The Chicago Symphony Chorus regularly performs with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Orchestra Hall and at the Ravinia Festival. The history of the Chorus began in 1957, when sixth music director Fritz Reiner invited Margaret Hillis to establish a chorus to equal the quality of the Orchestra.

Founded in 1959 with Harry John Brown as its first music director, the MSO gained national prominence during the Kenneth Schermerhorn years (1968 to 1980). Schermerhorn initiated the MSO's state touring program and worked with the legendary Margaret Hawkins to form the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus.

History. The Civic Orchestra was founded in 1919 by Frederick Stock, the CSO's second music director, both as a training ensemble and also as a means, in his words, to “Americanize” this country's orchestras and reduce their dependence on European musicians.

At any given Symphony Center concert, you will observe some concertgoers dressed up and others dressed more casually. Many patrons wear business attire or casual business attire. We encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable.