Mäkelä Leads Chicago Symphony in Heroic Sibelius and Strauss

Conductor's dramatic interpretations draw large crowds and critical acclaim

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is experiencing a surge in attendance as Klaus Mäkelä prepares to assume the role of Music Director in the 2027-28 season. His recent performance with the CSO, featuring works by Sibelius and Strauss, drew large crowds and critical attention, signaling a promising future for the orchestra under his leadership.

Why it matters

Mäkelä's conducting style and programming choices suggest a bright future for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as he takes over as Music Director. His ability to draw compelling performances from the ensemble and create dynamic interpretations of classic works has generated significant buzz and excitement around the orchestra's artistic direction.

The details

The program, presented on February 20, 2026, juxtaposed Jean Sibelius's Lemminkäinen Suite and Richard Strauss's Ein Heldenleben. Mäkelä's intensely dramatic interpretations ensured that each piece possessed sufficient internal contrast to maintain audience engagement. His meticulous and expressive conducting style, including techniques like a deliberate pause to create anticipation, elicited praise from critics.

  • The program was presented on February 20, 2026.
  • Mäkelä will take this program on tour next week, with performances at Carnegie Hall and in Ann Arbor, Washington, and Boston.

The players

Klaus Mäkelä

The conductor who will assume the role of Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the 2027-28 season.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

A renowned American symphony orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois.

Jean Sibelius

A Finnish composer whose Lemminkäinen Suite was featured in the program.

Richard Strauss

A German composer whose Ein Heldenleben was also featured in the program.

Scott Hostetler

The English horn player who delivered a praised solo performance in the second movement of the Sibelius work.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Mäkelä will take this program on tour next week, with performances at Carnegie Hall and in Ann Arbor, Washington, and Boston.

The takeaway

Mäkelä's dynamic and thoughtful interpretations of classic works by Sibelius and Strauss have generated significant excitement around the future of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as he prepares to take over as Music Director. His ability to engage both the orchestra and the audience suggests a bright future for the ensemble under his leadership.