‘Merry, Merry Chicago!’ Returns to Symphony Center. Here’s a Preview


For the fifth year, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents “Merry, Merry Chicago!” a celebration of holiday music that features members of the orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus.

Six performances are scheduled this month at the Symphony Center from Dec. 14-23.

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For the third year in a row, guest conductor Emil de Cou leads the revue of festive songs, traditional tunes and Christmas carols. Duain Wolfe directs the acclaimed chorus of more than 100 singers.

The artists refresh the show each year with special guests and a changing menu of music. This year classic choral works like the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah will be performed alongside yuletide favorites “Deck the Halls” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” The up-tempo concert also includes orchestral selections such as “Herald Angels,” a composition by CSO violist Max Raimi.

“Chicago Tonight” speaks with conductor Emil de Cou and hears from seven members of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, who perform the traditional Welsh carol “Deck the Halls” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blaine for the 1944 MGM movie “Meet Me in St. Louis.”

We’re joined by:

Ashlee Hardgrave, soprano
Megan Hendrickson, soprano
Cassidy Smith, alto
Kathleen Madden, alto
Nick Pulikowski, tenor
Sean Stanton, baritone
Michael Brown, baritone

Sharon Peterson accompanies on piano.

Encore performance: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”


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A Radiant Moment in Chicago History Key to Magic of Joffrey’s ‘Nutcracker’

Cirque du Soleil’s First-Ever Holiday Show Premieres in Chicago

Delightful Designs of Chicago and the Holidays by Artist David Lee Csicsko


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