Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 7:30pm CDT
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
Donald Schleicher, conductor; Cameron Akioka, piano (Northwestern Concerto Competition winner)
The Symphony Orchestra gives a nod to Halloween with the first of its fall performances, opening with Strauss's overture to the opera Die Fledermaus, a tale hinging on revenge for a costume party prank. Continuing the program is Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, its numerous variations including the Dies irae ("day of wrath") plainchant from the medieval Mass of the Dead. The evening finishes with Berlioz's phantasmagorical Symphonie fantastique—the wild debauchery of its "Songe d'une nuit du sabbat" (often translated as "Dream of a Witches' Sabbath") offering a raucous sendoff.
Johann Strauss II, Die Fledermaus Overture
Sergei Rachmaninoff, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43
Hector Berlioz, Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14
Tickets are $8 for the general public and $5 for students with valid ID.
Buy TicketsPick-Staiger Concert Hall
Address
50 Arts Cir Dr
Evanston, IL 60208
United States
About
Pick-Staiger is a 972-seat hall located in the Arts Circle on the Evanston campus of Northwestern University. The main lobby entrance for concerts is on the west side of the building (revolving and regular doors). Since its inception in 1975, the hall has functioned as both a classroom and performance facility for Bienen School of Music performing ensembles, faculty recitals, festivals, and professional guest artists.
