Family Matinees

For over 100 years, the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra has performed fun and imaginative concerts for children at Symphony Center. A cornerstone of the CSO’s offerings for young people today, Once Upon a Symphony and Family Matinees showcase symphonic masterworks and incorporate theater, dance or multimedia to help deepen audience engagement with the music.


Upcoming concerts
Exploring the Orchestra: A Universe of Music
Join guest conductor Andrew Grams and members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, along with Grammy® Award-nominated children’s rocker Justin Roberts, as they explore the rich and diverse universe of orchestral music from classical to film scores, jazz and beyond.
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Once Upon a Symphony: Stone Soup
Combine vibrant music played by CSO musicians, storytelling and enchanting visuals for a playful concert experience. Perfect for ages 3-5.
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In Pursuit of Dreams
How do you pursue your dreams and overcome obstacles in your path? Find out on a musical journey led by conductor Tania Miller.
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Once Upon a Symphony: The Elves and the Shoemaker
Members of the CSO present a magical tale about the values of helping and strengthening our connections with one another.
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Downtown Sounds
What does your neighborhood or town sound like? Discover the answer in this program featuring music by Gershwin, Márquez and Tchaikovsky.
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Children’s concerts help to spark a lifelong appreciation of music
Count Gabby Rosenblum among the believers. A veteran music teacher in Oak Park Elementary School District No. 97, Rosenblum has brought third graders to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s school concerts for years. “In Chicago, there are so many great cultural opportunities, and having the opportunity to introduce my students to one — it’s wonderful,” she said.
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CSO musicians connect with students through virtual conversations
The Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra has supported educators during remote learning by providing access to CSO Sessions — the CSO’s series of newly filmed chamber-music performances — and arranging online conversations between CSO musicians and students.
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Yo-Yo Ma celebrates Music in Our Schools Month
Yo-Yo Ma celebrates Music in Our Schools Month
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