School Concerts
Introduce your students to the excitement and wonder of classical music with concerts that are designed especially for children and performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra! Choose from three different series: Once Upon a Symphony for Pre-K, Elementary School Concerts for grades K-5 and Youth Concerts for grades 6-12. Tickets and school bus transportation are free for groups from Chicago Public Schools.
Visit the FAQ page found here for more information about buses and our Safe and Sound COVID-19 Protocols.
School Concert: Exploring the Orchestra: A Universe of Music
School Concert: Once Upon a Symphony: Stone Soup
School Concert: In Pursuit of Dreams
School Concert: Once Upon a Symphony: The Elves and the Shoemaker
Once Upon A Symphony (for Pre-K)
Presented in Symphony Center's intimate Buntrock Hall, Once Upon a Symphony weaves chamber music performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with storytelling, sets, costumes and multimedia to create a captivating and magical introduction to live music for children aged 3-5.
Once Upon a Symphony is created in partnership with Chicago Children's Theatre.
Elementary School Concerts (for grades K-5)
These fun, educational and engaging full orchestra performances take place in historic Orchestra Hall and often include elements of theater, dance or multimedia that complement the music.
Youth Concerts (grades 6-12)
Hosted by guest conductors, Youth Concerts explore the greatest orchestral works throughout history and feature the inspiring musicianship of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.