Klaus Mäkelä Debuts with CSO: Berlioz Concert Delights Audience

URGENT UPDATE: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) kicked off its 2025-26 season with an electrifying performance under music director designate Klaus Mäkelä on Thursday evening. The highlight was Hector Berlioz’s iconic Symphonie fantastique, which dazzled attendees and showcased the orchestra’s commitment to its new maestro ahead of his full tenure beginning in September 2027.

In a concert that underscored Mäkelä’s dynamic energy and youthful flair, the CSO presented a robust program featuring not only the Symphonie fantastique but also another Berlioz masterpiece, “Harold in Italy”. This pairing offered a glimpse into the innovative direction Mäkelä aims to take the orchestra, with both pieces serving as rich examples of Berlioz’s storytelling prowess.

The atmosphere was charged as the audience responded with enthusiastic cheers after each piece, reflecting a palpable excitement surrounding Mäkelä’s leadership. This concert marked a significant moment in the orchestra’s history, setting the stage for what is expected to be a transformative era.

From the outset, Mäkelä’s vision was clear: no short openers or quick transitions. Instead, the concert was a powerful statement of intent, showcasing the orchestra’s strengths and the maestro’s ability to connect with the musicians. As a vital participant in the hiring process, the CSO players demonstrated their dedication to Mäkelä, performing with a spirited commitment that resonated throughout the concert hall.

The evening commenced with “Harold in Italy”, a work that intertwines Berlioz’s travels in Italy with the narrative of Lord Byron’s “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage”. The first movement, entitled “Melancholy, Happiness, and Joy,” was a standout, with solo violist Antoine Tamestit delivering an exceptional performance. Tamestit, returning after his CSO debut last September, engaged the audience with a charismatic stage presence, even entering from the back of the orchestra during the piece.

Following a long and appreciative ovation, he treated the audience to a quick encore, performing a vibrant rendition of J.S. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1, which further captivated the crowd.

Mäkelä conducted from memory, enhancing his connection with the musicians and allowing for a more fluid and engaging performance. The CSO showcased remarkable cohesion, particularly in the brass section, with notable performances from principal trombonist Timothy Higgins and principal trumpeter Esteban Batallán.

The concert also featured striking moments, such as a delicate duet between Tamestit and guest harpist Emily Levin, as well as a spectacular display of percussion at the conclusion of the Symphonie fantastique. Every section of the orchestra shone, with compelling solos from players like English hornist Scott Hostetler and guest flutist Herman van Kogelenberg of the Munich Philharmonic, who impressed with his warm sound throughout the evening.

As the night concluded, the excitement surrounding Klaus Mäkelä’s leadership and the CSO’s artistic direction was palpable. This concert not only celebrated Berlioz’s genius but also marked the beginning of a promising new chapter for the orchestra. As Mäkelä continues to shape his vision, audiences can expect more thrilling performances that push the boundaries of orchestral music.

Stay tuned for more updates as the CSO embarks on this remarkable journey with its new music director.