The University Symphony Orchestra culminates the 2021-22 concert season with two profoundly moving symphonic works: William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 2 in G minor, subtitled “Song of a New Race,” and Johannes Brahms’ deeply personal Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98. Still viewed his second symphony, composed in 1936-37, as an extension of the earlier Afro-American Symphony, crafted to represent both the evolution of his people and a vision of a more hopeful future. Brahms’ final work in the symphonic genre is arguably the most compelling of his four masterful creations. Characterized by a sense of urgency as well as an extraordinary lyrical beauty, the E minor Symphony features both complex counterpoint and older formal models that Brahms incorporated into his own richly textured musical language. To close the evening, the University of Chicago Chorus joins the University Symphony in a poignant excerpt from Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem: “Wie lieblich sind deine Wohunungen,” in reflection of our collective experience of the past several years.

Free admission. No tickets required.

Donations requested at the door: $10 / $5 students & children

This concert will be recorded and available to watch approximately 3 weeks after the concert.

All event attendees aged 5+ who are attending public Music Department events must provide proof of vaccination. By exception, visitors who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons or due to a sincerely-held religious belief may provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event, or proof of a positive test 14-90 days prior to the event with affirmation that you are not experiencing any symptoms.

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