Music that moves

Step into a space where sound becomes movement, and every performance draws the world closer. When the Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays, hearts lean in.

Discover what’s on stage
Mäkelä Conducts Gershwin’s An American in Paris
Inside the Music
Watch. Read. Listen. Experience.
Jean Sibelius poetrait by Eero Järnefelt 1892 (detail)
Klaus Mäkelä
Klaus Mäkelä on mastery of Sibelius: ‘The music flows of its own accord’
Explore »
Gustav Mahler
About the music
Pondering Gustav Mahler and the ever-enduring curse of the ninth symphony
Explore »
the jazz collective Freedom Riders
Guest artists
Freedom Riders provide soundtrack for civil rights movement worldwide
Explore »
Writing's on the wall: A detail from the painting "Belshazzar's Feast" by Rembrandt.
About the music
How a Book of Daniel tale inspired the modern idiom ‘the writing on the wall’
Explore »
composer William Walton
About the music
Setting the table once again for William Walton’s lush ‘Belshazzar’s Feast’
Explore »
Branford Marsalis/Dianne Reeves
Guest artists
Marsalis and Reeves put their own distinct take on a John Coltrane tribute
Explore »
Explore more
A new era begins with Klaus Mäkelä

Celebrate a new chapter of the CSO’s 136-year history with Klaus Mäkelä as Zell Music Director Designate. Mäkelä returns to Chicago for five weeks and leads his first European tour with the CSO in the 2026/27 Season. His increasing presence leads to the beginning of his term as Zell Music Director in September 2027.

Discover more
Plan your visit to Chicago Symphony Center
Your experience begins long before the first note. Find your perfect seat and explore information about parking, dining, accessibility and shopping to make your visit seamless and memorable.
Get started