The Civic Musician Experience

The Civic Orchestra of Chicago trains young professional musicians for careers in symphony orchestras. Under the guidance of Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur, a faculty of coaches from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and luminary guest conductors, Civic Members refine their skills and gain experience through monthly rehearsals, coachings, performances and workshops.

The Civic Orchestra rehearses and performs at historic Symphony Center in downtown Chicago. The mainstage concert series typically consists of seven free performances in Orchestra Hall, as well as five or six performances in neighborhood venues including the South Shore Cultural Center and Chicago Public Schools. In addition, Civic members may audition for the Chamber Music Series and the Civic Mentors Program, which includes coaching of youth in Chicago area school bands and orchestras.

In general, each month of the season includes a concert cycle that is comprised of approximately five rehearsals and a performance at Symphony Center or a neighborhood venue. As part of each cycle, members participate in sectionals with CSO coaches. Most rehearsals take place from 7 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and during the day on weekends, and the majority of concerts occur on Sundays at 2 p.m. and/or Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

Periodically throughout the season, members also participate in workshops with guest clinicians, master classes and select education and community engagement programming of the Negaunee Music Institute. Each member is required to play a placement audition at the start of and midway through the season.

Coaches from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Civic members are taught by current and former musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through sectionals, studio classes, master classes and mock auditions. Members also receive complimentary tickets to most CSO concerts and have the option of taking private lessons with a CSO musician.