Mäkelä Conducts Ein Heldenleben
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan
Chicago, IL 60604
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan
Chicago, IL 60604
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan
Chicago, IL 60604
Music
Runs Feb 19Feb 21, 2026

It isn’t hard to guess the identity of the central character in A Hero’s Life, Richard Strauss’ extravagant showpiece filled with action, valor and romance — it’s undeniably the composer himself. Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä pairs the work with music from his native Finland: Sibelius’ Lemminkäinen, a symphonic portrait of the life and romantic escapades of the country’s folk hero.