Rosenthal Archives Services

The Samuel and Marie-Louise Rosenthal Archives of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association holds over 2,000 linear feet of materials related to the founding, operation and governance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Chicago Symphony Chorus; Civic Orchestra of Chicago; and Orchestra Hall and Symphony Center events. The collections encompass a wide range of formats including manuscripts, printed books and music, architectural plans, scrapbooks, press clippings, programs, photographs, sound recordings, films and videos.

Reference Services

The Rosenthal Archives provides reference services to patrons. Inquiries not limited to general questions (about past conductors, guest artists, repertory, musicians, recordings, etc., that can be answered quickly using existing finding aids) may be subject to an hourly fee. Requests for compilations of individual performance histories and discographies and extensive research for scholars residing outside the Chicago area also may be subject to an hourly fee. Archival materials do not circulate, and the Archives’ staff will gladly assist those who wish to conduct research onsite. For reference assistance, please contact the Archives.

Search the Online Catalog

Through a project generously funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the majority of archival holdings are searchable via THEODORE, the online catalog of the Rosenthal Archives. Included are corporate records, music manuscripts, and recorded sound and moving image collections. (A performance history database is not yet available.)

Duplication Policies

Materials in the collections can be duplicated only if the items are unrestricted and in good condition. Copies are normally provided only for the purposes of private study, scholarship, and research in accordance with “fair use” provisions of United States copyright law. All requests for copies require approval from the Archives director, completion of applicable use agreements, and advance payment of all fees. No material may be published without prior approval and the completion of a Permission to Publish form covering provisions for use and requirements for acknowledgements. Publication and for-profit uses are approved on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to additional use fees.

Photographs will not be duplicated for personal use or private collections and will not be licensed for advertising use. The majority of materials in the audio and moving image collection are restricted to onsite access and may not be duplicated for private use; for-profit use of these materials requires permission from the musicians’ media committee, along with payment of all applicable fees and royalties. Please contact the Archives for more information.

Donating Materials

The Rosenthal Archives welcomes the donation of materials directly relating to the history of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. Please contact the Archives for more information.