Conductor Charles Dutoit opens the CSO's season with Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony, which has drama, virtuoso ensemble demands and a recurring theme that runs throughout all four movements. It has been described as "a perfect work in terms not only of its proportions but also its architecture, structure, wealth of instrumentation, dynamic contrasts and its whole psychological development."

Lalo's well-known Symphonie espagnole was written for brilliant Spanish violinist and composer Pablo de Sarasate. CSO Concertmaster Robert Chen will illuminate this stylish work's vibrant blend of Spanish idioms.

The Damnation of Faust captures audiences with its originality, dazzling color and hair-raising intensity. For the first time in 20 years, the CSO will perform this riveting work led by Charles Dutoit, who is widely regarded as one of the world's most brilliant Berlioz interpreters. The Chicago Symphony Chorus and an exceptional cast will tell this devastating story of passion, human conflict and terror. The composer initially described his depiction of Faust's anguished journey as an opera and considered it one of his best works. The amazing writing, celebrated Rákóczy march and blazing emotion consistently astonish.