Sunday, March 15, 2026
Symphony Center
Celebrate the inspirational music education and community engagement programs of the CSO’s Negaunee Music Institute, which reach more than 200,000 people in Chicago and across the world annually. From the Percussion Scholarship Program — which provides weekly instruction and intensive training to students free of charge — to the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, which prepares talented professional young musicians for orchestral careers, IMPACT spotlights all the lives transformed by the power of music.
Join us in making an impact by ordering event packages or sponsoring IMPACT. Your contributions grant access to reserved seating and preconcert and postconcert festivities, in addition to supporting the CSO’s industry-leading efforts to educate audiences, train young musicians and serve diverse communities.
Can’t attend, but still want to support education and community programs? Make a gift to IMPACT today.
Schedule for the evening
5:30 PM: Champagne Toast — Symphony Center’s Forte event space
Start the evening with a champagne toast to celebrate the Negaunee Music Institute’s impact.
6:30 PM: Concert — Orchestra Hall
Be inspired by the musicians who are learning, growing and serving Chicago through the programs produced by the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy a showcase of extraordinary performances by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, musicians from the CSO, Percussion Scholarship Program students and more.
8:15 PM: Celebration Dinner — Buntrock Hall
Connect with performers and fellow advocates over dinner as Life Trustee Robert Kohl is recognized for his remarkable support and leadership of the CSOA’s education and community programs.
IMPACT 2025
2026 Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation
Aaron & Alicia Oberman
Margo & Michael Oberman
Steven & Megan Shebik
Paul & Lisa Wiggin
Gold Sponsors
Paul S. Watford & Brenda Darrell
Event Supporters
Dale Hedding
Melissa & Joe Root
2026 IMPACT Host Committee
Co-chairs
Matthew Fry, Overture Council
Margo Oberman, League & NMI Board
Paul S. Watford, CSOA Trustee & African American Network
Members
Ramiro J. Atristaín-Carrión, Latino Alliance
Betsy Berry, League & Women’s Board
Sue Bridge, League
Chuck Emmons, Governing Members & NMI Board
Pedro Guerrero, Latino Alliance
Rosalind Jackson, African American Network & League
Ansuk Jeong, League
Valerie Mayuga, Overture Council
Leah McGregory, African American Network
Sharon Mitchell, League
Lenese Reynolds, African American Network
Melissa Root, CSOA Trustee
Sandy Rusnak, Women’s Board
Juan B. Solana, Latino Alliance & League
Tracy Stanciel, African American Network & League