Celebrating 2025: Top Classical and Jazz Performances Highlight Growth

The performing arts scene in 2025 showcased a remarkable resilience, with new venues opening and festivals achieving unprecedented success. Amidst challenges faced by arts organizations, including significant changes to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and diminishing nonprofit support, audiences found joy in a series of compelling performances across various genres.

April saw a packed Orchestra Hall in Chicago, where approximately 2,500 attendees enjoyed a memorable double-bill featuring pianist Hiromi and harpist Brandee Younger. This event demonstrated a celebration of female talent in music, establishing a vibrant atmosphere that resonated with the audience.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) also made headlines during the prestigious Mahler Festival in Amsterdam in May. Originally scheduled to feature the New York Philharmonic, the festival welcomed the CSO under the baton of Dutch conductor Jaap van Zweden. His interpretation of Mahler’s works, particularly Mahler 6, showcased the orchestra’s prowess and left a lasting impression on concert-goers. A notable moment occurred when a violinist broke a string during the intense performance, highlighting the electrifying energy of the evening.

Local Talent Shines

The local opera scene flourished with standout performances, including countertenor Key’mon Murrah, who captivated audiences in June with his portrayal in Haymarket Opera’s production of “Artaserse.” The production’s recording is set to be released by Cedille Records on March 13, 2026, marking a significant moment for the Chicago arts community.

Festival-goers had ample choices throughout the year, but Rhythm Fest emerged as a highlight, celebrating the third anniversary of Third Coast Percussion. Held at the Epiphany Center for the Arts in June, the one-day event featured a diverse lineup of solo and small ensemble performances across multiple spaces on the campus.

Another noteworthy concept was the “Women Leaders in Food and Music” segment at the Ravinia Festival from July 25 to 27, part of the Breaking Barriers Festival. This event combined culinary arts with live performances, allowing attendees to enjoy bespoke dishes crafted by female chefs while engaging with the music.

Innovative Performances Across Genres

Among the artistic innovations of the year, pianist Jason Moran delivered a captivating solo set exploring the works of Duke Ellington at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. His ability to reinterpret jazz standards resonated deeply with the audience.

The CSO continued to push boundaries with theatrical collaborations, including Esa-Pekka Salonen‘s production of “Bluebeard’s Castle” in February. In contrast, a collaboration with the Goodman Theatre for “Soldier’s Tale” in October failed to achieve the same level of polish and engagement.

Violist Antoine Tamestit distinguished himself during a performance of Berlioz’s “Harold in Italy” with the CSO from October 16 to 18. His fluid movements and emotional interpretations captivated the audience, demonstrating the potential for theatricality within classical performances.

Another significant moment came with composer Damien Geter‘s “African American Requiem,” which premiered at the Ear Taxi Festival on October 18. Geter’s work received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and innovative compositional style, marking his prominent arrival in the Chicago music scene.

The year concluded with a memorable performance on December 4 by Czech conductor Petr Popelka, who led the CSO through a program featuring the premiere of Matthew Aucoin’s “Song of the Reappeared.” His conducting style balanced precision with expressive interpretation, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

As 2025 drew to a close, the arts community in Chicago demonstrated resilience and creativity, reminding audiences of the importance of supporting local talent. With a myriad of performances that spanned genres and innovative concepts, the year offered a rich tapestry of artistic expression, calling for continued engagement and support from the community.