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{{Short description|Orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois}} {{Short description|Orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois}}
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{{Infobox orchestra {{Infobox orchestra
| name = Chicago Symphony Orchestra | name = Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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] ]


The '''Chicago Symphony Orchestra''' ('''CSO''') is an American symphony orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by ] in 1891, the ensemble has been based in the ] since 1904 and plays a summer season at the ]. ] was named music director-designate in 2024, with his first contractual season to begin in 2027. The orchestra's most recent music director is ], whose tenure spanned 13 seasons, from 2010 to 2023, and he continues to perform on occasion as director-emeritus. The CSO is one of the American orchestras commonly referred to as the "]".<ref name="walsh">{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,923579,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080131191106/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,923579,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 31, 2008 | title=Which U.S. Orchestras are Best? | first=Michael| last=Walsh| magazine=] | date=25 April 1983| access-date=2013-09-18}}</ref> The '''Chicago Symphony Orchestra''' ('''CSO''') is an American symphony orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by ] in 1891, the ensemble has been based in the ] since 1904 and plays a summer season at the ]. ] was named music director-designate in 2024, with his first contractual season to begin in 2027. The orchestra's most recent music director is ], whose tenure spanned the seasons from 2010 to 2023, and he continues to perform on occasion as director-emeritus. The CSO is one of the American orchestras commonly referred to as the "]".<ref name="walsh">{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,923579,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080131191106/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,923579,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 31, 2008 | title=Which U.S. Orchestras are Best? | first=Michael| last=Walsh| magazine=] | date=April 25, 1983| access-date=September 18, 2013}}</ref>


==History== ==History==
] ]
In 1890, Charles Norman Fay, a Chicago businessman, invited ] to establish an orchestra in Chicago. Under the name "Chicago Orchestra", the orchestra played its first concert October 16, 1891 at the ]. It is one of the oldest orchestras in the United States, along with the ], the ] and the ]. In 1890, Charles Norman Fay, a Chicago businessman, invited ] to establish an orchestra in Chicago. Under the name "Chicago Orchestra", the orchestra played its first concert October 16, 1891, at the ]. It is one of the oldest orchestras in the United States, along with the ], the ] and the ].


], now a component of the Symphony Center complex, was designed by Chicago architect ] and completed in 1904. Maestro Thomas served as music director for thirteen years until his death shortly after Orchestra Hall was dedicated on December 14, 1904. The orchestra was renamed "Theodore Thomas Orchestra" in 1905 and today, Orchestra Hall still has "Theodore Thomas Orchestra Hall" inscribed in its façade. ], now a component of the Symphony Center complex, was designed by Chicago architect ] and completed in 1904. Maestro Thomas served as music director for thirteen years until his death shortly after Orchestra Hall was dedicated on December 14, 1904. The orchestra was renamed "Theodore Thomas Orchestra" in 1905, and today, Orchestra Hall still has "Theodore Thomas Orchestra Hall" inscribed on its façade.


In 1905, ] became music director, a post he held until his death in 1942. The orchestra was renamed the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1913. In 1905, ] became music director, a post he held until his death in 1942. The orchestra was renamed the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1913.


Subsequent music directors have included ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Solti thought it was essential to raise the orchestra's international profile. He led it in a European tour in 1971, playing in ten countries. It was the first time in its 80-year history that the orchestra had played outside of North America.<ref name=prov>Greenfield, Edward. "The great provincials", ''The Guardian'', 4 October 1971, p. 8</ref> The orchestra received plaudits from European critics,<ref>, '']'', 6 October 1971, p. 20</ref>{{refn|After the orchestra played at the ] the critic ] wrote, "I am tempted to describe it as the United States' most completely accomplished orchestra. It has the fine attack of the ] under ], the radiance of the ] under ], the classic elegance of the ] under ], and to these qualities it adds, under Solti, a warm, human musical expressiveness that one associates with European rather than modern American orchestras."<ref>Mann, William. "Chicago SO", ''The Times'', 6 September 1971, p. 8</ref> After one of the London concerts, ] wrote, "nobody could doubt that this is about the most formidably-equipped orchestra in the world at present".<ref>Blyth, Alan. "Chicago SO/Solti", ''The Times'' 5 October 1971, p. 17</ref>|group= n}} and was welcomed home at the end of the tour with a ].<ref name=dnb>Follows, Stephen. , ''Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'', Oxford University Press, 2004; online edition, January 2011, accessed 22 February 2012 {{subscription required}}</ref> Subsequent music directors have included ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Reiner famously lead the orchestra, including in a series of television appearances, the first in its history. He also planned but was unable to bring to fruition its first tour outside the United States.<ref>{{cite book | last=Morgan | first=Kenneth | title=Fritz Reiner: Maestro & Martinet | location=Urbana, Illinois | publisher=University of Illinois Press | year=2005 | pages=x-xi, 160 | isbn=0-252-02935-6 | url=https://archive.org/details/fritzreinermaest00morg }}</ref> Later, Solti thought it was essential to raise the orchestra's international profile. He led it in a European tour in 1971, playing in ten countries. It was the first time in its 80-year history that the orchestra had played outside of North America.<ref name=prov>Greenfield, Edward. "The great provincials", ''The Guardian'', October 4, 1971, p. 8</ref> The orchestra received plaudits from European critics,<ref>, '']'', October 6, 1971, p. 20</ref>{{refn|After the orchestra played at the ] the critic ] wrote, "I am tempted to describe it as the United States' most completely accomplished orchestra. It has the fine attack of the ] under ], the radiance of the ] under ], the classic elegance of the ] under ], and to these qualities it adds, under Solti, a warm, human musical expressiveness that one associates with European rather than modern American orchestras."<ref>Mann, William. "Chicago SO", ''The Times'', September 6, 1971, p. 8</ref> After one of the London concerts, ] wrote, "nobody could doubt that this is about the most formidably-equipped orchestra in the world at present".<ref>Blyth, Alan. "Chicago SO/Solti", ''The Times'' October 5, 1971, p. 17</ref>|group= n}} and was welcomed home at the end of the tour with a ].<ref name=dnb>Follows, Stephen. , ''Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'', Oxford University Press, 2004; online edition, January 2011, accessed February 22, 2012 {{subscription required}}</ref>


On May 5, 2008, the CSO announced the appointment of ] as its 10th music director, starting with the 2010–2011 season, for an initial contract of 5 years.<ref name="Wakin">{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/arts/music/06muti.html?ref=arts%26pagewanted=all| title= And the Brass Ring Goes to Chicago Symphony: Riccardo Muti Says Yes | work=]| first=Daniel J.| last=Wakin| date=5 May 2008| access-date=2013-09-18}}</ref> His contract was renewed for another five years, through the 2020 season.<ref name="Patner">{{cite news |url=http://voices.suntimes.com/arts-entertainment/the-daily-sizzle/riccardo-muti-renews-contract-with-chicago-symphony-orchestra |work=] |first=Andrew |last=Patner |date=3 February 2014 |access-date=5 February 2015 |title=Chicago – Chicago : News : Politics : Things To Do : Sports |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205085753/http://voices.suntimes.com/arts-entertainment/the-daily-sizzle/riccardo-muti-renews-contract-with-chicago-symphony-orchestra/ |archive-date=5 February 2015 }}</ref> Muti's most recent CSO contract extension, announced in January 2018, is through the 2021–2022 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://csosoundsandstories.org/riccardo-muti-to-remain-cso-music-director-until-2021-22/ | title=Riccardo Muti to remain CSO music director until 2021–22 | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=30 January 2018 | access-date=2021-01-01 | archive-date=2021-04-17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417094423/https://csosoundsandstories.org/riccardo-muti-to-remain-cso-music-director-until-2021-22/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> In January 2020, the CSO confirmed that Muti is to conclude his music directorship of the orchestra at the close of the 2021–2022 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://csosoundsandstories.org/muti-talks-about-20-21-season-also-cavalleria-rusticana-on-wdcb-fm/ | title=Muti talks about '20–21 season, also ''Cavalleria rusticana'', on WDCB-FM | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=28 January 2020 | access-date=2021-01-01}}</ref> In September 2021, the CSO announced a revision to Muti's contract as its music director, with an extension of the scheduled closing date of his tenure to the end of the 2022–2023 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://cso.org/media/fpzepwjk/csoa-news-release-riccardo-muti-contract-extension_09-23-21i.pdf | title=Riccardo Muti extends contract as Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through 2023 | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=23 September 2021 | access-date=2021-09-24}}</ref> In September 2023, the orchestra granted Muti the title of Music Director Emeritus for life.<ref>{{cite news | author=Lawrence A. Johnson | title=Riccardo Muti honored with new CSO title | url=https://chicagoclassicalreview.com/2023/06/riccardo-muti-honored-with-new-cso-title/ | work=Chicago Classical Review | date = 23 June 2023 | access-date=27 June 2023}}</ref> On May 5, 2008, the CSO announced the appointment of ] as its 10th music director, starting with the 2010–2011 season<ref name="Wakin">{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/arts/music/06muti.html?ref=arts%26pagewanted=all| title= And the Brass Ring Goes to Chicago Symphony: Riccardo Muti Says Yes | work=]| first=Daniel J.| last=Wakin| date=May 5, 2008| access-date=September 18, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Patner">{{cite news |url=http://voices.suntimes.com/arts-entertainment/the-daily-sizzle/riccardo-muti-renews-contract-with-chicago-symphony-orchestra |work=] |first=Andrew |last=Patner |date=February 3, 2014 |access-date=February 5, 2015 |title=Chicago – Chicago : News : Politics : Things To Do : Sports |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205085753/http://voices.suntimes.com/arts-entertainment/the-daily-sizzle/riccardo-muti-renews-contract-with-chicago-symphony-orchestra/ |archive-date=February 5, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | url=https://csosoundsandstories.org/riccardo-muti-to-remain-cso-music-director-until-2021-22/ | title=Riccardo Muti to remain CSO music director until 2021–22 | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=January 30, 2018 | access-date=January 1, 2021 | archive-date=April 17, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417094423/https://csosoundsandstories.org/riccardo-muti-to-remain-cso-music-director-until-2021-22/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> After extending his stay several times, the CSO confirmed that Muti would conclude his active directorship of the orchestra at end of the 2022–2023 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://csosoundsandstories.org/muti-talks-about-20-21-season-also-cavalleria-rusticana-on-wdcb-fm/ | title=Muti talks about '20–21 season, also ''Cavalleria rusticana'', on WDCB-FM | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=January 28, 2020 | access-date=January 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | url=https://cso.org/media/fpzepwjk/csoa-news-release-riccardo-muti-contract-extension_09-23-21i.pdf | title=Riccardo Muti extends contract as Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through 2023 | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=September 23, 2021 | access-date=September 24, 2021}}</ref> In September 2023, the orchestra granted Muti the title of Music Director Emeritus for life.<ref>{{cite news | author=Lawrence A. Johnson | title=Riccardo Muti honored with new CSO title | url=https://chicagoclassicalreview.com/2023/06/riccardo-muti-honored-with-new-cso-title/ | work=Chicago Classical Review | date = June 23, 2023 | access-date=June 27, 2023}}</ref>


In 2022, ] first guest-conducted the CSO, and returned for a guest-conducting appearance in February 2023. In April 2024, the CSO announced the appointment of Mäkelä as its next music director, effective with the 2027–2028 season, with an initial contract of five years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://cso.org/experience/article/18131/klaus-makela-named-next-music-director-of-the | title=Klaus Mäkelä named next music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=2 April 2024 | accessdate=2024-04-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Klaus Mäkelä, 28-Year-Old Finnish Conductor, to Lead Chicago Symphony | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/02/arts/music/klaus-makela-28-to-lead-chicago-symphony-orchestra.html | author=Javier C. Hernández | date=2024-04-02 | access-date=2024-04-02}}</ref> In 2022, ] first guest-conducted the CSO, and returned for a guest-conducting appearance in February 2023. In April 2024, the CSO announced the appointment of Mäkelä as its next music director, effective with the 2027–2028 season, with an initial contract of five years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://cso.org/experience/article/18131/klaus-makela-named-next-music-director-of-the | title=Klaus Mäkelä named next music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=April 2, 2024 | accessdate=April 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Klaus Mäkelä, 28-Year-Old Finnish Conductor, to Lead Chicago Symphony | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/02/arts/music/klaus-makela-28-to-lead-chicago-symphony-orchestra.html | author=Javier C. Hernández | work=The New York Times | date=April 2, 2024 | access-date=April 2, 2024}}</ref>


The orchestra has also hosted many distinguished guest conductors, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Many of these guests have also recorded with the orchestra. ] made his only symphonic guest appearances in America with the CSO in October 1978 and June 1983. The orchestra has also hosted many distinguished guest conductors, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Many of these guests have also recorded with the orchestra. ] made his only symphonic guest appearances in America with the CSO in October 1978 and June 1983.
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==Ravinia Festival== ==Ravinia Festival==
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra maintains a summer home at the ] in ]. The CSO first performed there during Ravinia Park's second season on November 20, 1905,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://csoarchives.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/125-moments-054-ravinia-park/ |title=125 Moments: 054 Ravinia Park &#124; from the archives |website=Csoarchives.wordpress.com |date=2018-10-22 |access-date=2020-04-22}}</ref> and continued to appear there on and off through August 1931, after which the Park fell dark due to the ]. The CSO helped to inaugurate the first season of the ] on July 3, 1936,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://csoarchives.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/125-moments-064-ravinia-festival/ |title=125 Moments: 064 Ravinia Festival &#124; from the archives |website=Csoarchives.wordpress.com |date=12 April 2016 |access-date=2020-04-22}}</ref> and has been in residence at the Festival every summer since. The one exception to this is during the ], when the orchestra did not perform any concerts due to Ravinia announcing that it had cancelled all concerts for the 2020 season.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 1, 2020|title=Ravinia Cancels 2020 Season Due to Covid Pandemic|url=https://www.ravinia.org/Page/CoronaVirus|access-date=August 21, 2020|website=Ravinia Festival|archive-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419114620/https://www.ravinia.org/Page/CoronaVirus|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Chicago Symphony Orchestra maintains a summer home at the ] in Ravinia Park, ]. The CSO first performed there on November 20, 1905, during Ravinia Park's second year since its opening in 1904, and continued to appear there on and off through August 1931, after which Ravinia Park closed for four years due to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://csoarchives.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/125-moments-054-ravinia-park/ |title=125 Moments: 054 Ravinia Park &#124; from the archives |website=Csoarchives.wordpress.com |date=October 22, 2018 |access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref> The year of Ravinia Park's re-opening, the CSO helped to inaugurate the first season of the ] on July 3, 1936,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://csoarchives.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/125-moments-064-ravinia-festival/ |title=125 Moments: 064 Ravinia Festival &#124; from the archives |website=Csoarchives.wordpress.com |date=April 12, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref> and has been in residence at the Festival every summer since. The one exception to this is during the ], when the orchestra did not perform any concerts due to Ravinia announcing that it had cancelled all concerts for the 2020 season.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 1, 2020|title=Ravinia Cancels 2020 Season Due to Covid Pandemic|url=https://www.ravinia.org/Page/CoronaVirus|access-date=August 21, 2020|website=Ravinia Festival|archive-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419114620/https://www.ravinia.org/Page/CoronaVirus|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Many conductors have made their debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia, and several have gone on to become music director for the festival, including ] (1964–68), ] (1973–93), and ] (1995–2003). ] held the title from 2005 until 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://csoarchives.wordpress.com/2016/09/20/125-moments-116-james-conlon/ |title=125 Moments: 116 James Conlon &#124; from the archives |website=Csoarchives.wordpress.com |date=2017-03-29 |access-date=2020-04-22}}</ref> The Ravinia Festival created an honorific title for James Levine, "Conductor Laureate", and signed him to a five-year renewable contract beginning in 2018. On December 4, 2017, after Levine was accused of sexual misconduct, the Ravinia Festival severed all ties with Levine, and terminated his five-year contract to lead the Chicago Symphony there.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fanto |first=Clarence |url=http://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/boston-symphony-management-to-industry-reflect-upon-reports-of-sexual-misconduct,526379 |title=Boston Symphony management to industry: Reflect upon reports of sexual misconduct |newspaper=] |date=2017-12-06 |access-date=2020-04-22}}</ref> ] served as the festival's first artistic curator from 2018 until 2019. She became its chief conductor and curator in 2021. Many conductors have made their debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia, and several have gone on to become music director for the festival, including ] (1964–68), ] (1973–93), and ] (1995–2003). ] held the title from 2005 until 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://csoarchives.wordpress.com/2016/09/20/125-moments-116-james-conlon/ |title=125 Moments: 116 James Conlon &#124; from the archives |website=Csoarchives.wordpress.com |date=March 29, 2017 |access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref> The Ravinia Festival created an honorific title for James Levine, "Conductor Laureate", and signed him to a five-year renewable contract beginning in 2018. On December 4, 2017, after Levine was accused of sexual misconduct, the Ravinia Festival severed all ties with Levine, and terminated his five-year contract to lead the Chicago Symphony there.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fanto |first=Clarence |url=http://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/boston-symphony-management-to-industry-reflect-upon-reports-of-sexual-misconduct,526379 |title=Boston Symphony management to industry: Reflect upon reports of sexual misconduct |newspaper=] |date=December 6, 2017 |access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref> ] served as the festival's first artistic curator from 2018 until 2019. She became its chief conductor and curator in 2021.


==Recordings== ==Recordings==
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has amassed an extensive discography. Recordings by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus have earned sixty-five Grammy Awards from ]. These include several Classical Album of the Year awards, awards in Best Classical Performance in vocal soloist, choral, instrumental, engineering and orchestral categories. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has amassed an extensive discography. Recordings by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the ] have earned sixty-five ] from ]. These include several Classical Album of the Year awards, awards in Best Classical Performance in vocal soloist, choral, instrumental, engineering and orchestral categories.


On May 1, 1916, Frederick Stock and the orchestra recorded the Wedding March from ]'s music to '']'' for ]. Stock and the CSO made numerous recordings for Columbia and the ]/]. The Chicago Symphony's first electrical recordings were made for Victor in December 1925, including a performance of ]'s ''In Springtime'' overture. These early electrical recordings were made in Victor's Chicago studios; within a couple of years Victor began recording the CSO in Orchestra Hall. Stock continued recording for Columbia and RCA Victor until his death in 1942. On May 1, 1916, ] and the orchestra recorded the Wedding March from ]'s music to '']'' for ]. Stock and the CSO made numerous recordings for Columbia and the ]/]. The Chicago Symphony's first ] were made for Victor in December 1925, including a performance of ]'s ''In Springtime'' overture. These early electrical recordings were made in Victor's Chicago studios; within a couple of years Victor began recording the CSO in Orchestra Hall. Stock continued recording for Columbia and RCA Victor until his death in 1942.


In 1951, ] made the first modern high fidelity recordings with the orchestra, in Orchestra Hall, for ]. Like the first electrical recordings, these performances were made with a single microphone. ] has reissued these performances on compact disc with the original Mercury label and liner notes. In 1951, ] made the first modern ] recordings with the orchestra, in Orchestra Hall, for ]. Like the first electrical recordings, these performances were made with a single microphone. ] has reissued these performances on compact disc with the original Mercury label and liner notes.


] ]
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In 2007, the Chicago Symphony formed its own recording label, ]. After an agreement was reached with the Orchestra's musicians, arrangements were made for new recordings to be released digitally at online outlets and on compact disc.<ref name="2007Recordings"/> The first CSO Resound CD, a recording of ] rendition of Mahler's Third Symphony, was released in the spring of 2007. Releases that followed included Bruckner's Seventh Symphony, Mahler's Sixth Symphony, and Shostakovich's Fourth Symphony (Grammy winner), all conducted by Haitink; Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony led by ]; "Traditions and Transformations: Sounds of Silk Road Chicago" with the Orchestra's Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant ] (Grammy winner); and recordings of Verdi's ] (Grammy winner) and ], under the direction of Muti. In 2007, the Chicago Symphony formed its own recording label, ]. After an agreement was reached with the Orchestra's musicians, arrangements were made for new recordings to be released digitally at online outlets and on compact disc.<ref name="2007Recordings"/> The first CSO Resound CD, a recording of ] rendition of Mahler's Third Symphony, was released in the spring of 2007. Releases that followed included Bruckner's Seventh Symphony, Mahler's Sixth Symphony, and Shostakovich's Fourth Symphony (Grammy winner), all conducted by Haitink; Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony led by ]; "Traditions and Transformations: Sounds of Silk Road Chicago" with the Orchestra's Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant ] (Grammy winner); and recordings of Verdi's ] (Grammy winner) and ], under the direction of Muti.


The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus have recorded the music for two movies: '']'' conducted by James Levine and '']'' conducted by John Williams. Selections from the Orchestra and Chorus's recording of ]'s '']'', conducted by Sir Georg Solti, were used in the movie '']''. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus have recorded the music for two movies: '']'' conducted by James Levine and '']'' conducted by John Williams. Selections from the Orchestra and Chorus's recording of ]'s '']'', conducted by Sir Georg Solti, were used in the movie '']''.


==Broadcasts== ==Broadcasts==
The Chicago Symphony first broadcast on the radio in 1925. Though often sporadic, there have been broadcasts ever since. With the 1965–1966 season, Chicago radio station WFMT began regular tape-delayed stereo broadcasts of CSO concerts, running through the 1968–1969 season. They resumed from 1976 through the 2000–2001 season before ceasing due to lack of sponsorship. In 2007, the broadcasts once again resumed with a 52-week series. The broadcasts were originally sponsored by ] and air on 98.7 ] in Chicago and the ] Radio Network. They consist of 39 weeks of recordings of live concerts, as well as highlights from the CSO's vast discography.<ref name="2007Recordings">{{cite press release| title= Chicago Symphony Orchestra Announces Major Radio and Recording Initiatives|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209034238/http://www.wfmt.com/main.taf?p=7,4,1,1,1,13|url-status=dead| publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra| date=2006-11-30| access-date= 2013-09-18| url=http://www.wfmt.com/main.taf?p=7,4,1,1,1,13| archive-date=2013-02-09 }}</ref> The Chicago Symphony first broadcast on the radio in 1925. Though often sporadic, there have been broadcasts ever since. With the 1965–1966 season, Chicago radio station WFMT began regular ] stereo broadcasts of CSO concerts, running through the 1968–1969 season. They resumed from 1976 through the 2000–2001 season before ceasing due to lack of sponsorship. In 2007, the broadcasts once again resumed with a 52-week series. The broadcasts were originally sponsored by ] and air on 98.7 ] in Chicago and the ] Radio Network. They consist of 39 weeks of recordings of live concerts, as well as highlights from the CSO's vast discography.<ref name="2007Recordings">{{cite press release| title= Chicago Symphony Orchestra Announces Major Radio and Recording Initiatives|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209034238/http://www.wfmt.com/main.taf?p=7,4,1,1,1,13|url-status=dead| publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra| date=November 30, 2006| access-date= September 18, 2013| url=http://www.wfmt.com/main.taf?p=7,4,1,1,1,13| archive-date=February 9, 2013 }}</ref>


The CSO appeared in a series of telecasts on ], beginning in 1953. The early 1960s saw the videotaped telecast series '']'', conducted by Fritz Reiner and guest conductors including ], ], ], and ]. Many of these televised concerts, from 1953 to 1963, have since been released to DVD by ]. The CSO appeared in a series of telecasts on ], beginning in 1953. The early 1960s saw the videotaped telecast series '']'', conducted by Fritz Reiner and guest conductors including ], ], ], and ]. Many of these televised concerts, from 1953 to 1963, have since been released to DVD by ].


Sir ] also conducted a series of concerts with the Chicago Symphony that were recorded for the European firm Unitel and were broadcast in the 1970s on ]. They have subsequently been reissued by Decca Video on DVD. Sir ] also conducted a series of concerts with the Chicago Symphony that were recorded for the European firm Unitel and were broadcast in the 1970s on ]. They have subsequently been reissued by Decca Video on DVD.


== Civic Orchestra of Chicago == == Civic Orchestra of Chicago ==
] founded the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the first training orchestra in the United States affiliated with a major symphony orchestra, in 1919. Its goal is to recruit pre-professional musicians and train them as high-level orchestra players. Many alumni have gone on to play for the CSO or other major orchestras. It is currently the only training orchestra sponsored by a major orchestra in North America. Frederick Stock founded the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the first training orchestra in the United States affiliated with a major symphony orchestra, in 1919. Its goal is to recruit pre-professional musicians and train them as high-level orchestra players. Many alumni have gone on to play for the CSO or other major orchestras. It is currently the only training orchestra sponsored by a major orchestra in North America.


The Civic Orchestra performs half a dozen orchestral concerts and a chamber music series annually in Symphony Center and in other venues throughout the Chicago area free of charge to the public. The Civic Orchestra performs half a dozen orchestral concerts and a chamber music series annually in Symphony Center and in other venues throughout the Chicago area free of charge to the public.
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* Sir ] (1969–1991) * Sir ] (1969–1991)
* ] (1991–2006) * ] (1991–2006)
* ] (2010–2023)<ref>{{cite news | author=Kyle MacMillan | title=Chicago Symphony Orchestra 2023–24 season ushers in new era | url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/2/15/23598461/chicago-symphony-orchestra-2023-24-season-ushers-in-new-era | work=Chicago Sun-Times | date=15 February 2023 | access-date=17 April 2023}}</ref> * ] (2010–2023)<ref>{{cite news | author=Kyle MacMillan | title=Chicago Symphony Orchestra 2023–24 season ushers in new era | url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/2/15/23598461/chicago-symphony-orchestra-2023-24-season-ushers-in-new-era | work=Chicago Sun-Times | date=February 15, 2023 | access-date=April 17, 2023}}</ref>
* ] (designate, effective 2027) * ] (designate, effective 2027)


Line 100: Line 102:
* Sir ] – Music Director Laureate (1991–1997) * Sir ] – Music Director Laureate (1991–1997)
* ] – Principal Guest Conductor (1995–2006); Conductor Emeritus (2006–2016) * ] – Principal Guest Conductor (1995–2006); Conductor Emeritus (2006–2016)
* ] – Music Director Emeritus for Life (2023–present)<ref name="Experience the Chicago Symphony Orchestra 2023 s761">{{cite web | title=Riccardo Muti named Music Director Emeritus for Life | website=Experience the Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=23 June 2023 | url=https://cso.org/experience/article/14228/riccardo-muti-is-named-music-director-emeritu | access-date=24 September 2023}}</ref> * ] – Music Director Emeritus for Life (2023–present)<ref name="Experience the Chicago Symphony Orchestra 2023 s761">{{cite web | title=Riccardo Muti named Music Director Emeritus for Life | website=Experience the Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=June 23, 2023 | url=https://cso.org/experience/article/14228/riccardo-muti-is-named-music-director-emeritu | access-date=September 24, 2023}}</ref>


===Composers-in-residence=== ===Composers-in-residence===
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* ] (2015–2018) * ] (2015–2018)
* ] (2018–2021) * ] (2018–2021)
* ] (2021–present) * ] (2021–2024)


{{col-break}} {{col-break}}
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* ] – Assistant (1899–1905) * ] – Assistant (1899–1905)
* ] – Assistant (1918–1933); Associate (1933–1936) * ] – Assistant (1918–1933); Associate (1933–1936)
* ] – Associate, (1936–1943); Conductor (1943–1946) * ] – Associate, (1936–1943); Conductor (1943–1946)
* ] – Assistant (1947–1949); Associate (1949–1950) * ] – Assistant (1947–1949); Associate (1949–1950)
* ] – Assistant (1950–1952); Associate (1952–1956) * ] – Assistant (1950–1952); Associate (1952–1956)
Line 144: Line 146:
==Honors and awards== ==Honors and awards==
{{main article|List of awards received by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra}} {{main article|List of awards received by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra}}
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra was voted the best orchestra in the United States and the fifth best orchestra in the world by editors of the British classical music magazine '']'' in November, 2008.<ref name="huizenga">{{cite episode| url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97291390| title=Chicago Symphony Tops U.S. Orchestras| first=Tom| last=Huizenga| network=]| series=]| air-date=21 November 2008| access-date=2013-09-18}}</ref> The same was said by a panel of critics polled by the classical music website ] in September, 2015.<ref name="pullinger">{{citation| url=https://bachtrack.com/worlds-best-orchestra-best-conductor-critics-choice-september-2015| title=Chailly and the Berliner Philharmoniker: the critics' choice for World's Best Conductor and Orchestra| first=Mark| last=Pullinger| website=Bachtrack.com| date=3 September 2015| access-date=2015-11-30| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724202637/https://bachtrack.com/worlds-best-orchestra-best-conductor-critics-choice-september-2015| archive-date=24 July 2016| url-status=dead}}</ref> The Chicago Symphony Orchestra was voted the best orchestra in the United States and the fifth best orchestra in the world by editors of the British classical music magazine '']'' in November 2008.<ref name="huizenga">{{cite episode| url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97291390| title=Chicago Symphony Tops U.S. Orchestras| first=Tom| last=Huizenga| network=]| series=]| air-date=November 21, 2008| access-date=September 18, 2013}}</ref> The same was said by a panel of critics polled by the classical music website ] in September 2015.<ref name="pullinger">{{citation| url=https://bachtrack.com/worlds-best-orchestra-best-conductor-critics-choice-september-2015| title=Chailly and the Berliner Philharmoniker: the critics' choice for World's Best Conductor and Orchestra| first=Mark| last=Pullinger| website=Bachtrack.com| date=September 3, 2015| access-date=November 30, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724202637/https://bachtrack.com/worlds-best-orchestra-best-conductor-critics-choice-september-2015| archive-date=July 24, 2016| url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2011, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was inducted into the ].<ref name="hall of fame">{{cite web |title=Chicago Symphony Orchestra |url=https://classicalwalkoffame.org/view-inductees/?id=23 |website=] |access-date=July 18, 2024}}</ref>


===Grammy Awards=== ===Grammy Awards===
Line 158: Line 162:
Sir ], former music director and music director laureate, won thirty-one Grammy Awards. He received seven awards in addition to his twenty-four awards with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. In addition, Sir Georg Solti and producer ] received the first NARAS ] in 1967 for their "efforts, ingenuity, and artistic contributions" in connection with the first complete recording of ]'s '']'' with the ]. Solti also received the academy's 1995 ]. Sir ], former music director and music director laureate, won thirty-one Grammy Awards. He received seven awards in addition to his twenty-four awards with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. In addition, Sir Georg Solti and producer ] received the first NARAS ] in 1967 for their "efforts, ingenuity, and artistic contributions" in connection with the first complete recording of ]'s '']'' with the ]. Solti also received the academy's 1995 ].


], founder and longtime director of the ], won nine Grammy Awards for her collaborations with the Orchestra and Chorus. ], founder and longtime director of the ], won nine Grammy Awards for her collaborations with the Orchestra and Chorus.<ref name="m732">{{cite web | title=Margaret Hillis | website=GRAMMY.com | url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/margaret-hillis/16835 | access-date=25 December 2024}}</ref>


==Volunteer groups== ==Volunteer groups==
*African American Network *African American Network
*Governing Members (established 1894)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cso.org/support/get-involved/governing-members/ |title=Governing Members |website=Cso.org |access-date=2020-04-22}}</ref> *Governing Members (established 1894)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cso.org/support/get-involved/governing-members/ |title=Governing Members |website=Cso.org |access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>
*Latino Alliance<ref>{{cite web |title=Latino Alliance {{!}} Chicago Symphony Orchestra |url=https://cso.org/support/get-involved/latino-alliance/ |website=Experience the Chicago Symphony Orchestra |language=en-us}}</ref>
*Latino Alliance
*League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (formerly the Women's Association, established 1934)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cso.org/support/get-involved/the-league/ |title=Chicago Symphony Orchestra |website=Cso.org |access-date=2020-04-22}}</ref> *League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (formerly the Women's Association, established 1934)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cso.org/support/get-involved/the-league/ |title=Chicago Symphony Orchestra |website=Cso.org |access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>
*Overture Council (established 2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cso.org/support/get-involved/overture-council/ |title=Chicago Symphony Orchestra |website=Cso.org |access-date=2020-04-22}}</ref> *Overture Council (established 2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cso.org/support/get-involved/overture-council/ |title=Chicago Symphony Orchestra |website=Cso.org |access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>
*Women's Board <ref>{{cite web|url=https://cso.org/support/get-involved/womens-board/ |title=Women's Board |website=Cso.org |access-date=2020-04-22}}</ref> *Women's Board <ref>{{cite web|url=https://cso.org/support/get-involved/womens-board/ |title=Women's Board |website=Cso.org |access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
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== External links == == External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{NIE Poster|Chicago Orchestra}} {{NIE Poster|Chicago Orchestra}}
* {{Official website|http://www.cso.org}} * {{Official website|http://www.cso.org}}
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* *
* *
* by Bruce Duffie, May & October, 1988 * by Bruce Duffie, May & October 1988
* , founder of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, by Bruce Duffie, July, 1986 * , founder of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, by Bruce Duffie, July 1986
*


{{Big Five (orchestras)}} {{Big Five (orchestras)}}
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{{Chicago mtp}} {{Chicago mtp}}
{{Disney's Fantasia}} {{Disney's Fantasia}}

{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 01:31, 28 December 2024

Orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois
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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra
Founded1891; 133 years ago (1891)
LocationChicago, Illinois, US
Concert hallSymphony Center
Music directorKlaus Mäkelä (Zell Music Director Designate, effective 2027)
Websitewww.cso.org
The Orchestra performs in Orchestra Hall at the Chicago Symphony Center

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is an American symphony orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by Theodore Thomas in 1891, the ensemble has been based in the Symphony Center since 1904 and plays a summer season at the Ravinia Festival. Klaus Mäkelä was named music director-designate in 2024, with his first contractual season to begin in 2027. The orchestra's most recent music director is Riccardo Muti, whose tenure spanned the seasons from 2010 to 2023, and he continues to perform on occasion as director-emeritus. The CSO is one of the American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five".

History

Theodore Thomas, founding father and first conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

In 1890, Charles Norman Fay, a Chicago businessman, invited Theodore Thomas to establish an orchestra in Chicago. Under the name "Chicago Orchestra", the orchestra played its first concert October 16, 1891, at the Auditorium Theater. It is one of the oldest orchestras in the United States, along with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Orchestra Hall, now a component of the Symphony Center complex, was designed by Chicago architect Daniel H. Burnham and completed in 1904. Maestro Thomas served as music director for thirteen years until his death shortly after Orchestra Hall was dedicated on December 14, 1904. The orchestra was renamed "Theodore Thomas Orchestra" in 1905, and today, Orchestra Hall still has "Theodore Thomas Orchestra Hall" inscribed on its façade.

In 1905, Frederick Stock became music director, a post he held until his death in 1942. The orchestra was renamed the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1913.

Subsequent music directors have included Désiré Defauw, Artur Rodziński, Rafael Kubelík, Fritz Reiner, Jean Martinon, Georg Solti, and Daniel Barenboim. Reiner famously lead the orchestra, including in a series of television appearances, the first in its history. He also planned but was unable to bring to fruition its first tour outside the United States. Later, Solti thought it was essential to raise the orchestra's international profile. He led it in a European tour in 1971, playing in ten countries. It was the first time in its 80-year history that the orchestra had played outside of North America. The orchestra received plaudits from European critics, and was welcomed home at the end of the tour with a ticker-tape parade.

On May 5, 2008, the CSO announced the appointment of Riccardo Muti as its 10th music director, starting with the 2010–2011 season After extending his stay several times, the CSO confirmed that Muti would conclude his active directorship of the orchestra at end of the 2022–2023 season. In September 2023, the orchestra granted Muti the title of Music Director Emeritus for life.

In 2022, Klaus Mäkelä first guest-conducted the CSO, and returned for a guest-conducting appearance in February 2023. In April 2024, the CSO announced the appointment of Mäkelä as its next music director, effective with the 2027–2028 season, with an initial contract of five years.

The orchestra has also hosted many distinguished guest conductors, including Thomas Beecham, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Edward Elgar, Morton Gould, Paul Hindemith, Erich Kunzel, Erich Leinsdorf, Charles Munch, Eugene Ormandy, André Previn, Sergei Prokofiev, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Maurice Ravel, Arnold Schoenberg, Leonard Slatkin, Leopold Stokowski, James Levine, Richard Strauss, George Szell, Klaus Tennstedt, Michael Tilson Thomas, Bruno Walter, and John Williams. Many of these guests have also recorded with the orchestra. Carlos Kleiber made his only symphonic guest appearances in America with the CSO in October 1978 and June 1983.

The three principal guest conductors of the orchestra have been Carlo Maria Giulini, Claudio Abbado, and Pierre Boulez.

The CSO holds an annual fundraiser, originally known as the Chicago Symphony Marathon, more recently as "Radiothon" and "Symphonython", in conjunction with Chicago radio station WFMT. As part of the event, from 1986 through 2008, the orchestra released tracks from their broadcast archives on double LP/CD collections, as well as two larger sets of broadcasts and rarities (CSO: The First 100 Years, 12 CDs, 1991; CSO in the 20th Century: Collector's Choice, 10 CDs, 2000).

Ravinia Festival

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra maintains a summer home at the Ravinia Festival in Ravinia Park, Highland Park, Illinois. The CSO first performed there on November 20, 1905, during Ravinia Park's second year since its opening in 1904, and continued to appear there on and off through August 1931, after which Ravinia Park closed for four years due to the Great Depression. The year of Ravinia Park's re-opening, the CSO helped to inaugurate the first season of the Ravinia Festival on July 3, 1936, and has been in residence at the Festival every summer since. The one exception to this is during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the orchestra did not perform any concerts due to Ravinia announcing that it had cancelled all concerts for the 2020 season.

Many conductors have made their debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia, and several have gone on to become music director for the festival, including Seiji Ozawa (1964–68), James Levine (1973–93), and Christoph Eschenbach (1995–2003). James Conlon held the title from 2005 until 2015. The Ravinia Festival created an honorific title for James Levine, "Conductor Laureate", and signed him to a five-year renewable contract beginning in 2018. On December 4, 2017, after Levine was accused of sexual misconduct, the Ravinia Festival severed all ties with Levine, and terminated his five-year contract to lead the Chicago Symphony there. Marin Alsop served as the festival's first artistic curator from 2018 until 2019. She became its chief conductor and curator in 2021.

Recordings

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has amassed an extensive discography. Recordings by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus have earned sixty-five Grammy Awards from the Recording Academy. These include several Classical Album of the Year awards, awards in Best Classical Performance in vocal soloist, choral, instrumental, engineering and orchestral categories.

On May 1, 1916, Frederick Stock and the orchestra recorded the Wedding March from Felix Mendelssohn's music to A Midsummer Night's Dream for Columbia Records. Stock and the CSO made numerous recordings for Columbia and the Victor Talking Machine Company/RCA Victor. The Chicago Symphony's first electrical recordings were made for Victor in December 1925, including a performance of Karl Goldmark's In Springtime overture. These early electrical recordings were made in Victor's Chicago studios; within a couple of years Victor began recording the CSO in Orchestra Hall. Stock continued recording for Columbia and RCA Victor until his death in 1942.

In 1951, Rafael Kubelík made the first modern high fidelity recordings with the orchestra, in Orchestra Hall, for Mercury. Like the first electrical recordings, these performances were made with a single microphone. Philips has reissued these performances on compact disc with the original Mercury label and liner notes.

Sir Georg Solti

In March 1954, Fritz Reiner made the first stereophonic recordings with the CSO, again in Orchestra Hall, for RCA Victor, including performances of two symphonic poems by Richard Strauss: Ein Heldenleben and Also sprach Zarathustra. Reiner and the orchestra continued to record for RCA Victor through 1963. These were mostly recorded in RCA Victor's triple-channel "Living Stereo" process. RCA has digitally remastered the recordings and released them on CD and SACD. Jean Martinon also recorded with the CSO for RCA Victor during the 1960s, producing performances that have been reissued on CD.

Sir Georg Solti recorded with the CSO primarily for Decca Records. These Solti recordings were issued in the U.S. on the London label and include a highly acclaimed Mahler series, recorded, in part, in the historic Medinah Temple—some installments were recorded in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois (in Urbana), as well as in the Sofiensaal in Vienna, Austria. Many of the recordings with Daniel Barenboim were released on Teldec.

In 2007, the Chicago Symphony formed its own recording label, CSO Resound. After an agreement was reached with the Orchestra's musicians, arrangements were made for new recordings to be released digitally at online outlets and on compact disc. The first CSO Resound CD, a recording of Haitink's rendition of Mahler's Third Symphony, was released in the spring of 2007. Releases that followed included Bruckner's Seventh Symphony, Mahler's Sixth Symphony, and Shostakovich's Fourth Symphony (Grammy winner), all conducted by Haitink; Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony led by Myung-Whun Chung; "Traditions and Transformations: Sounds of Silk Road Chicago" with the Orchestra's Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant Yo-Yo Ma (Grammy winner); and recordings of Verdi's Requiem (Grammy winner) and Otello, under the direction of Muti.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus have recorded the music for two movies: Fantasia 2000 conducted by James Levine and Lincoln conducted by John Williams. Selections from the Orchestra and Chorus's recording of Johann Sebastian Bach's St Matthew Passion, conducted by Sir Georg Solti, were used in the movie Casino.

Broadcasts

The Chicago Symphony first broadcast on the radio in 1925. Though often sporadic, there have been broadcasts ever since. With the 1965–1966 season, Chicago radio station WFMT began regular tape-delayed stereo broadcasts of CSO concerts, running through the 1968–1969 season. They resumed from 1976 through the 2000–2001 season before ceasing due to lack of sponsorship. In 2007, the broadcasts once again resumed with a 52-week series. The broadcasts were originally sponsored by BP and air on 98.7 WFMT in Chicago and the WFMT Radio Network. They consist of 39 weeks of recordings of live concerts, as well as highlights from the CSO's vast discography.

The CSO appeared in a series of telecasts on WGN-TV, beginning in 1953. The early 1960s saw the videotaped telecast series Music from Chicago, conducted by Fritz Reiner and guest conductors including Arthur Fiedler, George Szell, Pierre Monteux, and Charles Munch. Many of these televised concerts, from 1953 to 1963, have since been released to DVD by Video Artists International.

Sir Georg Solti also conducted a series of concerts with the Chicago Symphony that were recorded for the European firm Unitel and were broadcast in the 1970s on PBS. They have subsequently been reissued by Decca Video on DVD.

Civic Orchestra of Chicago

Frederick Stock founded the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the first training orchestra in the United States affiliated with a major symphony orchestra, in 1919. Its goal is to recruit pre-professional musicians and train them as high-level orchestra players. Many alumni have gone on to play for the CSO or other major orchestras. It is currently the only training orchestra sponsored by a major orchestra in North America.

The Civic Orchestra performs half a dozen orchestral concerts and a chamber music series annually in Symphony Center and in other venues throughout the Chicago area free of charge to the public.

Music directors and titled positions

Music Directors

Principal Conductor

Other Titled conductors

Composers-in-residence

Assistant / associate conductors

Ravinia Festival

Honors and awards

Main article: List of awards received by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra was voted the best orchestra in the United States and the fifth best orchestra in the world by editors of the British classical music magazine Gramophone in November 2008. The same was said by a panel of critics polled by the classical music website bachtrack in September 2015.

In 2011, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame.

Grammy Awards

Riccardo Muti

Recordings by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus have earned sixty-five Grammy Awards from the Recording Academy.

Riccardo Muti, former music director, has won two Grammy Awards, both with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, for the recording of Verdi's Messa da Requiem on the CSO Resound label. Duain Wolfe, chorus director, has won two Grammy Awards for his collaboration with the Chorus, also for Verdi's Messa da Requiem on the CSO Resound label.

Bernard Haitink, former principal conductor, has won two Grammy Awards, including one with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for the recording of Shostakovich's Fourth Symphony on the CSO Resound label.

Pierre Boulez, former conductor emeritus and principal guest conductor, won twenty-six Grammy Awards including eight with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Boulez is the sixth all-time Grammy winner, behind Beyoncé (thirty-two), Sir Georg Solti (thirty-one), Quincy Jones (twenty-eight), Alison Krauss, and Chick Corea (twenty-seven each). Boulez also received the academy's 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sir Georg Solti, former music director and music director laureate, won thirty-one Grammy Awards. He received seven awards in addition to his twenty-four awards with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. In addition, Sir Georg Solti and producer John Culshaw received the first NARAS Trustees' Award in 1967 for their "efforts, ingenuity, and artistic contributions" in connection with the first complete recording of Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen with the Vienna Philharmonic. Solti also received the academy's 1995 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Margaret Hillis, founder and longtime director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, won nine Grammy Awards for her collaborations with the Orchestra and Chorus.

Volunteer groups

  • African American Network
  • Governing Members (established 1894)
  • Latino Alliance
  • League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (formerly the Women's Association, established 1934)
  • Overture Council (established 2009)
  • Women's Board

See also

Notes

  1. After the orchestra played at the Edinburgh Festival the critic William Mann wrote, "I am tempted to describe it as the United States' most completely accomplished orchestra. It has the fine attack of the New York Phil under Bernstein, the radiance of the Boston under Leinsdorf, the classic elegance of the Cleveland under Szell, and to these qualities it adds, under Solti, a warm, human musical expressiveness that one associates with European rather than modern American orchestras." After one of the London concerts, Alan Blyth wrote, "nobody could doubt that this is about the most formidably-equipped orchestra in the world at present".

References

  1. Walsh, Michael (April 25, 1983). "Which U.S. Orchestras are Best?". Time. Archived from the original on January 31, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  2. Morgan, Kenneth (2005). Fritz Reiner: Maestro & Martinet. Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press. pp. x–xi, 160. ISBN 0-252-02935-6.
  3. Greenfield, Edward. "The great provincials", The Guardian, October 4, 1971, p. 8
  4. "Symphony returns", Chicago Daily Defender, October 6, 1971, p. 20
  5. Mann, William. "Chicago SO", The Times, September 6, 1971, p. 8
  6. Blyth, Alan. "Chicago SO/Solti", The Times October 5, 1971, p. 17
  7. Follows, Stephen. "Solti, Sir Georg (1912–1997)", Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edition, January 2011, accessed February 22, 2012 (subscription required)
  8. Wakin, Daniel J. (May 5, 2008). "And the Brass Ring Goes to Chicago Symphony: Riccardo Muti Says Yes". The New York Times. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  9. Patner, Andrew (February 3, 2014). "Chicago – Chicago : News : Politics : Things To Do : Sports". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on February 5, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  10. "Riccardo Muti to remain CSO music director until 2021–22" (Press release). Chicago Symphony Orchestra. January 30, 2018. Archived from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  11. "Muti talks about '20–21 season, also Cavalleria rusticana, on WDCB-FM" (Press release). Chicago Symphony Orchestra. January 28, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  12. "Riccardo Muti extends contract as Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through 2023" (PDF) (Press release). Chicago Symphony Orchestra. September 23, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  13. Lawrence A. Johnson (June 23, 2023). "Riccardo Muti honored with new CSO title". Chicago Classical Review. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  14. "Klaus Mäkelä named next music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra" (Press release). Chicago Symphony Orchestra. April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  15. Javier C. Hernández (April 2, 2024). "Klaus Mäkelä, 28-Year-Old Finnish Conductor, to Lead Chicago Symphony". The New York Times. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  16. "125 Moments: 054 Ravinia Park | from the archives". Csoarchives.wordpress.com. October 22, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
  17. "125 Moments: 064 Ravinia Festival | from the archives". Csoarchives.wordpress.com. April 12, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
  18. "Ravinia Cancels 2020 Season Due to Covid Pandemic". Ravinia Festival. May 1, 2020. Archived from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  19. "125 Moments: 116 James Conlon | from the archives". Csoarchives.wordpress.com. March 29, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
  20. Fanto, Clarence (December 6, 2017). "Boston Symphony management to industry: Reflect upon reports of sexual misconduct". The Berkshire Eagle. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
  21. ^ "Chicago Symphony Orchestra Announces Major Radio and Recording Initiatives" (Press release). Chicago Symphony Orchestra. November 30, 2006. Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  22. Kyle MacMillan (February 15, 2023). "Chicago Symphony Orchestra 2023–24 season ushers in new era". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  23. "Riccardo Muti named Music Director Emeritus for Life". Experience the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. June 23, 2023. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  24. Huizenga, Tom (November 21, 2008). "Chicago Symphony Tops U.S. Orchestras". Morning Edition. NPR. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  25. Pullinger, Mark (September 3, 2015), "Chailly and the Berliner Philharmoniker: the critics' choice for World's Best Conductor and Orchestra", Bachtrack.com, archived from the original on July 24, 2016, retrieved November 30, 2015
  26. "Chicago Symphony Orchestra". American Classical Music Hall of Fame. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  27. "Margaret Hillis". GRAMMY.com. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  28. "Governing Members". Cso.org. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
  29. "Latino Alliance | Chicago Symphony Orchestra". Experience the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
  30. "Chicago Symphony Orchestra". Cso.org. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
  31. "Chicago Symphony Orchestra". Cso.org. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
  32. "Women's Board". Cso.org. Retrieved April 22, 2020.

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