CSO for Kids

CSO for Kids

Produced in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre, these fun and engaging videos bring music to life through the exploration of contemporary children’s literature. Performances by musicians of the CSO are woven with beautiful illustrations and narration by celebrated Chicagoans, including First Lady of Chicago Amy Eshleman, Kurt Elling and more.

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CSO for Kids
  • Let's Go to the CSO!

    Sing along with us as we prepare for a magical journey to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center. Let's go!

    CSO for Kids Digital is generously supported by Steve and Megan Shebik.

  • My Magic Breath

    My Magic Breath helps children — along with their parents, caregivers and teachers — harness the calming and restorative power of mindful breathing. This virtual program beautifully weaves animated illustrations, solo performances by musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and narration by Am...

  • The Music in George's Head

    Get ready for some razzmatazz with The Music in George’s Head! Filmed in Orchestra Hall, this virtual program brings to life a whimsical picture book biography of George Gershwin written by Chicago author Suzanne Slade with illustrations by Stacy Innerst. It features narration by Chicago jazz leg...

  • May There Always Be Sunshine

    May There Always be Sunshine, an award-winning children’s book by Chicago musician and author Jim Gill, is a gorgeous celebration of children’s thoughts and ideas. In this playful virtual program, Gill joins five CSO brass musicians and Chicago Symphony Chorus soprano Melinda Alberty to give voic...

  • Maybe Something Beautiful

    What good can a splash of color do in a community of gray? As Mira and her neighbors discover, more than you might ever imagine! Based on the award-winning book by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell, and illustrated by Rafael López, Maybe Something Beautiful reveals how art can inspire transform...

  • Exquisite

    Before Gwendolyn Brooks became the first Black person to win a Pulitzer Prize, she was a little girl who dared to dream. Inspired by the Coretta Scott King Award-winning book by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera, Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks introduces viewer...

  • School's Out!

    Grammy Award-nominated children’s rocker Justin Roberts joins musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and vocalists Leah Dexter and Meagan McNeal to celebrate the end of an extraordinary school year and the beginning of the summer.

    This free program is perfect for ages 5 and up.

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