Chicago Symphony Orchestra

We attended the Back to the Future symphony performance here in June, and it was incredible. Whoever had the genius idea to pair iconic films with a live symphony deserves an award. The performance drew in a crowd of all ages and backgrounds, proving that gone are the days of stuffy, high-society audiences dominating symphony halls. The energy was electric, the musicians were outstanding, and the experience far exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend.

Beautiful! Visited for a high-school performance and it was jaw dropping to hear the performance. The difference in sound from high-school auditorium to Chicago Symphony Orchestra Center was 100 times better. If you ever get a chance to visit a performance here, do not miss the chance. I highly recommend it.

Very nice theatre in downtown Chicago. Although it is well decorated it’s not as nice as many other theatres I’ve attended (New York, Cleveland, Akron, Detroit, and Columbus) Went and saw Paul Simon there, I showed up right before the show started so it was super easy to get in, but I could see it being a long process if there is a large crowd due to the lack of space. They have very limited food and drink options (no light beers) and you’re not allowed to bring any food or drink into “the house” (your seats) unless you buy the souvenir cups that have lids on them.

The orchestra is the most accomplished group of musician that I have ever heard, being a musician myself. Orchestra Hall unique presence in the city of Chicago. The issues are lack of bathrooms and horrible seating comfort. The seats are too small for a average weight person. Also, don't sit in the front row of the balconies, the space between the wall and the seat are for little people. The service staff are efficient, helpful, and energetic. They are always willing to help. Please make sure you are ahead of schedule since getting through Chicago traffic is a nightmare. The staff have to close doors when the concert starts which is mostly on time.

Amazing concert! Riccardo Muti was back again with guest soloist Esteban Batallan! Great performance! CSO is amazing 👏 Easy access from Union Station exit to Adams St up 7 blocks to Michigan Ave!

One of the greatest symphony venues in the world. It's such a special place. And makes for a very memorable experience. I recommend trying out the seats that circle above the back of the stage. It's a unique view and unusual way to experience the symphony. Recommended.

Uncomfortable seats. The seats are also small so if you are a bigger person you will be more touching the people around you. They also charge 2 bucks just to hang a coat and another 2 bucks for any additional items to store. Not a lot of variety or options in terms of seating. Exciting and leaving wasn’t a mess and the staff overall were helpful. Place just needs a solid renovation.

My son and I had a great opportunity to see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra while on a school trip to the city. The interior of the venue is breathtaking. The ushers were efficient and helpful. It was a beautiful performance. But, be aware that the seating higher up is steep. We sat in the very last row of seats...it is high up there!

I had the pleasure of checking out a show that was the symphony with the Joffrey ballet. A friend got our tickets so I can not comment on the seat purchasing process. Ushers are friendly and helpful to locate seats. The reason I took off one star is the seats are very cramped. I am a smaller person and I felt squished. If you are larger (height or width) I would recommend reviewing a seating chart to pick a front row or aisle seat. Also annoying, during the show a teenager in front of me was on her phone the whole first half. Very disrespectful to the performance.

Allowed to tour this symphony center as apart of Choose Chicago Architecture Weekend. The facility is simply beautiful. I was very fortunate to accidentally get on a private tour. Someone who works there was showing their family around and unbeknownst to me I entered a door being held open and stumbled upon an exclusive tour. By the time I realized that this wasn't the regular tour, I was on stage. It was so cool. I was grateful to see backstage and be on the stage. I will checking out a performance in 2025 and I cannot wait to hear the music fill up this space. Check this place out if you want to hear some live music.

My family and I recently enjoyed Mendelssohn's Elijah in the spring. It was an excellent performance with beautiful dexterity and density of tone as well as instrumentation. One of the most beautiful and moving pieces of music in my opinion. The symphony center is a prominent concert hall, originally designed by Daniel Burnham in 1904. The acoustics are excellent and the facility displays its historic elegance along with modern amenities. The staff here is always helpful. I'm looking forward to enjoying Merry, Merry Chicago in December.

If you are looking for a unique experience , see the world renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra , CSO, from the gray Terrace seating which puts you in the action. If you're not concerned about seeing every orchestra member you will get the unique view of seeing the concert almost directly above the orchestra! There is something neat about seeing the audience from their vantage point . If the chorus is playing that night , you may get to mingle during intermission or after since you're on the same level! Same price as balcony seats ! ( we found last minute tickets for $75) #music #orchestra #chicago

We received tickets last minute to attend had the opportunity to sit on the stage or the balcony. I opted to sit on stage left and had a great view of the winter quartet who performed with the Chamber music series. I loved the intimate environment and how the stage was decorated with festive giant wreaths and red bows.

The CSO has an exciting future ahead under the new direction of the refreshing and energetic brilliance of Maestro Makela!

Last week I attended the spectacular "Soundpost: Perception, a classical music and fashion experience" at the Chicago Symphony Center!  Daughter received a media invite from the Chicago Fashion Coalition, and I was happy to be her plus one guest.  The event was CFC's collaboration with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's young professionals' network, the Overture Council, and the Chicago Civic Orchestra of Chicago, aiming to "shatter generational stereotypes and celebrate the distinctive fusion of fashion and music in Chicago".   I had been to the Chicago Symphony Center many times years ago, and enjoyed every performance of the CSO.  We had also attended special performances such as Yo Yo Ma's "Silk Road" ensemble.  This time was unique and fun.  The vibes were very lively and festive.  Olivia was our host and warmly led us to the media seating in the lower balcony.  I always sat in the orchestra level and did not realize that front row seats in the lower balcony got the best view of the entire stage, and the magnificent hall.  This event had all the audience sitting on the stage and the terrace above(behind) the stage to have an immersive experience.  The models would walk on the walkway with the string quartet musicians on both sides.  The entire "normal" audience seating in the hall was intentionally left empty.  I believed we got the best view of the show!  Interestingly, ABC7Chicago's camera crew was in our section, just more to the side of the balcony.   I like many genres of music, and classical music was one of them.  That fascinating night, a unique fashion show featuring six designers and their group of models paired with beautiful classical music by the quartet musicians from the Civic Orchestra was just mesmerizing!  The show ran from 8:00 to 10:00 PM (with a 20-minute intermission) and I enjoyed every minute of it!   One fun fact was that the suggested dress code was Perceptual Elegance, and guests were encouraged to "come dressed to impress"!  There was a wide range of fashion in the lounge during reception and in the audience on stage, and that made people watching very fun and enjoyable as well!   The "Perception" experience attempted to invoke a renewed perspective on the world itself from the audience was quite an ambitious goal to achieve.  However, I definitely left with a new appreciation for fashion, and an awakening of the love that I had for classical music! (I also shared this review on Chicago Fashion Coalition as this event was a collaboration)

If you ever have a chance to attend a performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra - gooooo! There is absolutely not one bad seat in Symphony Center, and I can confirm that because I sat in what may be considered some of the worst seats (the highest up). However, the layout of the Orchestra Hall is so well laid out that even in the nosebleed sections, you can see and hear everything perfectly! We saw John Williams conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and it was a life changing experience. The orchestra played John's music to a tee (of course!) - it felt like we were watching him record the original scores. I am not ashamed to say I may have shed a few tears, it was so beautiful and well done. Watch their schedule and if you ever see that a concert or conductor you love will be there - walk, run, fly, do whatever you have to do and get there. I guarantee you won't regret it!

Located on Michigan Avenue, the conductor and orchestra with a singer gave a merry performance. The songs and sing along put everyone in the holiday mood. The interactions between the singer and conductor were humorous. The singer's costume changes were amazing and flattering. Spoiler alert: Santa may drop by. I am not a fan of no photos at all. I can understand no videos. Everyone wants to keep a memory of a great performance.

I went here a few nights ago for their show that they do with the Joffrey Ballet, this was the second time they collaborated since 2019. It was a 2 hour show, the first half was purely the CSO. The second half was the CSO with the ballet performers. Within the second half there was two different ballet performances, one was very eccentric which I was surprised by. The second dance included 5 dancers showcasing the ordinary struggles of a family, it was cute and heart touching. The venue is very beautiful and has nice acoustics. I sat in the main section, right side and was happy with my view.

Always an excellent concert and building, but I came here to write about the kids programming (children's progamming) called Once Upon A Symphony. We brought our daughter in Kinder and now in First grade, the program is advertised preK and K, and I think thats right. She really loves them as a non-musical person and it helps spur her interest. Great costumes and storytelling. Id recommend for ages 3-7 even if they say 3-5, my dd is just at the right age (6.5) to 100% enjoy it beyond "exposure" at a younger age. Well done all

There is no legitimate way to give the CSO less than five stars. Whatever issue you may have, we're talking about a truly world class orchestra. And Ricardo Muti, nearing the end of his time with the CSO, is one of the greatest conductors in your lifetime. You'd be a fool to miss an opportunity to hear Muti conduct this orchestra. Is it the best venue for acoustics? Nope. For that, you'd need to make your way to Symphony Hall in Boston. Is it the most comfortable seating? It is definitely not equal in comfort to sitting at home in your recliner and wearing fuzzy slippers. But the acoustics aren't bad, and the seats aren't bad. I've sat all over, and I can confirm that there's really not a bad seat in the house. If sitting for the length of a concert is somehow painful to you, you should see a good orthothopedist. It's true, Ricardo Muti doesn't choose the most cutting edge pieces, but his selections are never boring. And many of them are downright enthralling. He makes Brahms come to life like nothing I've ever heard. And his Shostakovich orchestrations are without equal. Our most recent visit was for the Merry Merry Chicago annual Christmas concert. Not conducted by Muti. In fact, I don't think Ricardo Muti would touch a song like Fiddle Faddle or White Christmas with a ten-foot baton. But it was fun to clap and sing along in a way that would make Muti probably throw a shoe at you. Everyone should jump at the chance to hear the Chicago Sympony Orchestra with a great conductor. And then everyone should go back to see the Merry Merry Chicago performance because there is literally nothing more Christmas-y you could do in this city. And besides -- there is no better opportunity to wear your spiffy red velvet trousers or sequined tartan plaid bolero jacket.

My husband took me here for my first show last week and we had so much fun. We went for their merry, merry Christmas show - it was super lively and festive and we loved that we recognized a bunch of the songs. The music was captivating and the holiday singalong got everyone in a fun mood. The hall is beautiful and you can get a great view of the stage from anywhere in the room. Can't wait to go back!

great place great atmosphere. The costumer service as amazing. would definitely recommend to anyone visiting for the fir time

Saw an incredible show here in box seats. It's a wonderful experience that I cannot recommend. The acoustics in the space are otherworldly! It reminded me of how much I missed live music, and how talented people are. These people must rehearse and rehearse with so much dedication.

Live music is better than overly processed music. Great orchestra. I saw Joe Hisaishi of Studio Ghibli, Howls Moving Castle, fame here. Great acoustics and sound. Kinda crammed old seats. Decent crowd control. I had a blast tho some rude vanilla patrons were talking loud like they were at a Wrigleyville bar. But what do u expect I suppose

Absolutely incredible experience. My husband and I came to see Daniil Trifonov perform with the CSO and even he was left in awe (and has very limited knowledge/experience with classical music). Not a bad seat in the house. We sat on the farthest right side of the upper balcony and the views and sounds were more than what I had hoped for. The ushers were so incredibly kind and helpful. Parking was also super convenient as the Grant Park South garage leads right up to the front doors of the orchestra hall. While the tickets can be a little more on the expensive side, they are WELL worth the money to see such a world-class group of talented musicians and we left feeling honored to have seen them play. Both the Stravinsky and Rachmaninov sections were mesmerizing and it would be hard to choose which was a favorite. Looking forward to attending more performances in the future!

If you have not gone to a concert or event you are missing out. A must see whether a resident or tourist. Lots of great memories I have of attending here thru the years. It does not matter what kind of music you like you have to experience a classical concert here and I assure you that you will be glad and love this place.

Had my first CSO at the movies experience watching Jurassic Park. So phenomenal!!! The whole experience was wonderful. I cannot wait to see more movies this way! It was family friendly and they had an intermission long enough to grab a drink and a snack (or use the loo). As of 3/27/22, masks were still required the whole time and you did have to show proof of vaccination. In the gallery, steps are steep, if you are fearful of heights, I'd recommend getting seats in a lower area. I highly recommend everyone tries this experience at least once!

Always been a fan of symphonic music but never seen it live. This was my first experience being at a live symphony. As far as I was concerned the music quality exceeded my expectations. It was a wonderful venue and the music was amazing. It was very memorizing to watch the talented musicians all playing in unison. The venue is smaller than I expected but large enough. They do serve beer and wine and cocktails before and at intermission. The lobby is not large and the lines can get long. Overall, I truly enjoyed the symphony and would return.

My family saw Sound Waves this weekend and had a great time. It was perfect for kids and, of course, the orchestra was phenomenal.

The orchestra, conductor and performance was wonderful. We loved hearing Stravinsky's Firebird Suite recently. However, there is more to a concert-going experience than the music. I was very disappointed in the oblivious ushers who did nothing about people leaning forward on the railings obstructing views of people sitting behind them. One of those people was in front of us, but I noticed others. Unfortunatley, the ushers didn't notice, and in my opinion that should be in their job description, and should not be the onus of one audience member to have to ask another to behave with consideration. Smh. And twenty mins. into the concert one usher unnecessarily whispered "no photos" to my partner while we enjoyed the music and his phone was put away. Really? Granted, he had snapped ONE pic prior to the concert when only about six musicians were on the stage, before he realized he wasn't supposed to. But he wasn't continuing, and it was so far after the fact, it was ridiculous. Smh. Beautiful hall with very uncomfortable seats. Time to put some money into improvements.

We enjoyed a great concert by Grammy winning jazz singer Dianne Reeves tonight. Our seats were on the lower balcony left in the second row with a terrific view of the stage. These are my favorite seats now. Dianne was in a great mood and reminded the packed audience of her rained out concert at Millennium Park a few years ago after she completed her opening song. The acoustics are excellent in symphony hall. Staff was very helpful.

Beautiful location and in a location that makes it very accessible by public transportation so you don't have to worry about parking. The physical space itself is beautiful, lending itself to great performances. The staff is very friendly and super amazing in helping you get to your seats. Also this was a great space for or Yelp event in 2017 for the cocktail competition.

What a beautiful venue. I had the pleasure to see a Hary Potter that was performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It was incredible! The experience would be great for anyone, not just fans of the movie or the orchestra. Because the movie was playing while the music was being conducted, you really feel immersed in the event. This would make for a killer gift for anyone that is a fan of music or movies!

I've been regularly coming to the CSO for a couple of years now to hear world-class artists perform their master craft for the audiences of Chicago. It was such a bummer when everything had to close up due to the pandemic, but I'm incredibly glad things are starting to open and return back to some sense of normalcy, with live performances finally coming back. It's much easier and way more affordable to get tickets to hear Maestro Muti conduct the CSO here in Chicago, compared to when they annually tour around either in Europe or Asia, which is usually always sold out at pretty high prices, illustrating the high demand for their performances around the world. Meanwhile, Orchestra Hall, inside Symphony Center, is a fantastic venue here in Chicago, and it's fun to hear concerts from different areas of the hall -- you'll get a great experience no matter where you sit. While this is the main home of the CSO, a lot of visiting artists come to perform here as well, ranging from jazz legend Herbie Hancock, to folk icon Joan Baez to renowned pianist Murray Perahia, meaning there is no shortage of great music and performances at this venue. Absolutely 100%, highly recommend!

What a beautiful venue to enjoy the world renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra! I was brought up in a family that much enjoys classical music. I remember waking up to Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky on weekend mornings in my childhood. My family and I had the opportunity to attend Merry Merry Chicago, a holiday performance by CSO in December 2018. We were seated on the highest level but were still able to pick up the sound of each instrument. The orchestral hall is very well kept. Coat check is $2 a piece. I would recommend purchasing tickets at the box office in advance if possible. Online tickets have extra fees and altogether can be pretty steep.

Had an opportunity to see a friend play here and it was a lovely experience. Of course, CSO delivers and everything about the experience from the acoustics to the crowd and the musicians playing in the warm lights of the auditorium is hypnotic and amazing. It is a must if you are visiting Chicago or you are a Chicagoland resident.

A friend of mine called me over the summer and asked if I would join her in a three performance package at the symphony because her husband wouldn't want to go. I agreed easily because I figured that I could always use a bit more culture in my life. Our first performance was of Handel's Messiah. It was truly disappointing. Perhaps it was our seats. We were seated in the gallery. Pretty much nose bleed seats. The sound was not good. The soloists and the choir in particular were not up to par. The soloists sounded tentative and the choir was underwhelming. Usually when I attend the CSO at Ravinia the music has a life of its own. It washes over me and wraps me in its loving embrace. Unfortunately here at Symphony Center I was detached and lonely. Also, being high up in the gallery, the heat rises and we were roasting, making for a very uncomfortable time. We ended up leaving early. Strong suggestion: If you go Symphony Center, go ahead and fork over the big bucks for a really great seat because the cheap seats aren't worth it at any price.

INNOVATIVE. DIVERSE. INCLUSIVE YES!! What an incredible experience WE HAD! I am so glad we randomly just stopped by here, and ended up attending the MLK Tribute Concert. It truly was an incredible experience, from the beginning till the end. Everyone was helpful and friendly. The venue is kept very clean. The musician are highly talented and diverse. Perfect location. This was my first time experiencing Sinfonietta and i was impressed, will moslty definitely be back.

I actually attended a event here I really never knew about this place beforehand but because of the Yelp event I was able to visit enjoy the Orchestra Hall the architecture It's a really large venue is I understand that holds various musical performances concerts operas and plays as that nature But and also can hold a large amount of people for a party which I was there for the staff was really nice and willing to accommodate request throughout the night I really enjoyed the bathrooms I must say on the lower level they were clean and bright look like and they had put in a lot of work and making sure that the bathrooms we're presentable and ready for the ladies which I really appreciate it bright light where you can check your makeup and check it out fit before you went out I saw that have a coat room and attended and several different floors including of a balcony section and a mezzanine

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.

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!!!

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:)

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!

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!

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!!

The Chicago symphony is beautiful. Sitting in the seat I couldn't help but let my eyes wander over the filigree walls and chandeliers. I was sitting in the gallery which is little far from the stage and I regretted not bringing binoculars. Ushers help you navigate the symphony and escort you to your seat. However, the gallery is a pretty scary place. Very steep. Almost vertical. Girls do not wear heels. But once you are in your seat it is pretty comfortable. I attended the Corporate Night 2010 with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with the Chicago symphony in the background. The music was great and I could tell from all the musicians taping their feet and batons that they were having fun. I am sure this was a nice change of repertoire. Frankie was great. He performed many of the famous sound picture tracks like Oh What a Night and Big Girls Don't Cry. At one point he allowed this one woman to shake his hand and then there was a frenzy of women getting of their seats and going to shake his hand. Chicago Symphony is a Chicago gem. Don't forget to validate your parking! It is almost half off! And comeback often.

This is the name of the series that brings non-Chicago artists to Chicago to play in the Symphony Center. Simple concept. Chicago being Chicago, this includes essentially all of the major musicians (jazz, classical, world) and orchestras of the world on a rotating basis....the equivalent of Carnegie Hall programming in NYC but on a smaller scale. No other program in the city provides such an amazing, diverse, rich opportunity for the great musicians of the world to visit and for us to welcome them and sample the best of what the whole world has to offer. Absolutely one of the best things about Chicago if you like serious music. Transformative. Sometimes the groups make us realize how good we really have it here in Chicago, when you realize that the renowned visitors don't have quite the edge of our home group (Israel Philharmonic for example). PS: with the new app format, Yelp automatically wants to know if they do takeout or deliver. I said yes. They deliver a good show and I take away good memories

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.

My avidity toward classical music: unchanging. The baton of a consummate conductor, Mr. Semyon Bychkov, produced such beauty, there were about 3-4 standing ovations. I have been to many, many symphonies, but have never witnessed a sight like this. He passionately wove together the stories, emotions, and statements that the two composers showcased had intended. During several moments of the 3rd movement adagietto, I found myself choking back tears. Fine art never sounded so good. Welcome to CSO, proud home of one of the very best in the world. I had a glorious time listening to a contemporary newcomer and Mahler's 5th on Friday. The hall itself is truly gorgeous and cavernous. Seated near the front on the 6th (yes, SIXTH) floor, I had a perfectly unobstructed view of every orchestra member. Surprisingly, this has got to be due to the incredibly steep grade of the house. Glancing all around, I thought the CSO was fortunate to play in such an opulent and grand center, and I was lucky to get an earful of Mahler under Bychkov's direction. Sad to learn I missed YoYoMa by a week (but got to see him perform @ Davies Hall). Gustav Mahler was born in Bohemia, grew up near Vienna. Flanked by childhood trauma in losing his parents, raised by a grandmother, and left as the eldest son to care for 6 other siblings (the rest perished), he was a Jewish prodigy who struggled and was even homeless on more than one occasion. He even converted to Catholicism to ensure himself a better chance at employment as a conductor. His life experience ostensibly afforded him no dearth of emotion from which to create and emote such complex statements. His 5th symph was very regal with the first few measures of the lone trumpet....but plowed through confusion, anger, loneliness, and yet landed on the side of triumph, celebrating the fullness and resiliency of the human spirit, imbued with hope. His last movement was written as a love gift for his wife, the tender adagietto. I was humbled that I came along for this magnificent journey, endearing myself to Mahler and his complicated life. PS To the poor French hornist in the back row... I felt so badly for you that you could not shake out all the water from your instrument. I cannot imagine the pressure and the awkwardness. I wanted to give you a hug, and crossed my fingers that Mr Bychkov would not be cross with you. ={ PS He's gonna guest conduct in SFCity soon!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!