Welcome to the Governing Members!
The Governing Members are leading individuals of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) and have played an integral role in supporting the CSOA since 1894. As a Governing Member (GM), you will enjoy a closer connection to the Orchestra and the Symphony family — in addition to a host of exclusive benefits, which are detailed below.
On behalf of our Board of Trustees Chair Mary Louise Gorno and all of the Governing Members, welcome to the Governing Members!
Merrill Blau
Governing Members Chair
Governing Member Benefits
The Richard and Helen Thomas Club
As a GM, you receive membership and priority access in the CSO’s private dining facility located on the 9th floor above Orchestra Hall. Enjoy exceptional cuisine, service, and the convenience of dining in The Thomas Club prior to concerts. For reservations, call VIP Services at 312-294-3020 or email the Club.
You are also eligible for rent-free use of The Thomas Club’s 8th and 9th floor spaces for personal events (based on availability). For space rentals, contact Facility Rentals or 312-294-3260.
Opportunities & Invitations
Meet members of the Orchestra, CSOA administration, renowned guest conductors and artists, as well as fellow members at events exclusively for GMs. You will also receive invitations to special events such as the annual Symphony Ball gala and the opportunity to accompany the CSO on domestic and international tours.
VIP Ticket Program
Personalized assistance in purchasing/exchanging tickets and priority status for upgrading tickets. This invaluable service gives GMs tremendous flexibility and ease in planning their concert experience. VIP Services can be reached at 312-294-3020 or by email.
Recognition
Acknowledgement of your generous commitment can be found on the donor wall in Symphony Center, in the CSOA’s Annual Report and within the Directory of Trustees and Governing Members.
For more information or to RSVP for an upcoming event, please contact Jamie Forssander.
GM101 | Fall 2025
GM101 is a curated experience that provides a behind the scenes look at our Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Center.
GM Interactive Intermissions | Grainger Ballroom
Enjoy a quick beverage and meet other GMs during the concert. The times listed indicate the start time of the concerts.
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 7:30 p.m. | Mäkelä Conducts Symphonie fantastique
Friday, November 7, 2025, 1:30 p.m. | Muti & Sáinz-Villegas
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:30 p.m. | Evgeny Kissin with the CSO
Thursday, June 4, 2026, 7:30 p.m. | Alsop Conducts Adams, Copland & Marsalis
Postconcert Receptions | Green Room
Join us for an exclusive meet-and-greet in the Green Room of Symphony Center with CSO guest artists and conductors.
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 7:30pm (Grainger Ballroom) | Piccolo Play & Adagio for Strings
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 7:30pm | Jaap van Zweden, Himari & Mozart Jupiter
Friday, June 12, 2026, 1:30pm | Gaffigan, Thibaudet & Bernstein
GM Behind the Curtain | Spring 2026
The annual Behind the Curtain event includes an in-depth conversation with and performance by a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, followed by dinner in The Thomas Club.
To join a committee, please email Jeremiah Pickett, III or call 312-294-3337.
Annual Fund and Nominations
Lisa Ross & Phyllis Bleck, Vice Chairs of the Annual Fund
The Annual Fund and Nominations Committee assists in achieving the GM Annual Fund Campaign’s fiscal and membership goal each season. The suggested duties of a committee member include:
- Attending Committee meetings at Symphony Center or virtually (typically three per season).
- Soliciting fellow GMs by following up directly with those members through personalized letters, emails or phone calls with assistance from CSOA staff.
- Working with Development staff to reclaim lapsed GMs.
- Soliciting prospective candidates from the CSOA family (donors, subscribers, etc.), as identified by CSOA staff, through prepared letters and follow-up through personal notes, emails or phone calls.
- Helping to identify potential new GMs through personal and/or professional networks.
- Attending GM/CSO events and functions as possible, such as the CSOA Annual Meeting, GM Interactive Intermissions, GM101 and GM postconcert receptions.
Member Engagement
Judy Blau, Vice Chair of Member Engagement
The GM Member Engagement Committee oversees and coordinates programs and events for the enjoyment and participation of the Governing Members. The suggested duties of a committee member include:
- Attending Member Engagement Committee meetings at Symphony Center or virtually (typically three per season).
- Developing topics and guests for events such as GM101, the annual Behind the Curtain event and postconcert receptions.
- Serving as a host/hostess when attending GM events such as GM Interactive Intermissions, GM101 and GM postconcert receptions.
- Promoting GM Community Tables when offered in the Thomas Club at Symphony Center.