Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 at The Pavilion at Ravinia

Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor

Some call it the most moving work of the Romantic period, others a headlong assault. Some have described it as the most regarded work in cello repertoire, and others bringing “into the midst of our modern restlessness something of the sweetness and clarity of past periods, something that seems like fragments of a vanished world."

Call it what you will, the fact still remains that French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ iconic Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Opus 33, composed for French cellist and instrument maker Auguste Tolbecque grips, moves, compels, and enchants from its bold and dramatic opening to the contrasting lyrical section to the high energy of the finale. Even though the work moves through different sections, it was composed as one continuous, seamless movement, offering a unique experience of uninterrupted musical magic that stirs, evokes, and thrills.

Dazzling Music

Renowned cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason will be making his Ravinia debut this summer with the dazzling concerto under the baton of maestro David Robertson, the Director of Orchestral Studies at the world-renowned Juilliard. The evening’s programme is set to kick off with the lush harmonies, evocative themes of “resilience and renewal”, and shifting textures of Sarah Kirkland’s 2016 award-winning single-movement Something For The Dark, setting the perfect tone for the musical magic to follow. 

The programme includes Emmanuel Chabrier’s extraordinary rhapsody for orchestra, España - an energetic tribute to Spanish folk traditions. The work, containing Spanish influences such as a jota and malagueña, was received with much acclaim upon its premiere in 1883, catapulting the composer to fame. 

Concert-goers can also look forward to another taste of Spain with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, a delightful five-movement suite based on folk melodies, capturing the essence of Spain perfectly. 

The Pavilion at Ravinia

The idyllic setting of The Pavilion at Ravinia, its natural beauty, stunning architecture, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, pin-drop acoustics, fantastic amenities, and comfortable seating for up to 3,400 spread across a covered pavilion, boxes, and a general admission lawn area, together with world-class music filling the summer skies, are the epitome of what the perfect night would be. 

Get your tickets now, and get in on an evening filled with vibrant soundscapes, magnificent entertainment, and fantastic music!