Under the baton of esteemed conductor David Robertson, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra embarks on a journey through vibrant soundscapes, beginning with Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Something for the Dark. This evocative work explores themes of resilience and renewal, unfolding in lush harmonies and shifting textures that provide a contemplative prelude to the evening’s dynamic energy.

The spotlight then turns to Sheku Kanneh-Mason, making his highly anticipated Ravinia debut with Saint-Saëns’s Cello Concerto No. 1. Renowned for its seamless structure and virtuosic demands, this concerto bursts to life with what The New York Times describes as “a dashing spirit in [its] headlong sprint.” Kanneh-Mason’s expressive artistry illuminates the piece’s fiery passion and lyricism, from its bold opening to its delicate, song-like passages, culminating in a dazzling finale.

The program continues with Chabrier’s España, a lively tribute to Spanish folk traditions, brimming with the vibrant energy of the jota and malagueña dances. The concert reaches its dazzling conclusion with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, a whirlwind of orchestral color that captures the essence of Spain through the bright morning serenade of an aubade and the fiery exuberance of a fandango.