School Concerts
Introduce your students to the excitement and wonder of classical music with concerts that are designed especially for children and performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra! Choose from three different series: Once Upon a Symphony for Pre-K, Elementary School Concerts for grades K-5 and Youth Concerts for grades 6-12. Tickets are free for groups from Chicago Public Schools, keep an eye on the FAQ page for more information about transportation for CPS schools.
Explore Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
Once Upon a Symphony (for Pre-K)
Presented in Symphony Center's intimate Buntrock Hall, Once Upon a Symphony weaves chamber music performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with storytelling, sets, costumes and multimedia to create a captivating and magical introduction to live music for children aged 3-5.
Goldilocks
April 6-May 18, 2024
Goldilocks stumbles across a cottage belonging to three bears! Explore some of the responsibilities that come along with growing older.
The Little Red Hen
December 9, 2024-February 3, 2025
Featuring delightful musical portraits of animals, the classic story of the solitary, hard-working hen explores the importance of working together as a community.
Abiyoyo
April 7, 2025
This redemptive tale of a boy and his father who rid their town of a monster features enchanting music performed by members of the CSO.
Once Upon a Symphony is created in partnership with Chicago Children's Theatre.
Elementary School Concerts (for grades K-5)
These fun, educational and engaging full orchestra performances take place in historic Orchestra Hall and often include elements of theater, dance or multimedia that complement the music.
Sound Waves
May 10, 2024
Explore the wonder and symbolism of water with conductor Tania Miller and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Philharmonia Fantastique
October 17 & 18, 2024
Featuring stunning animation and a virtuosic score by Mason Bates, Philharmonia Fantastique takes audiences inside musical instruments and shows how they work together as an orchestra.
The Music of Our Emotions
March 7, 2025
Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser and members of the CSO present Tchaikovsky’s courageous journey and show how music helps all of us express our emotions.
Community Pride
May 2, 2025
Joined by the winner of the 2024 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition, Thomas Wilkins conducts a program celebrating the joy, power and beauty of community.
Youth Concerts (grades 6-12)
Hosted by guest conductors, Youth Concerts explore the greatest orchestral works throughout history and feature the inspiring musicianship of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Empowered by Music
May 8 at 10:15am
May 9 at 10:15am and 12:00pm
There will be no Youth Concert for the 2024/25 Season.