Designed for children ages 3–5, Once Upon a Symphony programs feature CSO musicians and introduce young children to the amazing world of classical music.

Once Upon a Symphony is produced and presented in collaboration with Chicago Children’s Theatre.

Expertly designed for our youngest concertgoers, Once Upon a Symphony weaves together live music performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, vivid storytelling, sets, costumes and images to create a unique and magical overture to the CSO music experience. These concerts enhance a child’s development as a life-long learner, cultivating skills such as problem solving, making connections, focus and self-regulation, perspective, persistence and self-directed, engaged learning.

 

    

Once Upon a Symphony — Recommended for Pre-K and K

  • The Ugly Duckling: CHILDREN & FAMILIES

    Saturday, November 17, 2018
    Saturday, December 8, 2018
    Saturday, January 12, 2019

    10:00 and 11:45 a.m.

  • The Ugly Duckling: SCHOOLS & TEACHERS

    Monday, November 19, 2018
    Monday, December 10, 2018

    10:15 and 11:30 a.m.

   

Once Upon a Symphony — Recommended for Pre-K and K

   

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    YOUR ONCE UPON A SYMPHONY EXPERIENCE (Saturdays)

    Once Upon a Symphony is a unique program with experiences that extend beyond your visit to Symphony Center. The information below will help prepare for your visit.

    • A few weeks prior to each concert, you will receive a preparatory document that describes what to expect at Symphony Center and several recommendations of ways that you can prepare your child for a fun and engaging musical experience.
    • Concerts are presented in Buntrock Hall, with special seating designed just for our youngest audience.
    • In addition to the friendly CSO ushers, staff and volunteers will be on hand to help ensure that you have a comfortable and safe experience.
    • After the performance, you are invited to meet the musicians and the storyteller before heading home. A postconcert document will be sent to you in the days following the concert, offering suggestions to continue exploring the music and the story at home.

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    Subscribe and attend two concerts for $30!

    Enter promo code OUASBUY2 at checkout. Enjoy these exclusive benefits when you subscribe:  

    The Most Flexible Exchange Policy in Chicago

    Enjoy quick, easy and FEE-FREE exchanges by phone or email when your schedule changes. You can even decide later on a future concert. Need a last minute change? Day-of-concert exchanges are available for a $10 fee.

    Please note: Upgrade costs apply when exchanging into a more expensive concert. Stored value of exchanges must be used for concerts during the 2017/18 season and cannot be applied to events in future seasons. Visit cso.org/exchange for more information on exchange-restricted dates.

    Premium Savings & Service

    In addition to savings on subscription series seats, subscribers enjoy:
    • Special subscriber parking rate—just $15 for prepaid parking at Grant Park South Garage
    • 15% savings on shopping at The Symphony Store and postconcert dining at tesori®, conveniently located inside Symphony Center
    • FREE lost ticket replacement

   

Once Upon a Symphony is made possible in part by a generous gift from the Richard P. and Susan Kiphart Family.

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