The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is a global artistic leader, hailed as one of the most esteemed ensembles in classical music. Founded in 1891 by pioneering conductor Theodore Thomas, the Orchestra cultivates the future of music while building upon its legacy. The CSO’s acclaimed musicians command a deep, evolving repertoire, creating their signature sound for music lovers around the world.
Each season, regular and first-time concertgoers discover the artistry of the CSO through its classical, film, chamber music and community concert programming. The Orchestra can also regularly be heard during national and international tours as well as in distinctive local venues, including parks and schools. CSO’s summer home is the Ravinia Festival on the North Shore, where the ensemble performs a popular series of outdoor concerts each year. The Orchestra also connects with millions of listeners around the world through the weekly CSO radio broadcast series and a celebrated catalog of recordings, which has earned 65 Grammy awards.
The CSO welcomes a new chapter under visionary conductor Klaus Mäkelä, who begins his tenure as Zell Music Director in the fall of 2027. Mäkelä succeeds Riccardo Muti, who held the position from 2010 to 2023 and now serves as the CSO’s music director emeritus for life.
Since its founding, the CSO has served communities to bring the transformative power of music to people of all ages and backgrounds. CSO musicians are deeply involved in Chicago Symphony’s embedded institute for music education — the Negaunee Music Institute — which reaches students, families and early-career musicians through free and low-cost programming and world-class musical training.
