Chicago is blessed to have a wonderful symphony that has had some great conductors over the years. It is even luckier that we get to enjoy it all year round, in the summer, the CSO is at Ravinia and... More

Chicago is blessed to have a wonderful symphony that has had some great conductors over the years. It is even luckier that we get to enjoy it all year round, in the summer, the CSO is at Ravinia and the rest of the year, plays at Symphony Hall. A lot of people think they don't like classical music, but there is so much more at the CSO. I have taken many non-classical friends to jazz at the CSO. One of my favorite events every year is the Free Day of Music where the entire hall is filled with a variety of musical acts (including kids programs and sing-alongs, folk music, jazz, classical, and more). The Free Day of Music has been sponsored by Marshall Field's, which has been bought out by Macy's, so I am hoping that it won't disappear. It's a wonderful way for Chicagoans and visitors to discover the magic on Michigan Avenue. The Symphony also has a great gift shop with musically themed gifts and CDs, as well as a great restaurant and bar.
Less

I have a friend that always gets tickets to the symphony for free, but you can get them for under fifty dollars depending on the type of seat that you are looking for. If you have never gone to the... More

I have a friend that always gets tickets to the symphony for free, but you can get them for under fifty dollars depending on the type of seat that you are looking for. If you have never gone to the symphony then make this your invitation to make it. This is for everyone.
Less

The acoustics in this place are unbelievable. It might just be that I don't know any better, but listening to this orchestra was one of the best experiences I have had in a long time. For those... More

The acoustics in this place are unbelievable. It might just be that I don't know any better, but listening to this orchestra was one of the best experiences I have had in a long time. For those concerned with parking... find a garage immediately. The parking here is out of control and the meters will have you going back out to your car to dump in another twenty dollars in quarters anyways. Find a garage!
Less

Parking downtown, is, of course, treturous, but that aside I loved every minute of it. We arrived late (parking!), but the staff very courtiously showed us where we could wait and listen, then... More

Parking downtown, is, of course, treturous, but that aside I loved every minute of it. We arrived late (parking!), but the staff very courtiously showed us where we could wait and listen, then there was a long break after the first piece to let the straggelers in. The performance was magnificient. The musicians are obviously very talented. The facility is very pretty and clean. The prices were fair, not something a middle class family would necessarily want to do every week, but a nice splurge. I definitely recommend going!
Less

Seeing and hearing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is, in a word, amazing. They often invite brilliant performers or conductors, all the while maintaining one of the most renowned group of musicians.... More

Seeing and hearing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is, in a word, amazing. They often invite brilliant performers or conductors, all the while maintaining one of the most renowned group of musicians. Ticket prices are especially reasonable for students, and the pre-performance lectures are free and also quite enjoyable. So how good is the CSO? Even non-musicians (such as yours truly) can appreciate and enjoy them.
Less