Star of the Strings

Superstar violinist Hilary Hahn appears with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra guided by the baton of esteemed conductor Petr Popelka! Together they will treat the audience to a thrilling rendition of Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, a specialty of Hahn's, who was previously artist in residence at the CSO. Sandwiching that are two other romantic gems, in Schumann's overture to Manfred and Dvorak's Fifth Symphony. A stellar time with the orchestra!

Once named Gramophone magazine's Artist of the Year, Grammy-winning violinist Hilary Hahn has become one of the most sought-after artists of our era, with years of extensive international performances and recording activities. An impressive history with many of the worlds greatest orchestras preceded her career as a soloist, and her recordings regularly find themselves on feature films, including the Oscar-nominated The Village and the 2011 drama The Deep Blue Sea starring Golden Globe award-winners Tom Hiddleston and Rachel Weisz. 

Petr Popelka is similarly sought after; the Czech composer and conductor appears regularly with prestigious orchestras across Europe, and in 2026 was announced as the Bavarian Ministry of Science, Research and Art's upcoming new Generalmusikdirector, going along with an appointment as chief conductor with the state's orchestra.