Founded in 1919 as a training program of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Civic Orchestra prepares its members for multifaceted and meaningful careers in orchestral music and beyond. Civic members participate in full-orchestra concert cycles, workshops, masterclasses, mock auditions, chamber music, school partnerships and other special projects. They are coached and mentored by Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur, CSO musicians and world-renowned guest conductors and clinicians. Civic performs free and low-cost concerts in Orchestra Hall and in communities across greater Chicago, and anchors the annual Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition and Chicago Youth in Music Festival.
Enjoy performances featuring musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago filmed at Symphony Center.
Sponsors
The 2025/26 Civic Orchestra season is generously sponsored by Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation, which also provides major funding for the Civic Fellowship program.
The Civic Orchestra of Chicago acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.