The nation’s premier training program for young professional musicians
Founded during the 1919/20 Season by Frederick Stock, the Civic Orchestra prepares young professionals for careers in orchestral music. From October through June, Civic members receive rigorous training led by Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur, other luminary guest conductors and a faculty of coaches from the CSO. The Orchestra also 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.
Explore the Civic Orchestra’s 2024/25 Season
Enjoy performances featuring musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago filmed at Symphony Center.
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.