Sponsorship Gifts
Generous philanthropists partner with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association to support concerts, recitals and the appearances of guest artists and conductors, as well as Negaunee Music Institute programs, through sponsorship gifts. These gifts make a major impact on our organization by helping to sustain its artistic excellence, while bringing sponsors closer to the artists and programming they value most.
Sponsorships begin in the five-figure dollar range. In appreciation for their significant support, sponsors experience one-of-a-kind moments curated to their sponsorship, such as backstage and closed rehearsal access, receptions with artists, special recognition and much more.
Contact the major gifts team or call 312-294-3180 to begin a discussion about your sponsorship gift.
A Masked Ball
The 2021/22 concert season concludes with Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti conducting Un ballo in maschera (A Masked Ball). Based on the true story of King Gustav III of Sweden, who was assassinated during a masked ball in 1792, the opera contains radiant choral writing and richly scored dance music. Riccardo Muti leads a concert performance featuring a spectacular cast of international singers and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.
With a fundraising goal of $750,000, CSOA Vice Board Chair Helen Zell has challenged the CSO family of supporters by matching gifts for the Un ballo in maschera concert week. Gifts or pledges should be made by May 15, 2022, to be recognized in the concert program book.
CSO for Kids: Family Matinees
For more than 100 years, musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra have performed fun and engaging programs for young people in our community that can spark curiosity and excitement for classical music. CSO for Kids: Family Matinees introduce children to the full symphony orchestra and often feature guest artists, dancers or multimedia to complement the music.
With a goal of $250,000 to fully fund CSO for Kids concerts each year, donors interested in nurturing future generations of classical music enthusiasts can make gifts to sponsor the program and receive recognition throughout the concert program and promotional materials.
CSOA Notes for Peace
Launched in March 2017, the Notes for Peace project empowers parents who have lost children to gun violence to create original songs of tribute. With guidance from the Civic Fellows, guest teaching artists from the U.K.-based Irene Taylor Trust and professional vocalists, parents compose, perform live and professionally record their music, which is then featured alongside family photos and lyrics on notesforpeace.org.
As of June 2020, songwriting sessions have been conducted via Zoom, and the studio recordings are produced by Chicago Recording Company. To date, nearly 70 families have written songs to honor lives lost to gun violence.
The CSOA seeks to fully fund Notes for Peace with gifts totaling $100,000 this season.
SCP Piano & Chamber
Through Symphony Center Presents, the CSOA offers dozens of concerts by acclaimed guest artists and ensembles.
Gift levels begin at $25,000 to sponsor individual Symphony Center Presents Piano and Chamber concerts. Sponsors receive customized benefits and recognition which may include complimentary tickets to their sponsored concert, program recognition and backstage access to visit with the guest artist (depending on artists’ availability). Gifts or pledges should be made about two months in advance of the sponsored concert.
CSOtv
To help audiences stay connected with music, the CSOA launched a new streaming platform, CSOtv, in fall of 2020. CSOtv has also proven to be a powerful platform to further cultivate a global audience, supplementing our national and international tours and CSO Resound releases. CSOtv reaches those that are unable to attend concerts and lowers the barrier to access world-class classical music with free concert programs.
In addition to significant support necessary to perpetuate the recording and production infrastructure into the future, ongoing support each season is needed to address increased expenses associated with maintenance of the CSOtv platform and dedicated production staff. A goal of $350,000 is set to underwrite the operating expense of CSOtv.
For More Information
We would be happy to help you identify a project that aligns with your passions and interests. Contact our major gifts team to begin a discussion about your sponsorship gift.