Saturday, October 10, 2026
Symphony Ball is a benefit event that raises funds to support the multifaceted work of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, from industry-leading artistic programs to educational and community engagement initiatives that nurture tens of thousands of people in Chicago and around the world annually.
Schedule for the evening
5:30 PM: Preconcert celebration — Symphony Center
Open to gala general admission guests and ticketholders; includes the red carpet experience and prosecco toast.
5:30 PM: VIP reception — Symphony Center’s Forte event space
Reserved for VIP Experience patrons and event sponsors.
6:30 PM: Concert — Orchestra Hall
Concert program to be announced in March.
Immediately after the concert, all gala patrons and sponsors enjoy dinner and festivities at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Transportation will be provided.
Cocktail attire
Individual Tickets
VIP Box Seating Experience — $5,000
- One Box Level seat
- Private preconcert reception
- Postconcert gala dinner
- CSO Principal Chair musician or Chicago Symphony Chorus member seated at your dinner table
- Name recognition in the concert program, on the webpage and in the gala booklet
VIP Experience — $2,500
- One Melk Main Floor or Fadim Lower Balcony seat
- Private preconcert reception
- Postconcert gala dinner
- Name recognition in the concert program, on the webpage and in the gala booklet
Gala General Admission — $1,500
- One Fadim Lower Balcony seat
- Postconcert gala dinner
- Name recognition in the gala booklet and on the webpage
Additional Support
Sponsorship for a CSO musician and one guest to attend the postconcert dinner — $1,500
Sponsorships
Exclusive Presenting Sponsor — $125,000
- 20 Box Level seats
- Private preconcert reception
- Two tables for 20 guests total at the postconcert gala dinner
- CSO Principal Chair musician or Chorus member seated at your dinner table
- Name/logo recognition in the concert program, on the webpage, in the gala booklet and on signage
- Recognition in the concert and dinner remarks
Presenting Sponsor — $100,000
- 20 Box Level seats
- Private preconcert reception
- Two tables for 20 guests total at the postconcert gala dinner
- CSO Principal Chair musician or Chorus member seated at your dinner table
- Name/logo recognition in the concert program, on the webpage, in the gala booklet and on signage
- Recognition in the concert and dinner remarks
Chorus Sponsor — $75,000
- 10 Box Level seats
- Private preconcert reception
- One table for 10 guests at the postconcert gala dinner
- CSO Principal Chair musician or Chorus member seated at your dinner table
- Name/logo recognition in the concert program, on the webpage, in the gala booklet and on signage
- Recognition in the concert and dinner remarks
Platinum Sponsor — $50,000
- 10 Melk Main Floor or 8 Box Level seats (limited Box Level seating)
- Private preconcert reception
- One table for 8-10 guests at the postconcert gala dinner
- CSO musician seated at your dinner table
- Name/logo recognition in the concert program, on the webpage, in the gala booklet and on signage
Gold Sponsor — $25,000
- 8 Melk Main Floor or Fadim Lower Balcony seats
- Private preconcert reception
- One table for eight guests at the postconcert gala dinner
- Name/logo recognition in the concert program, on the webpage, in the gala booklet and on signage
Silver Sponsor — $15,000
- 8 Fadim Lower Balcony seats
- Private preconcert reception
- One table for eight guests at the postconcert gala dinner
- Name/logo recognition in the concert program, on the webpage, in the gala booklet and on signage
Can’t attend the event? Support Symphony Ball by making a gift.
For more information, please email symphonyball@cso.org or call 312-294-3185.
Photos from last year’s event:
Hosted by the Women’s Board of the CSOA
