From the Archive: The Women's Symphony Orchestra of Chicago

By Phyllis Eileene Barry (Mu Phi); Edited and excerpted from The Triangle, vol. XXV, no. 4 (Sept. 1931)

Chicago has been acclaimed by eminent critics, guest conductors and internationally known musicians as becoming the most outstanding music center in the world, particularly in the fostering and development of American music and American musicians. Among the many musical organizations which have attained wide recognition for competency of musical expression, comparable to the best of similar ensembles, is the Women’s Symphony Orchestra of Chicago, almost entirely “manned” by women. It is the only woman’s orchestra definitely established professionally with standard repertoire, giving a series of concerts annually. [Like most industries of the era, women were barred from participating in most professional orchestras throughout the mid-20th century.]

The orchestra was founded in 1925 by a group of socially prominent people under the leadership of Mrs. A.J. Ochsner, a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, who is president of the organization. She has given unsparingly of her time and intelligent direction to its welfare. Its growth, progress and interpretation has been not in the least short of remarkable, molded in the spirit of harmonious cooperation and evolving performances which have commanded the respect of every critic who has attended.

The orchestra is composed of 70 players. In addition to the five regular concerts given during the ensuing season, programs have been planned in conjunction with Swedish, Bohemian, English and other societies, sponsored by resident foreign diplomats and consulates.

The Chicago chapters of Mu Phi Epsilon have from its inception ardently supported this orchestra and supplied conductors. Many of its members occupy important positions in the orchestra and executive offices. Mu Iota has contributed an oboe scholarship, Mu Xi a trombone, Iota Alpha two scholarships for French horn and class lessons for woodwinds. The national Mu Phi Epsilon chapter contributed the sum of $500, for which the conductor and orchestra are profoundly grateful. Members of Mu Phi attend concerts in a body and otherwise assist in increasing patronage. Mu Phi Epsilon is justly proud of the Women’s Symphony Orchestra of Chicago and grateful to have a part in assisting it to attain the heights in the realm of music.

For more information on the history of the Chicago Women’s Symphony Orchestra, please visit https://bit.ly/3QE6FiD