Fall Preview: fall music events

The Who

Beethoven Festival: Revolution 2012
Local pianist George Lepauw wrangles a superb cast of stars to celebrate the German giant with nine packed days of art, music, dance, literature and film. Sept 8–16. National Pastime Theater (internationalbeethovenproject.com). One-day pass $30–$60, festival pass $200–$350.

David Byrne & St. Vincent
The Talking Heads’ talking head and disciple Annie Clark are drawn to the same arty strain of style-mashing. Their brass-happy Love This Giant comes out one week ahead of this concert. Sept 18. Chicago Theatre (ticketmaster.com). 8pm; $38–$78.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Riccardo Muti
The CSO’s music director launches the new season with an unforgettable performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana in the park, alongside top-notch soloists and the Chicago Children’s Choir. Sept 21. Pritzker Pavilion. 6:30pm; free.

Neil Young
Neil Young experienced a rebirth in the late ’80s and ’90s, partnering with grunge pioneers and releasing seminal cuts such as “Rockin’ in the Free World.” Today, he’s still got it (even if the stadium’s roof obstructs the harvest moon). Oct 11. United Center (ticketmaster.com). 7:30pm; $43–$258.

New Order
It’s the postpunk pioneers’ first North American tour in seven years, and Chicago is one of only seven stops. Oct 21. Aragon Ballroom (jamusa.com). 7:30pm; sold out.

The Who
YEEAAAHHHHH!!!! Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend dig deeper than CSI in the Who’s first U.S. dates since that weird Super Bowl half-time show in 2010. Who cares if half the original band isn’t there—they’ve got Ringo Starr’s kid on drums. Nov 29, 30. Allstate Arena (ticketmaster.com). 7:30pm; $39.50–$129.50.