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Chicago Symphony Negaunee Music Institute

Once Upon a Symphony: Stone Soup

Dec 5, 2026-Feb 13, 2027

Overview

A hungry traveler arrives at a village where the townspeople claim they have no food to share. But the traveler pulls out a large pot, fills it with water, adds stones and says, “We have everything we need to make stone soup.” Before long, the villagers contribute to the broth and enjoy the most delicious soup they have ever tasted. In this musical adaptation of the classic tale, learn how the act of sharing fosters joy and celebration.

Once Upon a Symphony is designed to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the world of classical music and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Ignite your child’s imagination with vivid storytelling and small ensemble performances, as well as sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre.

Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre.

Please note: this event takes place in Buntrock Hall.

Extras

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Join us before or after the Once Upon a Symphony performance of Stone Soup on December 5th, as we partner with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and discover how small acts of kindness can bring people together and feed a community.

Activities in the Rotunda at Chicago Symphony Center begin at 10:30 a.m.:

  • Stone Soup story time — listen to a Chicago Public Librarian read Stone Soup Chicago written especially for the Greater Chicago Food Depository by John Jenkins, illustrated by Sam Kirk.

  • Stone Soup song — join in a singalong of the Stone Soup song and discover how “less makes more together.” 

  • Arts and crafts — color and add paper vegetables or other ingredients to a Stone Soup cauldron. 

  • Greater Chicago Food Depository Information table — purchase a copy of the Stone Soup Chicago book and explore how your contribution helps to feed our community.

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