Civic Orchestra of Chicago

The exceptional musicians of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago present a season as varied and ambitious as any in recent memory. Thrill to landmark symphonies by Beethoven, Dvořák and Mahler. Explore ancient lands and faraway universes in music by Elgar, Holst and James Lee III. Delight in innovative works by Iman Habibi, Carlos Chávez and Toru Takemitsu. Experience masterpieces by great American composers, including Copland, Tower, Price and Walker. And, hear the ever-adaptable Civic musicians in Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and iconic pieces for wind ensemble, as well as the Civic Orchestra Fellows curating and performing music by living composers in collaborative chamber music concerts.


2025/26 Season to be announced soon.

Support Civic

Tickets become available two weeks before each Civic Orchestra concert, but you may reserve tickets today with a donation! Civic donors receive reserved prime seating at any of the ensemble’s concerts in Orchestra Hall during the 2025/26 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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