Civic Orchestra of Chicago
The nation’s premier training program for young professional musicians
Founded in 1919 by Frederick Stock, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago prepares young professional musicians for lives in music. Civic members participate in rigorous orchestral training, September through June each season, led by Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur, musicians of the CSO, and some of today’s most luminary conductors including CSO Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti. The Orchestra also performs free concerts in Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center and in communities across Greater Chicago.
Explore the 2023/24 Civic Orchestra Season
Explore the Civic Orchestra's history, coaches and musicians.
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Attend concerts at Symphony Center and in communities across the city. 2024/25 Season to be announced in September 2024.
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Civic Fellows receive training in artistic planning, music education and community engagement.
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Learn more about the Civic Orchestra audition process.
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June is Pride Month, and to mark the occasion, two Civic Fellows have selected songs that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ experience. Whether you prefer classical, jazz, rock, R&B or EDM, crank up these tracks and let the rainbow flag fly.
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Auditions for Civic Orchestra of Chicago are under way for next season. Civic managers emphasize that the auditions have few restrictions; there’s no age limit on either side, but applicants are usually 21 to 26.
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Though Symphony Center is closed, one event will go on: The Civic Orchestra of Chicago will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a virtual concert.
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In the winter and spring of 2021, all 85 members of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago participated in virtual mock auditions. The ambitious project involved 37 CSO musicians, Civic Orchestra Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur and special guests.
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Led by a team of five Civic Fellows, the Call for Scores project offers an opportunity to discover and perform exciting new pieces by contemporary composers. The program will be available to stream for free on CSOtv beginning on June 17.
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The CSO-Connect Curriculum Program brings CPS teachers from arts and non-arts classrooms together to develop lessons tied to a yearly theme and orchestral repertoire featured in a CSO School Concert.
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Civic Orchestra on CSOtv
Enjoy performances featuring musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago filmed at Symphony Center.
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