Chicago Philharmonic is proud to celebrate the upcoming May 8, 2026 release of Invictus, the world‑premiere recording of Chicago‑based composer Stacy Garrop’s piano concerto, on Cedille Records. Inspired by William Ernest Henley’s 1875 poem Invictus, the concerto was co‑commissioned by Chicago native and multi‑Grammy‑nominated pianist Marta Aznavoorian and the American Composers Forum, with support from The Thelma E. Hunter Fund. Written specifically for Aznavoorian, the work is performed with Chicago Philharmonic under the direction of Artistic Director Scott Speck.
A Premiere Rooted in Chicago’s Creative Community
Invictus premiered in October 2025 at Chicago’s Ear Taxi Festival, a citywide celebration of contemporary music, with Aznavoorian and the Chicago Philharmonic. The performance drew critical acclaim, including praise from Gramophone:
“The music stretches from the Lisztian piano passages of the first movement, via the neo‑romantic virtuosity of the second, to the mysterious, haunting poetry of the finale. Aznavoorian made a compelling case for the work as a significant addition to the repertory, with Scott Speck conducting the Chicago Philharmonic in an alert, hard‑driving performance at the Harris Theater.”
Our October 2025 performance marked the concerto’s world premiere, and we’re honored that this recording now brings the piece to a global audience. Aznavoorian — praised for her “uncompromising intensity” by the Chicago Tribune — also performs the world‑premiere recording of Garrop’s bright and effervescent solo piano work Joie de vivre, included on the album.
How to Listen on May 8
Invictus will be available worldwide on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, beginning May 8.
Cedille Records has released a full announcement detailing the album, Garrop’s inspirations, and the recording process. You can read the press release here.
We also invite you to revisit our own reflections on the October 2025 concert, including program notes, artist features, and behind‑the‑scenes insights from the premiere. That post is available here.
As we celebrate this milestone recording, we also recognize Invictus as part of our ongoing work championing the extraordinary artists who shape Chicago’s cultural landscape. Chicago Philharmonic remains committed to creating opportunities for composers, performers, and audiences to meet through bold new work, meaningful partnerships, and performances that reflect the creative power of our city.
