CSO for Kids School Concerts
25 26 SEASON
Concerts for Pre-K
Performances at 10:15 & 11:30
Buntrock Hall at Symphony Center
Once Upon a Symphony®
Designed for the youngest concertgoers, Once Upon a Symphony weaves together live music, vivid storytelling, sets and costumes to create a magical experience.
The Ugly Duckling
Monday, December 8, 2025
Monday, February 2, 2026
A young duckling is teased for being different. After facing loneliness and other struggles, the duckling matures into a stunning swan, realizing true beauty comes from within. Explore this musical portrait of self-discovery, acceptance and inner strength.
The Bremen Town Musicians
Monday, March 9, 2026
Monday, April 13, 2026
When four farm animals are no longer needed, they set off for the town of Bremen, dreaming of becoming musicians. On the way, they discover a house full of robbers! The friends quickly join forces to scare away the thieves, uncovering hidden courage they never knew they had.
Once Upon a Symphony is produced and presented in partnership with
Concerts for K-8
Performances at 10:15 & 12:00 Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center
Which Instrument Should I Play?
Friday, November 14, 2025
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Grams conductor
Justin Roberts guest artist
Five-time Grammy-nominated children’s-music songwriter Justin Roberts joins conductor Andrew Grams and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for an engaging investigation of the timbres and techniques that make each instrument both unique and a vital part of the orchestra.
Classical Elements
Friday, March 20, 2026
Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Mei-Ann Chen conductor
Conductor Mei-Ann Chen and members of the CSO embark on a musical exploration of air, fire and water. Journey through a musical depiction of the elements that help to create balance on planet Earth, and discover how we are all part of that harmony.
Mother Goose & the Cabinet of Wonder
Friday, May 8, 2026
Recommended for ages 3-12
Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
James Bagwell conductor
Natalie Merchant vocals
Join legendary singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant, members of the CSO and special guests for a joyful singalong with Mother Goose. This captivating program features traditional nursery rhymes adapted by Merchant and orchestrated for an array of instrumental groups. Be a part of this magical musical world of learning and imagination.
Mother Goose & the Cabinet of Wonder is a co-production of Natalie Merchant, Chicago Children’s Theatre and the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Mei-Ann Chen
Natalie Merchant
Justin Roberts
Concerts for Middle & High School
Performances at 10:15 & 12:00 Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center
Sounding Together
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Thomas Wilkins conductor
Jeremy Liu piano
Winner of the 2025 Crain-Maling Foundation
CSO Young Artists Competition
Thomas Wilkins raises his baton once again to conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as he probes the importance of creating a community of belonging. Through musical masterworks, this program recognizes that a society, like an orchestra, is made up of individuals working towards a common goal. Featuring the winner of the 2025 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition, this concert takes inspiration from the word “symphony,” which means “sounding together.”
For Chicago Public Schools, tickets and transportation to CSO School Concerts are FREE!
For more information and to order tickets, visit cso.org/schoolconcerts
Free tickets and transportation are limited and subject to availability at the time of order.
Thomas Wilkins
Jeremy Liu
Education Open Rehearsals
Each season, the CSO opens several of its working rehearsals to high school music students. These unique opportunities provide an insider’s view of how the Orchestra prepares for a concert. Following the rehearsal, students are invited to participate in a Q&A session with a CSO musician.
2025/26 Season open rehearsal dates will be announced in the fall. For more information and to request admission, please visit cso.org/openrehearsals.
make one of our concerts or open rehearsals?