CSO School Concerts feature the world-renowned music making of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, exploring orchestral masterpieces and illuminating connections to students’ daily lives.

The 100th season of the CSO’s concert series for children!


REFLECT | RESPOND | REMIX


Join us for four exciting programs that explore where great orchestral music comes from, what it means to be a listener in the 21st century and how composers, musicians and audiences are the architects of its future. Come be inspired by the amazing musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. For Chicago Public Schools, during the 2018/19 season, tickets and transportation to CSO School Concerts are FREE. For more information, please visit https://cso.org/institute/CPS100

 

   

CSO 18/19 School Concerts

 

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Sound

Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Edwin Outwater conductor

The legendary Chicago Symphony Orchestra sound is a product of the creativity and commitment of some of the greatest musicians on the planet. This concert explores the incredible dedication and amazing teamwork that has made the CSO such an extraordinary ensemble for more than 125 years.

Wednesday, November 28 at 10:15 and 12:00
Thursday, November 29 at 10:15 and 12:00
Recommended for students in grades 4-8

 

The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra

Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Edwin Outwater conductor

Benjamin Britten’s iconic introduction to the instruments of the orchestra pays tribute to Henry Purcell, one of the greatest English composers of the 17th century. This program is sure to inspire budding musicians throughout the audience.

Friday, November 30 at 10:15 and 12:00
Recommended for students in grades K-5

 

Flash Back, Flash Forward

Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Scott Speck conductor

A child from 1919 meets a child from 2019. Though their lives are very different, they discover joy and meaning in music in the very same ways. This program reflects on and celebrates the CSO’s century-long tradition of presenting concerts for children.

Friday, March 29 at 10:15 and 12:00
Recommended for students in grades K-5

 

Pictures at an Exhibition

Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Thomas Wilkins conductor

Modest Mussorgsky composed Pictures from an Exhibition as a musical depiction of a set of drawings and watercolors. This piece, famously arranged for orchestra by Maurice Ravel, leads audience members on a sonic gallery walk and invites them to investigate how visual imagery can be transformed into sound.

Friday, May 17 at 10:15 and 12:00
Recommended for students in grades K-5

An exhibition of visual artworks by students from Chicago Public Schools will be displayed in the Rotunda.

 

   

This program is sponsored in part by Allstate Insurance Company, the Youth Education Program Sponsor.  


Family and School Concerts are made possible with generous support of John Hart and Carol Prins.

Free transportation to School Concerts is generously provided in part by Wintrust Financial.