May 17 2026, Kissin’s regular returns to Chicago Symphony Center:
Program
Beethoven Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10, No. 3
Chopin Mazurka in E Minor, Op. 41, No. 2
Chopin Mazurka in A-flat Major, Op. 41, No. 4
Chopin Mazurka in C Minor, Op. 56, No. 3
Chopin Mazurka in B Major, Op. 63, No. 1
Chopin Mazurka in F Minor, Op. 68, No. 4
Schumann Kreisleriana, Op. 16
Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 in C-sharp Minor
Larregla y Urbieta ¡Viva Navarra! [Encore]
It was a thoughtful Beethoven with vivid imaginations and varying devices of the composer. I heard the sophisticated, free Chopin. And then the second half, the dark, romantic Schumann and the Liszt as the perfect dessert at the end. Kissin had a great voice: not rushed, elegant, introspective and deep, plus the taken-for-granted virtuosity. Very much what the program emobodies.
This is my first time sitting in the Fynn Gallery (top floor). The acoutic is good. The audience are the most dedicated. The view is also splendid.
Kissin was only allowed to do one encore. He was pissed and released a video statement on instagram right after the performance: