For all the rich dimensions of Yo-Yo Ma’s extraordinary career, Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto holds a special place. It was one of the first concertos he ever recorded, over 40 years ago, and it charts a searing emotional journey: Composed after the death of Stalin, the pie
For all the rich dimensions of Yo-Yo Ma’s extraordinary career, Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto holds a special place. It was one of the first concertos he ever recorded, over 40 years ago, and it charts a searing emotional journey: Composed after the death of Stalin, the piece unleashes moods of biting sarcasm, rage, despair and soulful poignancy. Ma joins conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, a frequent guest in Chicago, including with the CSO and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. A different side of Russian music, Rachmaninov’s plush and glittering Symphonic Dances shows the master at the height of his late powers.
Yo Yo Ma performs live in Chicago, United States on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at Yo-Yo Ma and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Doors typically open 60–90 minutes before showtime. Official tickets are available below — buy only from verified sources to avoid resale fraud.
Setlists shift across the tour. Yo Yo Ma tours usually run 90–120 minutes including encore. Check setlist.fm right before the show for the most recent show's order.