College Night at the CSO is a semiannual event for college students, hosted by the CSO Student Ambassadors. The evening includes a preconcert pizza dinner, a Q&A with a CSO musician, and a concert — all with an $18 student ticket.
Use promo code STUDENT when ordering concert tickets.
2025/26 College Nights
Thursday, November 13
Chen Leads the Four Seasons
Warbling birds, summer storms and icy landscapes — Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons paints nature in sound. Concertmaster Robert Chen solos and leads works by Beethoven and Mozart.
Get ticketsPlease note that student ticket policies apply for all College Night orders.
Saturday, April 11
Songs of Love and Farewell
Why are we here, and what comes next? Experience four meditations on mortality and the hereafter by Richard Strauss, Wagner, Rachmaninov and Janáček.
Tickets become available on March 13.
Remind meCollege Night Schedule
5:30 | Pizza & treats
Buntrock Hall & 2nd floor Rotunda
Students are invited to enjoy complimentary pizza and cookies in Buntrock Hall and on the second floor of the Rotunda. Meet new people, participate in CSO Student Ambassador-led activities or just have a conversation with your group. Refreshments served while supplies last, until 7:30.
6:30 | Q&A
Buntrock Hall
A CSO Student Ambassador leads a conversation with a CSO musician about the evening’s program and what it means to be a member of the orchestra.
7:30 | Concert
Orchestra Hall
Enjoy a concert performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Founded in 1891, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is consistently hailed as one of the greatest orchestras in the world.
Learn more about the College Night experience. This visual narrative takes readers through the College Night experience, from buying tickets to concert time.