Star Wars- I'm always a fan. Star Wars with the CHICAGO Symphony Orchestra- are you kidding!! I like this a lot more than Harry Potter which they also did. Probably because of the music. This one is just more lively. Unlike a recording, I feel, I can hear almost every instrument precisely. Plus we were seated in the middle- acoustic wise it's ideal. The impact of the timber is irreplicable. Most recordings some of the more subtle instruments like the English Horns gets more drowned out. Usually I won't do a review for an event after the fact but they have another one tomorrow too. So if there are seats available Take It!!! read more

Chicago Symphony Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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It is an Honor and Personal Treasure to see, each and every time, THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA with my Mother: Donna D. It is not easy for me to take my mother to see one of the top three symphony's performances on planet earth. At first I have to commit to be in Chicago that exact weekend (date) during THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA performance several months (if not at least 1/2 a year+) ahead of time to my mother. With that said, it is simple mathematics: = 'No Mistakes Allowed'. Before I can even see the departure gate: I have to fight off my friends and such who tempt and do their best to make me miss my flight from whatever city, it may be, to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. I will be honest with you, that is not an easy temptation to pass up. I usually land, exhausted/overworked/reversed jet-lagged/but-grateful, in Chicago time at 5:10am ish via a 'red eye' flight. Once I am in 'The Chicago Machines' courtesy never late transport pick up and delivery service, the conscious thoughts cross my head which CHI-Players: know that a "G#" has landed in Chicago? What do I need to do/achieve/handle/mediate/performance/etc that has possible odds of interfering with my mother and I having a 'World Class Symphonic' day and lunch together? When I get to the all 'Proud Red full-sided Face Brick House' that our connected great uncles built, I always twirl whether I should be completely silent or make innocent sounds so that my mother will be aware of my arrival. Each and ever time I arrive, there are always 'Deviled Eggs' in the refrigerator waiting for me. 'Deviled Eggs' are not the easiest thing to master or make; however, they are about my favorite thing to eat for decades even before the turn of the millennium. My mother and I always take a 'sister' to the symphony with us. A sister of the Archdiocese. A Benedictine Sister of Chicago's, Roman Catholic Benedictine Congregation of Women, the one that was founded in 1861. To put in simple terms, we always take a Catholic Nun along with us to enjoy 'The Chicago Symphony Orchestra'. My mother and the first United States Women City Mayor ever (Chicago) are both proud alumni of 'Saint Scholastica' School. With this whole COVID19 thing happening; not sure about the 'lock downs', traveling at least (2) two international airports, quarantine and such. There is no way I could or would risk my mothers or anyone's health for that matter. The next time my mother, a friend and I are going to be able to see The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be a spectacular day:) read more

I attended often since a friend or coworker would get discounted tickets through work. It was beyond wonderful every time. The seats are small since it's soooo old, but the acoustics are divine They have really good ticket prices and have events on the holidays which I went to on NYE. I loved the on Beethoven performance where John Mahoney (AKA Frasiers Dad) narrated! It was the first time for me to have it explained! read more

What a beautiful and unique structure!! I've never seen anything like it ever before! Even though we were on the Upper Balcony, all the seats in the house had an unobstructed clear view due to the steep elevation between each row (about 2 ft is my guess). Of course, the closer you are the more closely you see the performers! Staff was overall friendly and I recommend using their online map system to figure out your tickets! I went here last night with my parents for an Indian classical music event and therefore cannot speak for their symphony's performance, but i certainly am a fan of the venue and the acoustics here. I do recommend keeping a wrap or a jacket with you as their ventilation throws air back at you. Also, their will call can get pretty crowded - so try to get there early. read more

Chicago Symphony Center - Gallery Seating - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A top-notch show every time! If you can, get seats that aren't ground-level--you'll see so much more that way. The boxes are so spacious and comfortable, as well. The staff is also very kind and helpful and bathrooms are close and convenient. The box also has a little closet area to hang up coats and other belongings. Looking forward to my next visit! I especially love hearing Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester perform. There's nothing else quite like it. read more

A group of friends and I recently took advantage of Chicago Theater Week to nab discount tickets to the CSO. It was definitely a treat for the ears, as I don't often listen to classical music but do enjoy it. The venue itself is nice but smaller and simpler than I expected. We had great seats on the ground floor, about 15 rows back from the stage. Yet even with the smaller space, the music seemed quiet to me, especially during the solos. I kept thinking to myself that if this was a recording, I would crank up the volume a few notches. Also, this may just be my lack of experience with orchestra performances, but I found it irritating that after the musicians came onstage, we had to wait another 10, almost 15 minutes for the conductor to come out and get the party started. The theater doesn't offer much in the way of extras: at intermission, the lines for beverages and snacks was absolutely insane, as were the bathroom lines. As someone who frequently attends Broadway in Chicago and Goodman shows, I know that these things can be done more efficiently and comfortably. Overall, come for the music, because there's not much else to experience. read more

Chicago Symphony Center - Waiting for the concert to begin! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Worst website I've encountered in a long time. I just want to know what show is being performed, when, and how much. They are so focused on upselling that it's almost impossible to buy tickets. read more

Growing up the Symphony had a program where they would give my elementary school tickets for students to attend. So when last week I was on Facebook and saw an ad/promoted post offering free tickets to a show I know I had to go. Even though I'm not much of a classical music listener. There was a 4 to 5 member ensemble performing the night I went. Impressive interior design and sat in a great box. read more

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Great place to enjoy a symphony performance. Performance sounded fantastic. Strictly enforce no video or photography during performances. Main floor seating provided excellent place from which to enjoy the show. Restrooms clean and well tended. read more

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Robert Chen is my spirit animal. There, I said it. No, but seriously, I could sit and watch the concertmaster lead the orchestra all day long. Hell, I could watch the CSO perform all day and be perfectly content. I have only seen the Chicago Symphony Orchestra play three times, two of which were day performances and one of which was an evening performance. I sat on the main level for all three performances, so I can't speak to what it's like to see the CSO from the upper three levels, but I HIGHLY recommend that you get a seat as close as you can to the stage if you can manage it. There is nothing quite like going to the symphony and being able to clearly see every last detail of the performance. In fact, my favorite part of seeing the CSO perform is realizing that these aren't immaculate, perfect robots, but real people with personalities and flaws. For example, when I saw "Tristan und Isolde" last month, the first desk of violinists both made almost imperceptible good-natured "oops" faces when someone in the section slightly botched a run. I had noticed many of them practicing that particular run onstage before the performance began, and I thought, "Wow. The CSO is amazing, but everyone is only human and there can be error." I also sat so closely that I could tell when the back of the cello section did not begin quite at the downbeat like the front of the cello section did a couple times. Of course, sitting in the second row also afforded me the opportunity to see much more than small flaws. I'm a detail-oriented person, so I appreciated noticing little things about the orchestra players: black Dockers pants from Kohls, a few red shoulder rests, black polka dot tights worn under pants, a long silver hair hanging from a chair. I also enjoyed the facial expressions of the players the most, like Mitsuko Uchida's look of pure ecstasy as she plays a Mozart piano concerto, the orchestra's stifled chuckles after the spring break crowd clapped after the first movement of Eine kleine Nachtmusik, the "Well, this is awkward" looks players exchanged after Uchida waited a few beats too long to reappear onstage after the intermission. The Symphony Center is a great venue, too. In addition to the main level, there are three other levels and seating above the stage behind the orchestra. Beverages are served in ample supply, though I have never bought a drink here. The Grainger room on the second floor has a number of chairs and a large flatscreen TV that shows the live CSO performance. I assume that this section is for people who have to leave to go to the bathroom or who arrive late. There appeared to be free hot chocolate and coffee there, too, which is pretty cool. There are no bathroom attendants, which I prefer, and there wasn't any coat check that I saw. Rows are pretty close together (unless you are seated in the first three rows of the middle section on the main floor, which are wider for handicap accessibility), so be prepared to sit up, get out of the row, or have to shimmy past people to your seat. The audience tends to be on the elderly side, so don't expect to get anywhere, like the bathroom, at a fast clip. I haven't seen Muti conduct yet, so I will definitely be back for many more performances! read more

This is a review just for the facility...and not for the exceptional Chicago Symphony Orchestra that regularly performs here. The Symphony Center - previously called any number of things - is a wonderful orchestral home for fine music. This facility has been refashioned and refurbished a number of time over the last 100 years...the latest a few years ago and when it was renamed the Symphony Center. Home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, everything stems from that intimate and long standing relationship. The dynamics and set up of Symphony Center all go to a focus on the orchestra. While there are a number of other events that take place here each year - such as special musical events, the Do-It-Yourself Messiah at Christmas, etc. - this facility is here for and acoustically tuned for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. There are now - besides the various galleries and levels for listening to music - a number of places to have meals and libations during the various productions. There is a book store a ticket office, and a number of rest stops located throughout the facility. This is a totally updated and refreshed event space. The next item they need to work on are the outdated and slightly worn seating...but other than that, this is a happening place. Personally the pricing at the Orchestra is also a bit easier on the pocketbook than other events such as the Lyric Opera. Recommended. read more

My husband and I went for the Harry Potter Series--we saw the Chamber of Secrets. The movie plays in the background and the orchestra plays the live music right in front of you. Overall it was really cool!! The music was amazing and the orchestra did a great job! I was happy that they had subtitles in the movie as the music can get loud, with it being live and all. If you're going to the CSO for a movie series, I would suggest sitting higher up like in the balcony, as it's easier to see the screen and the orchestra itself from that vantage point. Overall a really fun show! I would definitely go to the CSO again! read more

Last night, 1/25/14, myself and a girlfriend went to see Chicago (the band) perform with the CSO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra). The concert was AMAZING! The CSO is a world class treasure right here in our own backyard. Parking was directly across the street, in the South Underground garage and only $20 for the entire performance (actually until 5 am) The facility has delightful architecture and the acoustics are phenomenal. I don't think there is a "bad seat" in the house. Hopefully I will be attending more performances of the CSO, now that I realize what a treasure we have here. read more

I absolutely LOVE attending concerts at Symphony Center. I am always left in awe of the talent of the musicians. I love the casual atmosphere (you will see ppl wearing jeans and tshirts) and how friendly and helpful the staff is. I've sat in all different sections and by far the best sound for the price is in the gallery as there is no ceiling right above you like there is in many seats in the upper balcony and main floor (unless you pay much more to be in the front few rows). I also like the "birds eye view" of being able to look down and see every musician (even if you can't see the details). If being able to see the musicians up close is more important to you, I'd def recommend the main floor or even the terrace (seats above the stage) but the sound will not be as good. Even if you are not someone that plays an instrument or listens to classical music, going to the Symphony is a MUST DO if you are in Chicago!! read more

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My wife and I had the good fortune to happen into some great seats to the symphony, center balcony, front rail, wonderful view and great sound. What a lovely venue, Riccardo Muti was conducting. The crowd was mixed for sure, but it was a predominately older crowd. The musicians, the soloists and the chorale all were fabulous. There were two sets, with an intermission. I was actually surprised at the mellowness in choice for the second set, it started around 9 so it was a challenge for me to stay awake after full day, dinner, beverage, etc. I would have picked something more upbeat to keep everybody awake. Dress code: Business casual or a suit are on par, but you can go fancier if you like, it's the symphony after all. I heard a rumor about cough drops and they are true, I saw an ornate box in the lobby, compliments of Walgreens, that had a mountain of cough drops in them. In fact, just recently, an article local to Chicago stated that Muti actually stopped a performance because someone coughed, tough room! - http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-muti-cso-muti-halts-performance-disruption-20180625-story.html Pro Tip for the concession stand, apparently you can pre-order any intermission drinks beforehand so that they are ready and waiting for you. Intermission does not last long and the lines to the bar can take awhile. Restrooms were accessible, staff were friendly, and if you want to see a place empty out quick on a school night, you're in for a treat. Props to the chorale I witnessed, I think some set new land speed records escaping the symphony and dodging the crowds. At the end of the performance, the conductor, the soloists, etc exited and re-entered the stage no less than three times. Three times. They did not do another tune, they just left, came back, left, came back, left, came back, left. Love is good, but that much love? Perhaps just a smidge overkill. Go ahead and get your foo foo on, go at least once, if you have not already. read more

First Sinfonietta with Maestro Mein Chen was a delight. Martin Luther King band and Chicago Teen Choir opened with Chicago My Kind of Town. Woo hoo! Composer An-Lun Huang's Saibei Dance has distinct Asian tunes, tones and style. Edge of Formosa by Dr. Wu Chin-shi was a nice encore. Ann Hobson Pilot, principal harpist for Boston Symphony, was impressive. Ms. Hobson Pilot memorized all the notes. I hope to hear an entire concert of traditional Chinese folk tunes and musical styles at the CSO. Annoying habits of Maestro Chen: frequently shakes hands with violist located on the left hand side of stage, too much intermission between performance, eagerly shares her life story that is already printed on guide, too much hugging and clapping. May the future performance be conducted in a professional manner. read more

What a beautiful building. I was so lucky to see Star Wars a new hope with the Chicago Symphony!!! It was amazing and I loved every minute, I mean measure. The orchestra played all the audio/music as the film progressed and they sounded exactly like the movie. At times I was so into the movie that I forgot there was an orchestra below, that just shows how wonderful they were. Loved it!! I recommend the pretzel yum! read more

Chicago Symphony Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The CSO is one of those Chicago things you have to experience (whether you're a Chicagoan or a visitor). Not only is it in a beautiful concert hall, but the quality of the performances amazes me too. I saw a Christmas show and regular classical music performance and both were very good. Tickets can be rather affordable (if it's not a popular show)--there are always obstructed view or last minute tickets. Go to the CSO to buy your tickets, it will save you the $5/per ticket online convenience charge. Do get there early to get to your seats as it gets very crowded and performances do usually start right on time. The CSO is one of the reasons Chicago has such great arts/music culture. They definitely enrich the city and I love supporting them. read more

I made my first visit to the Symphony Center. It was not for the CSO, but for a concert. The building is beautiful, and I had the best cheap seat in the house. I was in the first row of the balcony on the sixth floor. Getting in and out of the seat was a little scary but once seated, I could not have picked a better view of the band. The sound was fantastic and in general I was pleased. The only complaint that I have is the refreshment situation. In order to bring beverages into the theater one must purchase a $5 "souvenir" sippy cup (in addition to their $11 beverage). The sippy cup can be refilled, so you only have to purchase it once and can then buy refills. So, between the opening band and the headliner I go out to grab a second drink and use the restroom. I am about the 8th person in line for the refreshments, and soon there is a line of about 30 or so people behind me. There is one bartender and people who have preordered drinks before the show are able to cut in line to get them... except, they are not made. She's making the drinks as people come up. So I am 8th in line and the line is not moving for almost 10 minutes. It does eventually start moving but with only one bartender making drinks and taking payment and serving people who preordered it is just really slow. When I was getting my drink the last bell to return to seats was ringing and the line behind me was still about 30 deep. I never made it to the restroom. The other complaint that I have is a matter of preference but, from what I could see they had 3 types of bourbon, one scotch, and no rye. I was there to see a band who's most popular song is Rye Whiskey, and I couldn't even get a rye manhattan! In fact, I couldn't even get a manhattan because they also do not have vermouth or any sort of fruit. I would definitely go back but I would likely just skip the beverages during the show. read more

Wonderful venue for any performances. Acoustics are wonderful and the concessions are refreshing. You will enjoy this spot. Cheers! read more

Chicago Symphony Center - Lyra Singers & Dancer's Musicians Performance in December 2016. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Beautiful place, great sound and lighting, and even more amazing performers. Definitely a worthwhile splurge and experience. read more

Chicago Symphony Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had a blast here, it was a great date night! Defiantly different and better then just going to a bar. The performance was good as well! read more

Chicago Symphony Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I cant believe I havent reviewed CSO.....watched Riccardo Muti perform on Mothers day couple of years ago and such a fantastic experience. Everyone in Chicago should do this at least once. read more

I visited the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for the first time today. I chaperoned 36 seniors to one of the CSO's 'open rehearsals.' What a great way to experience the orchestra! I believe you must be invited to an open rehearsal; I don't think these events are open to the general public. My group is a non-profit, so I believe that's how we were able to get tickets. If you want to see the entire orchestra, get balcony seats or sit on the 1st and 2nd floors. Great views from the 1st floor and I thought the acoustics were great. Music would sound even better when the entire hall is full. Two of my guests had canes and decided to climb the stairs rather than wait for the elevator. If you have any sort of physical limitations I recommend arriving as early as possible and sitting on the main floor. The stairs were also a challenge for a number of my guests; all observations I will take into consideration the next time we visit Personally, I'm not a symphony-goer. I was thankful to have the opportunity to see this beautiful venue in person, though. Staff and ushers are very friendly and helpful. Everyone in my group had a memorable experience and would love to return again soon. read more

If you're looking for a unique experience sit in the Terrace seats above the stage. You will be sitting directly behind the performers while facing the audience. These seats warrant a birds eye view of the musicians! You'll be able to feel the music down to your inner most being and leave with a newly profound appreciation for the art! read more

Chicago Symphony Center - Terrace Seats above the stage at Chicago Symphony Orchestra Emmanuel Ax performs Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Even if you are not a classical music expert, you may want to visit the Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center. They also have non-classical concerts, usually on the jazzy side. We sat way up in the nosebleed seats to see Los Lobos in the Orchestra Hall, but they sounded great. Every year there is a free music day featuring an eclectic variety of performers in several parts of the complex. read more

Chicago Symphony Center - Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Such an overwhelmingly beautiful place. Outstanding acoustics. Just mesmerizing. A must to revisit.

Love. I'm not the biggest classical music fan I'll admit but I'm a sucker for a grand space like this one and a lineage of great musicians like those that you will find here. My son and I got tickets to see Sara McGlauchlin (sp?) and she was insanely good. I've never heard a more pure voice without the need for digital enhancement, etc. The seating we had was the horseshoe style seating behind the orchestra and at first I thought it was going to be not so great and was quite surprised that it was actually good. The speakers for whomever may be singing are facing the crowd so that was the only drawback. The space itself is just incredible with its attention to detail and the trim moldings giving it the old school feel while being warm and cozy. read more

We are subscribers to the CSO and have a chance to attend about five performances per year. The most recent visit was on 2/28/17 to watch and listen to the taiko drum ensemble Kodo: DADAN. It consisted of a team of 14 percussion performers from Japan. The performance was breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and uplifting. We truly feel honored to see some of the best taiko drummers in the world right here in Chicago. Thank you CSO for inviting exceptional musical performers from around the world to Symphony Center. read more

This was not a great representation of classical music. There was no welcoming joy in the ticket and front door staff, judgement upon arriving from out of state (where masks are required nowhere). Negative consumer experience when willingly and happily passed off to security for a complimentary mask and then finding out vaccination cards are in fact REQUIRED, even though this isn't stated on a ticket in any way. I'm sorry to say that the encouragement of classical music participation was solely and unfortunately aimed at the same age group that has been patrons for a century. Here's to hoping classical music in it most beautiful original form can survive Covid, 770 days later and that clarity in communication maybe prioritized. North Carolina to Chicago was a long and expensive let down. read more

This review is for Kodo TaiKu Drum Troop. (Dadan 2017) So here's the deal. When the Japanese decide they seriously want to get into something, whatever it is, they are going to take it to the next level of off the charts insanity, meticulouslness and precision, creating a new world culture and/or Zen balance of nature and the universe around it. Think Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Karaoke, Sushi (not the slop served in most sushi joints) but the real stuff. A prime example is Ramen. Just about Every country on earth has a noodle dish of some sort but the Japanese have turned Ramen, which is essentially fast food in Japan, into a Zen cult following with Ramen Masters, slurping techniques, precision presentations balancing life forces, different noodle water draining techniques and the like. So... When the Japan decide to get into Tai Ku drums, which they've been doing for well over 1,000 years, one should expect their performances will entail precise, meticulous execution combined with masterful performers insanely beating the living crap out of those drums with anything from traditional drum sticks to small tree trunks for as long and hard as humanly possible. In this respect, Kodo delivers masterfully. The troop, comprised of perhaps 20+Insanely talented and high energy drummers, primarily topless, shoeless and wearing some sort of Kung Fu tights, leap between each other's drums engage in Epic and heroic Drum beating poses and positions creating a dazzling spectical of talent, coordination and athleticism. Throughout the performance the drums are constantly being repositioned into circles, lines, clusters etc to create different combinations of performance technique and coordinated delivery. Just WOW! Many standing ovations were to be had. A very enjoyable afternoon at CSO. read more

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4.5 stars. All employees that I have encountered are super friendly and helpful. Seating is easy to find as aisle letters are found on the sides of the aisle chairs and seat numbers are on visible on each seat before being sat on. I sat on the main floor in an outside aisle seat and was able to see even with people taller than me in front of me. While I wouldn't say that there's a bad seat anywhere, if tickets on the main floor aren't as expensive as they are compared to the very top, it's definitely worth it. I remember when I attended a Yo-Yo Ma concert and sat at the very top I got a slight headache because of the angle I had to watch from. read more

Beautiful venue in a bustling area of Chicago. Attended a graduation for the Illinois College of Optometry. read more

Chicago Symphony Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Thoroughly enjoyed our recent visit here. The concert hall is beautiful and it doesn't seem like there's a bad seat in the house (well maybe my seat because the child behind me kept kicking it). Even if you don't think you like classical music, you should still check out their calendar of events. I look at it with a child's eye now that my son enjoyed his first visit here and wants to come back. For example: ET on the big screen with the CSO playing John William's wonderful score? Sounds pretty amazing. Kid or no kid, This is something everyone should experience at least once. To see the stylings of the conductor, the hard work each musician does individually but yet come together with one sound. The stories behind the musical pieces also add a bit of happiness or drama, depending on what event you attend. And you can't help but feel a little special while you sit back and enjoy the music. Fun discovery? There's a huge container of cough drops at the top floor for you folks that need help to stifle your colds during the quieter moments of play. read more

Mistuko Ochida performed during my first visit to the CSO. Lovely venue and an exceptional world class orchestra. Feels like a class (older) venue rather than a more modern feel. I am more in love with other venues for the orchestra, etc, but the world class performers will make me return. read more

Chicago Symphony Center - View from the "cheap seats" up high - the sound of the music was beautiful. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had bought a ticket for a Saturday morning show this month, but was unable to attend due to a family emergency that week. Twice that week I tried to "return" my ticket through the CSO website for a credit on my account but no one got in touch with me. I emailed them on Monday and still never heard from anyone. By the time I was finally able to talk to someone I was told that returning tickets for a credit was only available to subscribers even though that was mentioned NO WHERE on the website. Their "customer friendly gesture" was to give me a credit but that it would expire in a month. If someone had actually gotten in touch with me I would have had the chance to try and sell my ticket, but since they didn't I'm now out all that money. What a terrible first experience with the CSO and I certainly don't plan to attend in the future. read more

Chicago Symphony Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

These motherfuckers fucking rock the fuck out of fucking music. what the fuck!!! from God's thoughts to their fingers, the fucking music just ooozzes love and emotion. oooh fuck sakes. hours upon hours of motherfucking hours of practice and sacrifice come into the light here as they showcase the fucking dedication it takes to put on such a fucking awesome show. yes, this is awesome for fucking kids, and non fucking kids of all ages. bring them now. fucking eh! read more

I will admit I am not one of those true consumers of classical music. I do have some albums, but my love for the CSO can be regarded as amateur observer: I don't know the lingo or the pieces. But I know what music feels like when it stirs your soul. As a season ticket holder for nearly 5 years, I do have a few grey hairs. Like many of my terrace mates, I am not full of greys. That said, the CSO is very accessible. Come early (around 7p) for the pre-concert talk where they break down the music using easy-to-follow lingo. Once in a while the conductors will do some chatting before starting a piece, like Sir Mark Elder who invited people to the stage after a beautiful piece a few years ago. Great surprise! Or Matsuko Uchida, a marvel to watch conduct (she does so mostly with facial expressions). Or the great master John Williams who makes a yearly appearance. And not to forget the young, talented Gustavo Dudamel who moves with great energy, challeging your notions of stuffiness. Then get yourself a seat on the terrace, the CSO's best-kept secret. They are a little more than the nosebleeds (by $10 or less). You will sit behind the orchestra with your attention firmly planted on the conductor and just behind the percussions. This is where the action is. I have sat all over and these seats, by far are my fav. But they might not be for everyone. Give it a go if you can. You won't be sorry. read more

Went to Cavelleria Rusticana conducted by MUti anD it was a plesnat experience overall, only thing is I was displaced out of my seats due to being 4 minutes late because of crazy Saturday day night traffic in the city... had to sit wayyyy up top and I paid for seats that were closer and in better viewing range. The CSO has to have a better way of getting people to their assigned seats even if they come in a tad late. I'll come back once they have this figured out and in the mean time donate to their causes. read more

The CSO is as good as it gets. Time it so that you can sip a drink at Rapsody before then stroll into the preconcert lecture and leasurely find your seat. Then close your eyes and enjoy. I've had the delightful pleasure of the couple next to me making out during the first half and thankfully getting a room for the rest so that I could enjoy the concert. I think they were a bit disarmed tho when I actually turned and watched them for a few minutes. I figured they wouldn't care, after all they were the two making out in public and I, just one of the public was watching. Is that so wrong? Generally, the musicians are the show and rarely fail to delight. Put your big girl and boy clothes on and get your culture on. read more