Passionate, Invested, Empowered

Classic, classy, and world-class—that’s Chicago’s own CSO! But what’s behind the baton? Since 1934, the League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association has worked behind the scenes to serve and support our renowned symphonic institution.

Comprised of more than 250 men and women, the League offers myriad music education programs for youth and adults alike, creates fund-raising events that top the million dollar mark, hosts diverse and elegant salons and seminars and showcases opportunities to meet a global assortment of musicians, conductors, and artists.

Whether your goal is concert subscriber, program planner, project leader, financial supporter, or all-round volunteer, the League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association needs you. The world may be getting smaller, but music will always be the universal language—so help spread the word! Be a part of something spectacular: Power up to partner up and join the League today.

 

PROGRAMS OF THE LEAGUE

Programs of the League span music appreciation, fundraising, and education. Our members are passionate ambassadors volunteering through a wide range of activities. Here are just a few of the many programs.

  • • The signature Fall in Love with Music Luncheon featuring a CSO Guest artist.
  • • The Annual Musicians’ Luncheon that honors CSO musicians.
  • • Adventures In Music (AIM) partnership program with school and community organizations that provide access to CSO educational resources and CSO Family Matinee concerts.
  • • Docent Program in which a CSO volunteer prepares students for concert attendance and appreciation of symphonic music. Learn More
  • • Area Engagement Events that provide opportunities for fellowship and audience-building in local Chicago-land communities.
  • • And many more!

 

Join the League today!

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

ENJOY A WORLD OF PRIVILEGES RESERVED JUST FOR YOU 

  • • VIP Ticketing service
  • • Opportunities to meet world-class artists
  • • Voting privileges
  • • Subscription to Opus (League e-newsletter)
  • • Invitation to hear upcoming hopefuls at the Young Artists Competition
  • • Invitation to an exclusive luncheon with CSO musicians
  • • Invitation to annual Appreciation Week (complimentary event)
  • • An invitation to the CSOA’s Annual Meeting
  • • Advance sales to CSOA fundraising events
  • • Member discount at The Symphony Store 
  • • Access to the Music Resource Library. Including these books and CD’s. 

 

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
  • • Pay annual dues of $100
  • • Contribute $100 or more to the CSO Annual Fund (tax-deductible)
  • • Support the CSO by concert attendance
  • • Join one or more League committees that plan programs
  • • Financially support one League fundraising event
  • • Attend a League meeting. Formal meetings occur three times per season combining a business meeting and musical program.
LEAGUE EVENT CALENDAR

Stay up to date on all League happenings by visiting us on Facebook. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

Executive Committee

 

Mimi Duginger
President

William Ward
Vice President of Administration

Kathy Solaro
Vice President of Areas

Nancy Friedman
Vice President of Education

Marcia Lewis
Vice President of Events

Claretta Meier
Vice President of Finance
            

Cheryl Istvan
Acting Vice President of Fundraising

Mary Goodkind
Vice President of Membership

Denise Stauder
Strategic Planning Chair

Bonnie McGrath
Secretary

Sue Bridge
Earle Cromer
Members-at-Large

  

 

Photos

1.  Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition finalist Joshua Mhoon, Beatrice Crain, finalist Eriko Darcy, winner Yerin Yang, Dr. Michael Maling, finalist Colin Choi.
2.  Corporate Night Co-Chairs Megan and Steve Shebik, CSOA President Jeff Alexander, League Co-Chairs Jennifer Bumbu and Cheryl Istvan
3.  Conductor James Gaffigan interviewed by CSOA VP for Artist Planning Cristina Rocca at “Fall in Love with Music”