There is nothing quite like taking in a symphony in Chicago. It's unlike the Kennedy, Carnegie, or any other symphony hall I've been to. The hall has an old European feel to it even though it was just remodeled fairly recently. I was disappointed this past Saturday to see many empty seats near where we sat, even though the soloist was perhaps one of the best players of Mozart piano concertos in the world. She even conducted the orchestra as she played which was even more impressive. I have no idea of the financial health of the symphony but I hope the empties were due to some other factor than people starting to lose interest in this gem. Do yourself a favor at least once a year and see the symphony. There are several marquee names that come through and many familiar/accessible pieces are played regularly. The cheaper seats on the upper balconies still have very good sound, and if you can swing for seats on the floor or lower balconies, do it. It's well worth it and you'll be on a "classical high" for several days. 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 gave money to Chicago Symphony about 2 years ago and made it clear this was a one time donation. They have called me at least 20 times since then asking for more money. They just called me again at work. I have repeatedly told them to remove me from the Do Not Call list. Even political campaigns don't treat people this badly. Ridiculous!!! read more

We went here in Oct. to see the Moscow Stretensky Monastery Choir. As you can tell from the photos it's very bright, which makes it more beautiful. There is a bar. The parking isn't too bad. Kind of down a tunnel in close proximity, not hell and gone, which is what I worried about, and you can pay with a credit card right near your car. I'm sure there's more popular places to go in Chicago, but it's really exceptional. I sat about 4 rows from the front, even a front seat, you aren't too close. Glad I didn't miss this opportunity. read more

Well, I like classical music...I'm not sure if I like it that much to pay to see it though. What I do like though is jazz - and I'm talking real jazz played by real musicians who know what they are doing (*shakes fist at all things "light" or "smooth" jazz*) So an opportunity presented itself to go see the Newport All Stars, consisting of some of the finest musicians around today, at the CSO: George Wein, piano Lew Tabackin, tenor saxophone Randy Sandke, trumpet Howard Alden, guitar Jay Leonhart, bass Winard Harper, drums Dick Hyman, piano Bucky Pizzarelli, guitar Anat Cohen, clarinet and tenor saxophone First of all the space is breathtaking with perfect acoustics. Since there is no need to "watch" a jazz performance, I bought the cheap seats way up on the third tier and the sound quality was just as good as the front row. The performance was simply amazing...especially Anat on the clarinet (if I thought I could be half as good as her I would take it up again) and Lew on the sax. The only thing I didnt like was the somewhat snooty attitude of the ushers...we were literally 3 minutes late due to the EL and one guy said "You are late. Oh I guess it doesnt really matter, its just jazz after all" and when we asked another guy if we had to wait until the song ended to take our seats he said "well, no, you can just go in - its just jazz and folks arent that fussy about it." Well, pardon ME! lol. I guess they dont get many performances straying from the traditional symphony, but if you like jazz and a chance comes up again to see a group here TAKE IT. You wont regret it! read more

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

If only I could have given out more stars!! Run, run, run to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra next time Yo-Yo Ma is in town. HE IS AMAZING!!! Note: If you can sit close to the stage when he is there all the better. He has the best facial expressions when playing! The auditorium is beautiful and has spectacular sound quality. I have attended so sporadically over the years and each time I go I vow to go more often, but this time I mean it! read more

How can you go wrong with one of the greatest symphony orchestras in the world, in an absolutely beautiful facility?! The CSO was founded in 1891 by Theodore Thomas, and when Orchestra Hall (later re-named Symphony Center) was first built, it was in fact called Theodore Thomas Orchestra Hall. The plaques on the front of the facade are still there. Thomas died after conducting the opening concert in 1904. Anyway, the interior and exterior of this magnificent building are worth seeing. Get there early, hang out at the Bass Bar (lower level of the rotunda), and check out the items for sale at the kiosks. Wander around a bit - be sure to check out the ballroom on the 2nd floor. Then, take your seat for a concert and just allow yourself to sit back and enjoy the CSO. If you are concerned about how to behave, just follow the lead of the people around you. Dress code is business casual, although I have seen people dressed at both ends of the spectrum. The CSO is well worth visiting. Who knows... you might just see a magical performance that changes your life. If you drive, park at the Grant Park South garage, and you will walk out of the garage to be right in front of the doors to Symphony Center. read more

Amazing! After a year of living in Chicago, we finally made it to the Symphony. The show that afternoon was an excellent pianist- I would normally prefer to see the entire symphony, but even this kept my interest for over two hours. The hall itself is gorgeous- not a bad seat (sound-wise or view-wise) in the entire place! Will definitely have to go back to see the entire CSO. 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

Have you ever gone? If not, why? I did not grow up listening to classical music. I know the CSO is one of the best in the WORLD, so I figured I should try it out. It was life changing. Hearing this music live will move you in ways you did not know possible. Are you under 35? GO! You don't need to dress up. Actually while I was there, all the "cool kids" were in jeans and practically falling over with joy that they were at THE CSO. They were all from other countries, I was sad to learn as I overheard their excited whispers or their apologies as the usher came over over and wagged a finger over their cell phone photos. Everyone else in the world knows what we have here. You must put this on your list of things to do this year. Do you know the CSO has the most sought after music director in the world??? Muti is a force and though I have not seen him yet, it is on my list for this year. I believe the CSO needs a night that the complimentary cough drops are not pushed and the audience is encouraged to stand, sway, raise their hands and physically show on the outside how the music is moving them on the inside. When a particular part of a piece reaches a level of...power the audience should be encouraged to shout and turn to the people around them and nod and shake their collective heads in disbelief. I know this could not happen every night, but once a month or season just let in the riff raff and allow these people to feel the music without ridicule. I am betting a new generation of true fans would be created and I even believe the musicians might even enjoy the response. After all, who hasn't seen a musician moved while playing? Who hasn't seen them sway and get lost only to return at the end almost surprised to be standing on the stage. Let the audience take that ride along with the musicians. Open this Chicago gem up to an audience that hasn't a clue what awaits them inside that beautiful auditorium. read more

Way number 340342 I know I'm becoming a grown-up: I'm a CSO subscriber! I bought the fiance a package of tickets for 5 of the CSO's jazz shows. It was a bit pricey, but we're loving it so far. The folks that work there are all so very helpful, and if you're a subscriber, they bend over backwards to make sure you are happy. We had to exchange tickets to one of the shows we were scheduled for, and they made it really, really easy. And the music! Oh, my. I love real jazz, and for some reason, you can't find a lot of it in Chicago. But the CSO is a great spot for you to get your jazz fix. Not quite the same as a smoky jazz club in a bad neighborhood, but I really enjoyed it. read more

The CSO is as good as an orchestra gets, but the staff at the CSO is just as amazing. I'm a single ticket subscriber, and every time I bring a friend or date along the ticket staff is always so accommodating, moving my seat and adding a second or third to a new section. I'm a bit picky about where I sit, and they're all so understanding and offer options. I always buy additional tickets before the box office gets crazy with will call people, so that might help. I once asked to be moved because the person next to me kept muttering, and the lead usher made sure I got a better seat, even though I told him I'd take anything that was open. If you're a ten-seat subscriber, you get great rates throughout the year, no matter how popular the concert which is amazing. I also love the other people who go. You get to know the people in your section over the years and always seem to meet people from out of the country coming just to see the CSO. I haven't met many uppity people; we're all just there to enjoy the music. No one cares what you're wearing or what you do for a living, or if you know anything about music, but people will be rude to you if you talk while the symphony's playing or opening candy, or reading a newspaper (seriously, someone thought it was ok to open a crinkly newspaper) No one paid to listen to a story about your grocery store run, and there's nothing worse than listening to the orchestra during a great and moving piece of music and then hearing some idiot playing with a plastic bag 10 rows away. If you go more than once a year, I recommend sitting in the terrace behind the orchestra. It's a really different balance of sound, you get more insight into what the conductor's doing, and you're literally feet away. It's great once or twice a year to sit back there. If you only go once, the upper balcony is cheap and has great sound and you can see all the action; the lower balcony is more expensive and even better if you can afford it. read more

I'd give the Welcome Yule! holiday performance we saw 5 stars, 6 if that were possible. However the true cost of taking your children to see a holiday performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra comes after they put you on their marketing list. Since December we've endured a seemingly endless barrage of calls from the CSO directly and from resorts and tour companies that I strongly suspect purchased our marketing information from the CSO. If you choose to go to the CSO (and you should) try to pay cash and stay as anonymous as possible! read more

I really enjoy the Chicago Symphony Center. I went for the cocktail Challenge and it was fabulous. While there was some excellent cocktails, some really missed the mark. It really didn't matter if they missed the Mark or hit the mark because there was a lot of festivity and good music. They had a DJ in the center of the floor and he was height. This was a very fun event and they should do more of these. I would love to become an elite yepper. read more

Thoroughly enjoyed tonight's piano concert by the magnificently talented Beatrice Rana. This is the first time I've been to the CSO in perhaps a decade. It was wonderful. We had main floor seats. The acoustics were excellent. The seats are small but comfortable. Lots of treats and drinks for sale during the brief intermission. Shout out to our usher who I think was named Kelly or maybe Kathy. She and another usher came to the rescue when an elderly concert goer's hearing aside began to squeal. You know that shrill, high-pitched sound they can emit? Someone stepped out to complain and within 5 minutes the problem was solved. The usher also came by a few times to shush the elderly woman in front of me who kept rustling candy wrappers and was not aware of how loud she was! So my only complaint is how noisy the other concert attendees were but that's not the CSO's fault so I will give the full 5 stars!! read more

One of the best orchestras in the world right here in our fair burg. CSO offers programming to appeal to classical music aficionados as well as novices, with special programming peppered in like Harry Connick Jr., CSO at the Movies or Aretha Franklin. The acoustics are magnificent. If you have the opportunity to sit in the terrace - behind the orchestra - you're in for a real treat. read more

Writing a review of the symphony seems.. whatever, I don't know what it seems like, it feels silly though, but truly, I had nowhere else to write this down.. It was stunning. It awed me. I like classical music, I think it's preety, lovely, enchanting. but, you know, it's background. Um.. it wasn't meant to be background and after going to be in the room while it was being made, I.. I won't ever listen in the same way. It suddenly dawned on me, of course, THIS was entertainment, THIS told an intense and emotional story to your EARS.. I was brought to and through so many different emotions and frustrations and pleasures I could NOT believe I hadn't ever experienced it before. Music always tells a story but its a short story typically.. These are epic novels that revolve around love and war and death and man vs god and everything inbetween.. blow my mind wow. It was a very very profound experience and such a treat I think everyone should experience at least once. Tickets are more expensive then a rock club but man o man will your perception of music be shattered around you.. do it. treat yourself to the oddness of something different. read more

This is such a great space in downtown Chicago. If you get the chance to see a performance here do not pass it by! The seats are packed pretty right but you can get a good view from most places. Parking garages are plentiful nearby. read more

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

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The CSO sounds amazing, the hall is magnificent, great location that is easily accessible by public transit and provides plenty of before and after options. If you have ever thought about attending a CSO performance and are still on the fence, just go. There is a wide variety of different bills so there is surely something for everyone. Couple tips: 1) Get there on time, early in fact to make sure to get your tickets and get to your seats. There is no late seating. 2) Many of the performances offer rush/ student tickets at a steep discount, check at the box office for more information. 3) Enjoy! Get outside your comfort zone, you'll love it. And if you don't, go again - it will grow on you and you'll be a regular before you know it! read more

I've come here quite a few times and have always enjoyed my experience here. Well, almost, the last show I saw wasn't my cup of tea, but its a personal preference. Otherwise, there aren't any bad seats to hear the music, nor is it ever so crowded to make it annoying. I would suggesting coming on weeknights as its nice to break your week up with something beautiful. If you've never been here, then not only is music beautiful, but the hall is too. Old world charm, amazing acoustics and a feeling of maturity you hardly get at many venues anymore. read more

We went and saw Yo-Yo Ma crush it and ever since then I get calls all the goddamn time asking for donations. I'm not donating out of spite because I'm annoyed. read more

Being a student, this has to be by far one of the best Arts and Entertainment venues in Chicago. With the student discount you receive (just by showing a school id) you get cheap tickets. And the seats that we received were awsome in my opinion (the balcony on the side of the orchestra). Acoustically, there is not one bad spot in the theater, so basically there is no bad seat. So thats my review for the building. When I went I unfortunately did not get to experience the whole CSO but from the about 20 members that played it sounded really good. I can't wait to go to a show where most, if not all the orchestra is playing(I'm not sure if every member plays at one time). If you have yet to see the CSO, I recommend you at least see it once. And if your on that budget keep the student discounts in mind. read more

It's been a few years since I've been to a symphony. Yes, the place is small but the acoustics are good (I was sitting in the center row of the main floor). They have a cute giftshop off the Adams entrance. I don't know if drinks are back but I definitely will be. read more

Acoustical orgasm ad infinitum would be a monumental understatement. Have seen CSO at a few different venues and although Symphony Ctr is probably the best strictly in terms of sound, when they grace Ravinia in the Summer, there are few things that can top that for all around experience. The last time I saw them paired up with Hubbard Street Dance they absolutely rocked the house. read more

The CSO is something that is often passed over even by locals, but it is really quite remarkeable. Tickets are easy to get and the hall is one of the best I've been to. The best acoustic spots actually are in the back. Being in the front will for sure impress your friends, but to fully enjoy the performance, do some research on the best spots. Overall, I really do enjoy the performances, but I no longer attend because I hate being couped up for that long wearing anything but sweatpants. Come by if you are a fan of great classical musical, but don't expect non-audiophiles to be blown away. read more

Our families have been attending the Christmas show for many years. We now have extended family fly in from East and West coast to see it. Very disappointed this year. Rudulph rendition was spectacular but everything else was nothing innovative. First half was exactly the same as second. This conductor is very disconnected to the Chicago audience and appeared to want to rush though the entire show. Christmas in Chicago should have been a singalong as we have been waiting for it to come back for many years after losing our conductor. Hope next years show is worth the travel. read more

Awesome venue, great staff and unprecedented acts, more than I could have wished for my first time around. Will definitely return for the winter holiday season! read more

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Great activity for a miserably cold day.The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is one of the "Big Five" American orchestras. One negative, people won't really dress up much. but that's about personal choice. read more

Everyone should experience this at least once! I honestly never knew the symphony was located here. It's tucked away amongst the many buildings on Michigan Ave. The interior of the building itself is beautiful with intricate detailing throughout. During the performance, I would close my eyes here and there and let the music guide me. Watching the different musicians is a treat on its own. I was in amazement throughout the performance and definitely hope to attend again read more

Do not arrive late. Do not take photos. Do not sneeze, cough, or make any kind of noise during the performace. Honor this unspoken code & you will have a great time at the Symphony. The CSO is amazing, and Symphony Center is a great venue. I've sat in the nosebleeds for a show, and I've had 2nd row seats for a show. I personally prefer the nosebleeds because you can see everything (nothing makes me happier than watching the timpanist do his thang). Just be prepared to climb some steep steps on the way to your seat (there is an elevator to get you up there at least), and climb up to the 7th floor if you need to go to the bathroom. I really don't think there is a bad seat to be had, so don't worry about dropping tons of cash on a specific seat. I'm still wanting to try those seats that are above the stage, I'll have to report back when I finally get to give those a shot. read more

This is a review for the Family Matinee Series only. Wow! The series is geared to kids ages five and up and their families, and I think they usually have three shows a season. It's stunningly affordable. We have unobstructed seats in the upper balcony, which cost us just $9 each, plus we pay $15 to park in the Grant Park South garage (purchased through CSO with our series tickets). Our seats are arguably in nose-bleed territory, but it doesn't feel that way. There is another balcony above us, and we have a great view. We started bringing the kids to these matinees when they were 3, even though the CSO says kids should be 5. What we have learned is that a) we are not the only ones doing this and b) judging by the seven and eight year olds there, age is not a precise indicator of ability to be mostly quiet and pay attention. The CSO has done everything possible to make these shows perfect for families. There are pre-concert activities, including the instrument petting zoo. And then the concerts themselves only last about an hour, and they are narrated by the composer or the composer and someone else. Also, there are more breaks than usual for clapping (good for keeping the kids quiet the rest of the time), and there is always some phenomenal visual aspect. Today we saw the last in this year's series, Peter and the Wolf. The CSO did such a great job with it. The musicians playing the instruments that represented the bird, the duck, and the cat all had accessories that suggested their animals, and they were positioned in front of the rest of the orchestra. But the zinger for us was the hunters, who had no costumes and used their trombone and bassoon as if they were shotguns. SO effective, clever, silly. The kids just loved it. Who am I kidding? We ALL loved it. read more

beautiful, relaxing, and they offer cheap student tickets. I don't go often enough, but you should. read more

My family and I have been subscribers to the CSO for about 20 years now. I've had seats in the upper balcony, lower balcony, the main floor and even behind the stage. From a listening perspective, all of the seats are great. From a viewing perspective, my favorite is the lower balcony. I haven't been in a box, but my parents who have assure me that the view from them is very nice. Over the years I've enjoyed hearing the CSO perform everything from classical to modern pieces. I feel lucky that Chicago has such a first-rate symphony (and venue, too)! Recently I attended a performance of the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. While the performance was excellent, the venue itself was only so-so, and it made me appreciate the CSO and Symphony Center even more. read more

Attended the yelp event cocktail of Chicago at the Chicago Symphony Center. Beautiful venue and the staff is awesome always there to help! Paid hourly parking and walked one block. I look forward to going back! read more

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I came here to watch a traditional Filipino dance performance here a couple weeks ago. I LOVED the intimate setting! The venue is big, but small enough to see pretty well from one of the back rows! It even seemed like you'd have a pretty good view from the balcony seats! I had a great time at CSO, so now I'm looking for other performances to attend here! read more

One of the world's finest orchestras. I always have a wonderful time here. This concert was the Messiah, always a treat. We had a guest conductor tonight, a young Englishman who's name I can't recall. He did a great job, you could feel his passion for the music. He conducted without any music, wow. The choir was awesome, it was one heck of a night. read more

I recently went to the CSO for the first time. I was lucky to see them and their guest conductor perform one of my favorite pieces (Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz). Awesome performance! The other two pieces they played were performed well, but not my cup of tea. The symphony center is beautiful, but the seats are tiny. You like to complain about coach/economy class airline seats? You'll have a ball complaining about these seats and their non-existent legroom. Other than the size, there isn't a bad seat in the house. I was in the 2nd to last row in the top level and could see and hear everything. What's cool is that there are even seats 15 feet above and behind and to the sides of the orchestra. A viewing of the CSO ranks up there with going to Wrigley, checking out the lakefront, eating a Chicago hot dog, etc. -- it is a Chicago experience definitely worth doing. read more

I don't go to these events often, but I have seen a few performances since college. I have a great appreciation for them and have always wished that I had more of a classical music background. I loved this experience. It was nice to get a little dressed up to see something fancy. The theatre staff was helpful. It doesn't hurt that you can grab a quick drink before the show. I thought that the show was really magical. There's this feeling that you get when you're surrounded by something great, and that's what I felt last night. My only con of this experience was that the people that sat right in front of us had major BO. What the theatre does is that if you're not able to make the show, they ask for you to donate your tickets and they give it away to students or I think they're somehow recycled. In this case, it was this couple that I think was looking for something to do on a Thursday evening, and experiencing the symphony was something for them to waste away the night. They smelled heavily of alcohol and body odor and kept talking during the performance. And there was a point in the show, where one of them fell asleep. It kind of ruined the evening for some of the people sitting next to them. Which was unfortunate because it was a pretty packed house. Putting that aside, this performance was quite enjoyable and a great glimpse of Chicago's art culture. read more

Never disappointed. Beautiful symphony center, home to the most wonderful symphony on the planet. Try to catch Classic Encounter with Teri Hemmert. read more