America 250: Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein

As part of the CSO’s tribute to 250 years of American history, Jean-Yves Thibaudet takes on the extravagant, jazz-infused piano solo in Leonard Bernstein’s The Age of Anxiety, based on W. H. Auden’s poem about the quest for faith and meaning. Sumptuous orchestral highlights from Gershwin and Weill musicals frame a stirring selection of spirituals performed with the Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir.

Program :

• Weill (arr. R. R. Bennett) : Lady in the Dark, Symphonic Nocturne
• Hogan : Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel
• Hailstork : I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes
• Gershwin (orch. Rose) : Overture to Girl Crazy
• Halloran : Witness
• Johnson (arr. Carter) : Lift Every Voice and Sing
• Bernstein : Symphony No. 2 (The Age of Anxiety)

Performers:

• Chicago Symphony Orchestra
• James Gaffigan, Conductor
• Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Piano (2026/27 CSO Artist-in-Residence)
• Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir

Preconcert Conversation:

Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Johann Buis in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.