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 are free for groups from Chicago Public Schools, keep an eye on the FAQ page for more information about transportation for CPS schools.
Explore Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
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.
The Ugly Duckling
Dec 8, 2025-Feb 2, 2026
When four farm animals are no longer needed, they set off for the town of Bremen, dreaming of becoming musicians. On the way, they discover a house full of robbers! The friends quickly join forces to scare away the thieves, uncovering hidden courage they never knew they had.
The Bremen Town Musicians
Mar 9-Apr 13, 2026
When four farm animals are no longer needed, they set off for the town of Bremen, dreaming of becoming musicians. On the way, they discover a house full of robbers! The friends quickly join forces to scare away the thieves, uncovering hidden courage they never knew they had.
Once Upon a Symphony is created in partnership with Chicago Children's Theatre.
Mother Goose & The Cabinet of Wonder (for grades PreK-2)
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.
Mother Goose & The Cabinet of Wonder
May 8, 2026
Join legendary singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant, members of the CSO and special guests for a joyful singalong with Mother Goose. This captivating program features traditional nursery rhymes adapted by Merchant and orchestrated for an array of instrumental groups. Be a part of this magical musical world of learning and imagination.
Kids Concerts (for grades K-8)
What Instrument Should I Play?
Nov 14, 2025
Five-time Grammy-nominated children’s-music songwriter Justin Roberts joins conductor Andrew Grams and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for an engaging investigation of the timbres and techniques that make each instrument both unique and a vital part of the orchestra.
Classical Elements
Mar 20, 2026
Conductor Mei-Ann Chen and members of the CSO embark on a musical exploration of air, fire and water. Journey through a musical depiction of the elements that help to create balance on planet Earth, and discover how we are all part of that harmony.
Youth Concerts (for grades 6-12)
Sounding Together
Nov 12-13, 2025
Thomas Wilkins raises his baton once again to conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as he probes the importance of creating a community of belonging. Through musical masterworks, this program recognizes that a society, like an orchestra, is made up of individuals working towards a common goal. Featuring the winner of the 2025 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition, this concert takes inspiration from the word “symphony,” which means “sounding together.”