Founded in 1891, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is recognized as one of the greatest orchestras in the world. With a large repertoire, spanning from Baroque to contemporary and everything in between, this musical organization is a cultural cornerstone in Chicago’s fine arts scene. Find out more about the ensemble's history, achievements, and upcoming performances at the theater.
History of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
In 1889, Charles Norman Fay proposed creating a permanent orchestra in Chicago to his friend and renowned conductor Theodore Thomas. With Fay’s support and investors, the Chicago Orchestra gave its first concert in 1891 at the Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan Auditorium Theatre.
The very first show took place on October 16 and 17, 1891 at the Auditorium Theatre. Maestro Thomas led the ensemble in Wagner’s A Faust Overture, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto with Rafael Joseffy, and Dvořák’s Husitská Overture. The performance was extremely well-received.
By 1902, Thomas launched a campaign for a new symphony theater better suited to the group's sound. More than 8,000 Chicagoans contributed, and on December 4, 1904, Thomas conducted the dedication concert at Orchestra Hall, now part of Symphony Center.
He passed away a month later, succeeded by violist Frederick Stock, who led for 37 years. Stock expanded the CSO’s community reach, founding the Civic Orchestra of Chicago in 1919, launching youth auditions, and introducing popular subscription concerts for children.
The Cleveland Orchestra is another major ensemble with a strong community commitment.
Thomas has long been known for his ability to quickly bring newly formed orchestras into condition for satisfactory work, but in this instance he has fairly surpassed himself, the results being simply astonishing. . . The body of the tone produced is superb, possessing a vitality, a fullness, and volume such as has been heard from no orchestra ever before in Chicago.
Chicago Tribune, October 17, 1891
Under Sir Georg Solti, the CSO gained international acclaim, embarking on its first European tour in 1971 and later overseeing the 1997 renovation of Orchestra Hall and Symphony Center.
In 2010, Riccardo Muti became music director, continuing the ensemble's legacy. During his tenure, which ended in September 2025, Riccardo Muti championed musical education, community outreach to local theater, and international collaboration. His leadership brought award-winning recordings, innovative concerts, and youth programs to Chicago and Muti’s home country of Italy.
Today, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra remains one of the world’s leading philharmonic ensembles, nurturing the city’s deep connection to the arts, including music, theater, and dance.
CSO in the Community
The CSO’s mission has long been:
[To] enrich, inspire and transform lives through music, community engagement and education—locally, nationally and internationally
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association
Since 1919, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra has nurtured community engagement through the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, founded under Frederick Stock. This program welcomes passionate amateur instrumentalists to rehearse and perform with professional conductors, coaches, and peers.
The Civic Orchestra offers associate and regular memberships, along with civic fellowships that emphasize leadership, mentorship, and community outreach. Fellows work on arts-integration projects with Chicago Public Schools, the Negaunee Music Institute’s Notes for Peace, and provide mentors for young instrumentalists as part of the Chicago Youth in Music Festival.
Dedicated to making music accessible, the Civic Orchestra presents free and low-cost shows at Symphony Center and theater venues across Chicago. The School Concert Series brings children from nearby K-12 schools to the theater for free shows. Many performances are also available to stream online, ensuring audiences everywhere can experience the city’s vibrant musical and symphonic culture.
CSO Music Directors and Leadership
Each music director in the CSO’s history has helped the organization thrive, reaching the incredible status it holds today. Those in other leadership roles have been just as formative and important. Find out a little bit about the illustrious music directors in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s history.
1891–1905
Theodore Thomas
Along with Charles Norman Fay, Thomas helped found the Chicago Orchestra. In his tenure, he oversaw the expansion of the ensemble with the construction of Orchestra Hall. He worked to expand the Philharmonic's popularity by arranging touring performances on the East Coast (including Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera House) and the Midwest (including 3 performances in Ontario, Canada).
1905–1942
Frederick Stock
In 1895, Stock joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Theodore Thomas as assistant principal viola, later becoming director after Thomas’s death. He led the group’s first commercial recording in 1916 and its first radio broadcast in 1925. Stock helped the group become the premier ensemble at the Ravinia Festival since 1936. He also established Youth Auditions, Children’s Concerts, and the Civic Music Student Orchestra, while guiding the organization through WWI and the Great Depression. His 37-year tenure is the longest of any CSO head, and he is responsible for much of the group's continued success.
1943–1947
Désiré Defauw
Defauw served as director through the WWII years, working to maintain the philharmonic's popularity and expanding its repertoire.
1947–1948
Artur Rodziński
Rodziński put on a full-scale performance of Wagner’s "Tristan and Isolde" with Kirsten Flagstad and Set Svanholm at the Civic Opera House. Professional differences between Rodziński and management prevented an extension in his tenure.
1950–1953
Rafael Kubelík
After immigrating to the United States in 1948 to avoid Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, Kubelík quickly became the next leader. Under his direction, he led the ensemble in their first television concert in 1951 and arranged several recordings with Mercury Records.
1953-1963
Fritz Reiner
Reiner made several landmark developments under his leadership. The ensemble recorded several important records for RCA (63 CDs worth of recordings), some of which were first recognized by the Recording Academy associated with the Grammy Awards. He also invited Margaret Hillis to develop the Chicago Symphony Chorus, which became the first choral ensemble to be permanently affiliated with a major orchestra in the United States. He later became the music advisor.
1963–1968
Jean Martinon
An accomplished composer, Martinon directed more recordings with RCA and introduced new pieces for the group's repertoire.
1969-1991
Sir Georg Solti
Under his leadership, the CSO took its first overseas tour to Europe in 1971, followed by tours to Australia, Canada, Japan, and Russia, as well as many US tours. He also recorded more than a hundred discs with the Orchestra and Chorus with London/Decca Records, 24 of which earned Grammy Awards (Solti himself accumulated 31 Grammys in his lifetime, a record which stood until Beyoncé earned her 32nd award in 2023). Maestro Solti received much recognition for his musical achievements in his life, including being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, being awarded Chicago’s Medal of Merit, and being named Musical America’s Musician of the Year. After retiring, he became the music director laureate from 1991 to 1997.
1991–2006
Daniel Barenboim
Barenboim had the pleasure of inaugurating the new Symphony Hall with the band in 1997, seeing Solti’s project fulfilled. He also improved the composer-in-residence program, brought the CSO to its first South American tour, plus many other international tours, and conducted more than 30 U.S. and world premieres.
2010-2023
Riccardo Muti
Under Riccardo Muti’s direction, the organization has created twelve recordings under the CSO Resound label, four of which have won Grammys. He helped the organization increase its involvement in the community, establishing a tradition of free community shows. Muti also founded the Sir Georg Solti International Conducting Competition and Apprenticeship to help encourage young conductors, with the prize being a conducting apprenticeship at the CSO. Riccardo Muti has retired as of the 2024 season, but continues to occasionally conduct the group in the interim until Mäkelä fully takes the lead. After retirement, he was named Music Director Emeritus for Life.
2027-
Klaus Mäkelä
As the Zell Music Director Designate 2027, Mäkelä shares conducting responsibility in the interim with Muti and visiting artists, like Philippe Jordan and Stefan Asbury.
Besides maestros for the main ensemble, the CSO has been led by other accomplished directors over the years. The Chorus and Civic Orchestra have grown due to the diligence of their leadership. Additionally, guest conductors over the years have helped influence the philharmonic's high standards and establish their place among the world’s greatest orchestras.
Muti has also been the director for other famous orchestras in the United States, including the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Here are some of the names that have helped the organization thrive:
- Ken-David Masur, Civic Orchestra of Chicago Principal Conductor 2019-2026
- Donald Palumbo, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Chorus Director 2026-2027
- Carlo Maria Giulini, Principal Guest Conductor 1969-1972
- Claudio Abbado, Principal Guest Conductor 1982-1985
- Pierre Boulez, Principal Guest Conductor 1995-2006
- Yo-Yo Ma, Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant 2010-2019
- Some Guest Conductors: Leonard Bernstein, John Williams, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Maurice Ravel, Richard Strauss, Aaron Copland, Sergei Prokofiev, Edward Elgar, Leopold Stokowski, and Bruno Walter.
The Zell Music Director of the CSO is the full title for the music director. The designation “Zell” is an homage to the Zell Family Foundation, which endows the music director position annually. The Zell Family Foundation has been donating to the organization since 2007.
Prominent Instrumentalists in the CSO
It takes many talented people to run a successful orchestra. The CSO is home to many accomplished instrumentalists who bring the conductors’ visions to life. It’s impossible to list every musician in a short article, but some of the stand-out names include:
- Max Bendix, Violin 1891-1896
- John Weicher, Violin 1923-1969
- Mischa Mischakoff, Violin 1930-1937
- Adolph Herseth, Trumpet 1948-2004
- Janós Starker, Cello 1953-1958
- Victor Aitay, Violin 1954-2003
- Francis Akos, Violin 1955-2003
- Samuel Magad, Violin 1958-2007
- Sidney Harth, Violin 1959-1962
- Steven Staryk, Violin 1963-1967
- Rubén González, Violin 1986-1996
Many of these players were concertmasters or principals in their sections.
Today’s ensemble is home to a wider variety of musicians from all over the world. Some of the current distinguished members are:
- Robert Chen, Violin, Concertmaster since 2000
- Stephanie Jeong, Violin, Associate Concertmaster since 2011
- David Taylor, Violin, Assistant Concertmaster since 1979
- Yuan-Qing Yu, Violin, Assistant Concertmaster since 1995
Additionally, visiting artists frequently join the CSO for group and solo or small ensemble performances. Over the past 134 years, countless guest artists have taken the stage. Some notable names include:
- Yo-Yo Ma, Cello
- Yuja Wang, Piano
- Anubrata Chatterjee, Tabla
- Himari, Violin
- Nubya Garcia, Tenor Saxophone
- Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, Guitar
Discover the guest artists who perform with the Los Angeles Philharmonic!
CSO Awards & Recognitions
The CSO has been awarded many times, and several of the directors in its history have been awarded individually for their work with the group.
They are regarded worldwide as one of the best performing symphonic orchestras in the world for their continued excellence. The CSO travels multiple times per year to perform internationally, often giving debut performances, and frequently records pieces on the CSO Resound label, sometimes along with the Chorus.
As of 2025
The directors with the most Grammy wins with the philharmonic are Riccardo Muti, Solti, Bernard Haitink (former principal conductor), Pierre Boulez (former conductor emeritus and principal guest conductor), Margaret Hillis (founder and head of the Chicago Symphony Chorus from 1957 to 1994), and her successor, Duain Wolfe.
The categories the CSO has won Awards in are:
- Best Classical Album
- Best Orchestral Performance
- Best Choral Performance
- Best Instrumental Soloist with Orchestra
- Best Classical Vocal Performance
- Best Opera Recording
- Best Classical Contemporary Composition
- Best Engineered Album, Classical
The award-winning sound of the orchestra is best heard live.
Purchasing tickets (or finding a show with free tickets) and attending the theater in person is highly recommended.
In the upcoming months of October, November, and December, there are plenty of opportunities to attend the theatre and experience the magic.
Orchestra Performance Venues
The CSO most frequently performs at its home theater venue, Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center.
However, they often perform at nearby venues like high schools, arts centers, museums, universities, churches, Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Ravinia Park, and smaller venues for chamber performances. Additionally, they travel the United States and the world, performing at prestigious venues and more accessible ones for folks of all social classes to enjoy.
At the theater, they put on many different series, so there are plenty of options to attend a concert at the theater. Some of their current concert series include:
- Classical
- At The Movies
- For Kids
- School Concerts (free tickets for K-12 students at participating schools)
These series appeal to a wide range of audiences, providing many opportunities for music lovers to go to the theater.
Discover the other famous Big Five orchestras across America!
Upcoming Performances
The CSO is very active, with many performances of varying prices available. In addition to shows at Symphony Hall, they perform around the city and put on tours across the country and internationally.
To purchase tickets, simply visit their website and locate the show you’re interested in.
Many shows are free, but you must reserve tickets in advance.
The shows are frequently sold out, so you will likely not be able to attend without a reservation.
In the upcoming months of October, November, December, and January, there are many anticipated events.
Fans look forward to the tour with Riccardo Muti across the West in November, concerts conducted by Mäkelä in the theatre, the annual performances at the Rivenia Festival, and shows at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.
| Date | Ensemble | Venue | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/18/2025 | Civic Orchestra of Chicago | Buntrock Hall at Symphony Center | Notes for Peace event | Free |
| 10/21/2025 | CSO Chamber | Driehaus Museum, 50 E Erie St | Celebrating the museum exhibit "Tiffany Lamps: Beyond the Shade" | $25-$50 |
| 10/23 to 10/25/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | Stravinsky’s "The Soldier's Tale" | $49+ |
| 10/26/2025 | Civic Orchestra of Chicago | Senn High School, 5900 N. Glenwood Ave | Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony | Free |
| 10/27/2025 | Civic Orchestra of Chicago | Symphony Center | Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony | $5+ |
| 10/30 to 11/1/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | Muti Conducts Strauss, Hindemith & Dvořák 9 | $49+ |
| 11/2/2025 | CSO Chamber | Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S Ashland Ave | Cherubini’s Quartet No. 1 & Beethoven's Quartet in C Minor with Guadagnini String Quartet | Free |
| 11/4/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign | Muti Conducts Strauss, Hindemith & Dvořák 9 | N/A |
| 11/6 to 11/8/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" ft. Sáinz-Villegas & Muti Conducts Brahms' Fourth Symphony | $49+ |
| 11/12 to 11/13/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | School Concert: Various pieces, free for students | $5-$11 |
| 11/17/2025 | Civic Orchestra of Chicago | Symphony Center | Holst's "The Planets" | $5+ |
| 11/20 ro 11/23/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | Honeck Conducts Mozart's Requiem | $49+ |
| 11/28 to 11/30/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | "How to Train Your Dragon" in Concert | $89+ |
| 12/2/2025 | CSO Chamber | Symphony Center | The Elysian Trio | $15+ |
| 12/4 to 12/7/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | Till Eulenspiegel & Bullock Sings Aucoin | $49+ |
| 12/8/25 to 2/2/26 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | The Ugly Duckling ft Chicago Children’s Theatre, free for students | $10+ |
| 12/11 to 12/13/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | Noseda Conducts Debussy & Prokofiev 4 | $49+ |
| 12/12 o 12/14/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | "Home Alone" in Concert | $99+ |
| 12/15/2025 | Civic Orchestra of Chicago | Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St. | Bach Marathon Finale | $5+ |
| 12/18 to 12/20/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | Klaus Mäkelä & Yunchan Lim | $89+ |
| 12/19 to 12/23/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | Merry, Merry Chicago! Holiday Concert | $49+ |
| 1/9 to 1/10/2026 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | "2001: A Space Odyssey" in Concert | $75+ |
| 1/15/2026 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Mesa Arts Center, Ikeda Theater, 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ | Muti and CSO on Tour | $57+ |
| 1/17/2026 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | UC Berkely, Cal Performances, 101 Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley, CA | Muti and CSO on Tour | $60+ |
| 1/17/2026 | Civic Orchestra of Chicago | Symphony Center | Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition | Free |
| 1/18/2026 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | UC Davis, Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, Jackson Hall, Davis, CA | Muti and CSO on Tour | $36.50-$189.50 |
| 1/21/2026 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA | Muti and CSO on Tour | call to enquire |
| 1/22/2025 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | CSUN, Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya), Great Hall, Northridge, CA | Muti and CSO on Tour | $84–$207 |
| 1/23/2026 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA | Muti and CSO on Tour | $45-$195 |
| 1/24/2026 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, CA | Muti and CSO on Tour | $51-$371 |
| 1/25/2026 | Civic Orchestra of Chicago | Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave. | Music from Living Composers with the International Contemporary Ensemble | Free |
| 1/29 to 2/1/2026 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Symphony Center | Salonen, Trifonov & Beethoven | $49+ |
Throughout the rest of 2026, the philharmonic plans other incredible concerts, such as the Midwest & East Coast Tour in February and March, the Ravi Shankar Ensemble in March, and plenty of other guest artists! Keep an eye on their website to discover more performances and what time they take place, as well as secure tickets for the theater shows this season.
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