Gershwin’s Concerto in F

Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet joins Chief Conductor Marin Alsop and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for a thrilling evening celebrating the vibrant spirit of American and European masterworks. The program highlights Thibaudet’s extraordinary artistry in George Gershwin’s Concerto in F, a dazzling fusion of jazz, blues, and classical influences written in 1925. Known for his elegance and expressive depth, Thibaudet has been praised for his intuitive grasp of Gershwin’s signature style, with the Chicago Tribune noting, “There’s no mistaking his understanding of [Gershwin’s] blues-based melancholy [and] Impressionism.” From its bold, brassy opening to its rhapsodic slow movement and exhilarating finale, Gershwin’s concerto pulses with the rhythms of 1920s New York.

Alsop also leads the CSO in Jessie Montgomery’s Strum, a lively and texturally rich work that draws inspiration from American folk traditions. Originally conceived for string quartet and later expanded for string orchestra, Strum is filled with infectious rhythmic energy, syncopated grooves, and soaring melodic lines, evoking the communal joy of dance and improvisation.

The evening concludes with one of the most emotionally profound symphonies ever composed—Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, the “Pathétique.” A work of haunting beauty and raw intensity, the symphony traverses a spectrum of emotions, from sweeping grandeur to deep despair. Its triumphant third movement is followed by a final Adagio that fades into darkness, making this deeply personal work an unforgettable journey of passion and tragedy.