Chicago Philharmonic

The Chicago Philharmonic Society, known for its orchestra, the Chicago Philharmonic, is a distinguished cultural institution that has been a part of Chicago's vibrant music scene since its inception in 1989. The organization was founded by musicians from the Lyric Opera Orchestra and has since grown to include over 200 of the Midwest's most accomplished classical musicians. The orchestra's versatility is showcased through its ability to curate ensembles for a variety of concerts, including classical, jazz, pop, and movie concerts, as well as outreach programming. The Chicago Philharmonic has been recognized for its excellence with several awards from the Illinois Council of Orchestras, including Orchestra of the Year 2018, Programming of the Year 2019, Community Relations of the Year 2019, Executive Director of the Year 2020, and Conductor of the Year 2021. The orchestra is led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Scott Speck, who has been instrumental in the organization's success. The organization's history can be traced back to 1979 when principal musicians from the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra formed the Orchestra of Illinois. Despite the disbandment of this initial group in 1988, the musicians regrouped to form the Orchestral Society of Illinois, which later became the Chicago Philharmonic Society. The Society's first concert was conducted by Larry Rachleff in March of 1991, and the orchestra has since established itself as a mainstay in the Chicago music community. The Chicago Philharmonic Society operates with a unique organizational structure that emphasizes musician leadership. Musicians guide the policies and practices of the organization, serving on the board of directors, participating in committees, and providing feedback through the Musicians Advisory Council. This approach has been lauded as a model for other musical arts organizations. In addition to its symphonic and chamber concerts, the Chicago Philharmonic collaborates with a range of partners, including the Joffrey Ballet, for which it served as the official orchestra. It has also supported performances by renowned artists and companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, Disney, and many others. The Society's commitment to community engagement is evident through its Composer in Residence Program, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives, and various educational outreach efforts. Additionally, the Chicago Philharmonic supports the arts through its National Seminario Ravinia and offers opportunities for patrons to contribute through donations, sponsorships, and planned gifts. The Chicago Philharmonic Society continues to enrich Chicago's cultural landscape with innovative programming and exceptional performances, making it a vital part of the city's artistic community.