Backstage at the CSO: Molly Walker and Rob Curl

The Civic Orchestra of Chicago is one of the nation’s premier training programs for early-career musicians, providing opportunities for orchestral performance, professional development and mentorship from CSO musicians and prominent conductors. Behind the scenes, Manager Molly Walker and Operations Coordinator Rob Curl skillfully execute the countless administrative tasks that make the Civic Orchestra a valuable experience for its members. 

How long have you been working for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association?

Molly: Almost eight years. My first role was as the coordinator, Civic Orchestra and training programs, and I’ve been in my current role as the Civic Orchestra manager since 2016.

Rob: Almost two years in my current role. I was also a member of the Civic Orchestra bassoon section from 2014 to 2016.

Could you describe your job duties?

Molly and Rob: We handle all things Civic Orchestra-related. Rob’s primary focus is managing operations, which involves setting up rehearsals, managing equipment and the Civic instrument inventory, assisting with auditions and organizing Civic membership perks such as complimentary CSO tickets and attending CSO rehearsals. Rob also oversees the Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition in conjunction with the League of the CSOA.

Molly works with all of the personnel aspects of the Civic Orchestra. She helps to manage the season schedule, hires substitute musicians when needed for project cycles, attends all rehearsals and concerts to ensure personnel are present and have what they need, and oversees the annual Civic Orchestra auditions process. Molly also works closely with the CSO musicians who serve as Civic coaches to curate a training curriculum, which includes side-by-side rehearsals and concerts, sectionals with CSO musicians, private lessons and mock auditions.

We also cover conductor and artist support for Civic concerts, and we are a part of the Civic Alumni Task Force, which focuses on Civic alumni engagement. This year, we have also helped design and implement a series of professional development workshops with guest speakers, studio classes with CSO musicians and the Civic Mock Audition Intensive Series, all online via Zoom.

What was your career path before your current position, and what led you to the CSO?

Rob: After my time as a member in Civic, I freelanced for several years — taking auditions, teaching and playing with various ensembles around the Midwest. When I heard about the open position at the CSOA, I was excited to get to work with Civic once again.

Molly: I was working in Boston as an ensembles manager prior to my time with the CSO. I had learned about the then-open position in the Negaunee Music Institute as the Civic Orchestra coordinator from a few Civic alumni friends of mine and was very excited about the potential to work with emerging professional musicians at such a prestigious organization.

What do you enjoy about working with Civic Orchestra musicians?

Molly and Rob: There is a special quality about our Civic musicians who are in the earlier stages of their professional careers — they have an incredible amount of creative energy and drive. It is very rewarding to watch them grow as musicians over their time in Civic. Each year we draw inspiration from them, which helps to shape the Civic experience. Neither of us has actually seen a Civic concert because we are usually backstage taking care of the behind-the-scenes needs, but for each rehearsal, we get the best seats in the house. It is fascinating, year after year, to see Civic perform at such a high level and watch their process from first rehearsal to the final performance.

What’s one of the most rewarding parts of your job?

Molly and Rob: The CSO musicians who serve as Civic coaches are not only incredible performers, but they are fantastic teachers as well. It is inspiring to watch them work with and mentor Civic members. The free CSO tickets are also a huge perk!

Do you have a favorite concert or memory from your time at the CSOA?

Molly and Rob: The Civic Centennial Celebration has been a true highlight for both of us. As a part of the celebration, we planned an Alumni Weekend and welcomed back over 150 Civic alumni to the Orchestra Hall stage for a reading session with our Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur, as well as a menu of other fun events for alumni to re-connect with each other. The musicians played at such a high level for the concert, and it was an amazing opportunity to have the then Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant Yo-Yo Ma play with Civic.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Molly and Rob: Hiking, cooking, traveling and reading are at the top of both of our lists. We are also always on the lookout for the best doughnut in Chicago. Right now, Do-Rite Donuts is the one to beat.