Overview

• Klaus Mäkelä, the new music director designate of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), made a notable debut with performances that captivated audiences and critics alike.
• Mäkelä's appointment as the youngest music director in CSO's history has generated significant attention, marking a new era for the orchestra.
• The performances featured the American premiere of Sauli Zinovjev’s 'Batteria' and a highly praised rendition of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1, showcasing Mäkelä's diverse repertoire.
• Cellist Sol Gabetta's last-minute inclusion and her superb performance alongside Mäkelä were highlights of the concerts.
• The success of these concerts raises expectations for Mäkelä's tenure, which officially begins in 2027, and his ability to attract new audiences and sustain the orchestra’s elite level.