Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs at Edman Chapel

Almost 1400 people gathered in Edman Chapel last Wednesday evening to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) perform.
Led by guest conductor Yuri Temirkanov, the CSO performed Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30 and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73. The orchestra has performed more than 10 times at Wheaton since 1960 as the venue reaches “diverse audiences in the western suburbs,” according to the CSO.
The concert featured soloist Denis Matsuev, a Russian classical pianist commended for his ferocity and ability according to the Washington Post. Matsuev has performed with numerous other distinguished ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Russian National Orchestra. Matsuev soloed in the Rachmaninov piece on Wednesday and received a standing ovation.
A good portion of the audience consisted of individuals from the greater Chicago area. A van from the Covenant Retirement Community brought a group of senior citizens to the concert, and there was quite a turnout from local adults and their families.
Yana Filipovich and her daughter Christina from Buffalo Grove came to the concert to listen to classical music and to hear Matsuev perform. “We are from Russia, and we know this famous pianist,” said Filipovich.
Matsuev also performed three other concerts with the CSO this weekend at the Chicago Symphony Center. He will be returning to Russia to play at the Oktyabrsky Concert Hall in St. Petersburg on April 5.
Many Wheaton students also attended the concert, receiving a student discount, courtesy of the CSO. Like many students there, freshman Amanda Wade came because attendance was required for her Music 101 class.
Yet, despite the requirement, she enjoyed attending the concert with her grandparents. Regarding the Rachmaninov piece, Wade said, “It’s almost like a duel between the orchestra and the piano.”
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be returning to Wheaton College on March 17, 2017 to perform pieces by Rossini, Beethoven, Adams and Schumann under conductor Ricardo Muti.