The League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (formerly known as The Women's Association) is a group of over 300 men and women who help raise money to support the Orchestra, present educational programs for children, and build new audiences for classical music.
The League presents several fundraising events each year including Corporate Night, A Salute to Corporate Chicago; Fall in Love with Music Fall Luncheon; the International Dinner; and the Wendella Cruise.
Members of the League also spend a significant amount of time planning and organizing educational programs for children, such as Adventures in Music, the Docent program, and the Crain-Maling CSO Youth Auditions. Members also enjoy many social activities throughout each season, including League meetings, Area events, Nightcaps, receptions, pre-concert dinners and more. The League partners with the Community Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago on an annual education seminar. Speakers from both the CSO and the Art Institute lecture on a topic, followed by a brief musical performance. The topic for the seminar changes each year and focuses on a current exhibition at the Art Institute. The League is very proud to be a part of this long-standing partnership with the Art Institute.
There are two levels of membership within the League ~ Members and Friends ~ and both are open to men and women of any age:
- League Members Level
If you have an intention to attend or subscribe to concerts; an appreciation of the musical programming of the CSO; an intention and ability to donate time to volunteering; an interest in the League’s programs and projects and an intention to support the CSO financially, then being a League Member is for you!
Membership Requirements - League Members level
- · Pay annual dues of $100
- · Contribute to the Annual Fund with a minimum of $100
- · Support the CSO by concert attendance
- · Participate as a chair or member of at least one committee each year
- · Financially support at least one project or fundraising event each year
- · Attend at least one League meeting each year
Benefits - League Member level
- · Subscription to Opus (League e-newsletter)
- · Invitation to Area events
- · Subscription to CSO Bi-Weekly from CSO Association President Deborah Rutter (e-newsletter)
- · Invitation to Youth Audition Finals
- · Invitation to Musicians’ Luncheon
- · VIP Ticketing service
- · Invitation to annual Appreciation Concert (complimentary event)
- · An invitation to the CSO’s Annual Meeting
- · Advance sales to the Symphony Ball, Corporate Night and invitations to other CSO fundraising events
- · Discount at Symphony Store
- · Opportunities to meet conductors and musicians
- League Friends level
If you have a desire to be closely affiliated with the Orchestra and provide financial support but are unable to be actively involved and volunteer, then joining the League at the Friend level may be the perfect fit for you!
Membership requirements - Friends level
- · Pay annual dues of $100
- · Contribute to the Annual Fund with a minimum gift of $100
Benefits - League Friends level
- · Subscription to Opus (e-newsletter)
- · Subscription to CSO Bi-Weekly from CSO Association President Deborah Rutter (e-newsletter)
- · Invitation to Area events
- · Invitation to Youth Audition Finals
- · Invitation to Musicians' Luncheon
- · May volunteer for events and activities (but not required)
- · May attend League meetings (but not required)
- Executive Committee
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Linda Neumann
President
Carol Brosk
Vice President of Administration
Liz Rorke
Vice President of Areas
Mary Plauché
Vice President of Education
Audrey Bartlow
Vice President of Events
Sue Tice
Vice President of Finance
Elizabeth Shelly
Vice President of Fundraising
Becky Davenport
Vice President of Membership
Judy Petty
Strategic Planning Chair
Margo Sorgman
Secretary
Marilyn Day
Christy Howell
Members-at-Large