Named "Orchestra of the Year" by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, the Chicago Philharmonic will
begin its 20th season (2009-2010) at Northwestern
University's Pick-Staiger Hall in Evanston. Proud of
its heritage as the former Symphony II, the
orchestra carries on this tradition of excellence.
The Chicago Philharmonic has won many accolades from
music critics and audiences alike. In the
upcoming season the
orchestra will continue its mission to offer
exceptional music at a reasonable price.
For a relatively young orchestra, The Chicago
Philharmonic has singular strengths: Many of its
members are drawn from Lyric Opera’s orchestra and
therefore have been meticulously screened for some
of the country’s most coveted positions. Other
members are proven top-flight career musicians from
the Chicago metropolitan area.
The orchestra’s cadre of
seasoned professional musicians have performed
together over many years developing a
special ensemble virtuosity that thrills the listener. The
orchestra has featured world-renowned conductors
such as Zubin Mehta, Sir Andrew Davis and Jesus
Lopez-Cobos, and distinguished guest artists such as
John Browning, Jorge Osorio and Sharon Isbin.
Chicago Philharmonic musicians also perform at
Ravinia in the Ravinia Festival Orchestra, in the
American Ballet Theatre and in the Grant Park
Symphony Orchestra. In addition, the Chicago
Philharmonic is the orchestra selected to perform
with the acclaimed Apollo Chorus of Chicago; the
beloved Salute to Vienna at Symphony Center; and the
organizational team-building initiative, The Music
Paradigm.
In every season's concert series, listeners will
experience:
Electrifying performances by some of the area’s
finest musical talent
Established and rising stars as guest artists
and conductors
Programming that will captivate both
experienced aficionados and those new to
classical music
The acoustic warmth of Pick-Staiger Hall which
brings the audience and performers together like no other venue.
Convenient
access and free parking on Chicago’s beautiful
North Shore
Our Mission
The Chicago Philharmonic is a not-for-profit symphonic orchestra,
composed of career professional musicians, serving the greater
Chicago metropolitan area.
The ensemble is dedicated to building new audiences for serious
music by offering moderately priced concerts, at the highest
professional level, in convenient venues. Its presentations of the
full range of symphonic works embody the excitement of live
performances and exemplify a special relationship between performers
and audiences.
In addition, we undertake educational outreach programs and
non-concert events designed to enhance public appreciation of the
art form.
To view a list of the
Chicago Philharmonic's administration
click here.