Mäkelä Conducts Symphonie fantastique

Zell Music Director Designate returns to Symphony Center with Berlioz works

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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This week, Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä returns to Symphony Center with Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique and Harold in Italy with viola soloist Antoine Tamestit. The broadcast concludes with a London recording of Berlioz's Les-francs-juges Overture led by eighth music director Sir Georg Solti.

Why it matters

Mäkelä's return to Symphony Center with major Berlioz works highlights his growing reputation as a leading interpreter of the Romantic composer's music. The concert also features acclaimed viola soloist Antoine Tamestit and a recording led by legendary conductor Sir Georg Solti, providing a well-rounded program showcasing Berlioz's genius.

The details

Mäkelä, who was recently named the Zell Music Director Designate, will lead the orchestra in Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique and Harold in Italy, with Tamestit as the viola soloist for the latter work. The program will conclude with a recording of Berlioz's Les-francs-juges Overture conducted by Sir Georg Solti.

  • The concert takes place this week at Symphony Center.

The players

Klaus Mäkelä

Zell Music Director Designate of the orchestra.

Antoine Tamestit

Acclaimed viola soloist performing with the orchestra.

Sir Georg Solti

Legendary eighth music director of the orchestra, conducting a recording of a Berlioz work.

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What they’re saying

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The takeaway

Mäkelä's return to Symphony Center with major Berlioz works solidifies his reputation as a leading interpreter of the Romantic composer's music, while the program also features acclaimed soloist Antoine Tamestit and a recording led by the legendary Sir Georg Solti, providing a well-rounded showcase of Berlioz's genius.