Civic Orchestra of Chicago

Join the Civic Orchestra of Chicago — the CSO’s prestigious training ensemble for early-career musicians — for extraordinary performances at Symphony Center and in communities across Chicago. Experience the breadth and variety of programming that Civic has to offer — from colossal symphonies that showcase the power of the full orchestra, to intimate contemporary chamber music concerts thoughtfully curated by the Civic Orchestra Fellows.


2025/26 Season to be announced soon.

Support Civic

Tickets become available two weeks before each Civic Orchestra concert, but you can reserve tickets today with a donation! Civic donors receive reserved prime seating at any of the ensemble’s concerts in Orchestra Hall during the 2024/25 Season, as well as opportunities to build closer connections with Civic musicians. A gift to the Civic Orchestra supports the rigorous instruction that musicians receive throughout the season and helps to ensure that Civic performances are available to all audiences for free or at a minimal cost.

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Learn more about the Civic Orchestra
Principal Conductor, Civic Orchestra of Chicago
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Civic Fellows receive training in artistic planning, music education and community engagement.
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Discover more on Experience CSO
"It is so exciting to me just seeing every year the new ideas and the excitement and the curiosity of these musicians,” says Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur as he looks forward to another season with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
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“The Civic Fellowship challenged me both musically and professionally,” said alumna Alexandria Hoffman. “Through Civic, I came into my own confidence as a musician, and I was prepared to be a leader in music and in the world in general.”
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Auditions for Civic Orchestra of Chicago are under way for next season. Civic managers emphasize that the auditions have few restrictions; there’s no age limit on either side, but applicants are usually 21 to 26.
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"The orchestral experience is incredible," violinist Maria Arrua says of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. "The experience goes even beyond that, immersing its musicians in the community."
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Sponsors

The 2024/25 Civic Orchestra season is generously sponsored by Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation, which also provides major funding for the Civic Fellowship program.

Major support for the Civic Orchestra of Chicago also provided by Robert and Joanne Crown Income Charitable Fund; Nancy Dehmlow; Leslie Fund, Inc.; Judy and Scott McCue; Leo and Catherine Miserendino; Barbara and Barre Seid Foundation; The George L. Shields Foundation, Inc.; the Maval Foundation, and Paul and Lisa Wiggin.

The Principal Conductor chair is endowed by a generous gift from Robert Kohl and Clark Pellett.