his final piano concerto. A perfect contrast with the passionate Tristan und Isolde. It will be performed by rising star pianist Albert Cano Smit. Robert Schumann’s Symphony No.

The ESO opens its 2025–2026 subscription concert series with a program that combines charm and passion. Local composer Stacy Garrop’s Song of Orpheus, commissioned by the Louisiana Philharmonic in 2023, evokes the legendary musician of Greek mythology, whose playing could move nature, charm animals, and even persuade stones to dance. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto is one of the favorite—and most charming—wind concertos of all time. It will be performed by the renowned principal clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony, Stephen Williamson.