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
Global Perspectives
Embark on a musical journey around the world with François López-Ferrer and members of the CSO.
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Carnival of the Animals
Lina González-Granados leads members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Saint-Saëns’ playful Carnival of the Animals.
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Sound Waves
Explore the wonder and symbolism of water with conductor Tania Miller and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
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Once Upon a Symphony: The Three Little Pigs
Each one of the Three Little Pigs builds a house using a different material. Explore how courage, hard work and talent lead to success.
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Once Upon a Symphony: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Goldilocks stumbles across a cottage belonging to three bears! Explore some of the responsibilities that come along with growing older.
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Subscribe to a series of 3 or more concerts and save up to 33%

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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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