The Civic Orchestra of Chicago trains young professional musicians for careers in symphony orchestras. Under the guidance of Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur, a faculty of coaches from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and numerous luminary guest conductors including CSO Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti, Civic Members refine their skills and gain experience through monthly rehearsals, coachings, performances and workshops.
The Civic Orchestra rehearses and performs at historic Symphony Center in downtown Chicago. The mainstage concert series consists of approximately seven free performances in Orchestra Hall, as well as two or three performances in neighborhood venues including the South Shore Cultural Center and Chicago Public Schools. In addition, Civic Members may audition for the Chamber Music Program, and the Civic Mentors Program, which includes coaching of youth in Chicago area school bands and orchestras.
New Adventures features music by living composers selected by the Civic Fellows through a national call for scores. By amplifying the voices of these artists, the Civic Fellows aim to nourish audiences and reinvigorate the classical concert space with new music. As a part of the concert, learn about each composer's practice and how they push the boundaries of composition through the celebration of their lived experiences.
Daixuan's chamber piece Childhood Memories (2022) will be performed on this concert.
The Civic Orchestra’s virtuosity is put on display, continuing its beloved annual tradition with an evening of J.S. Bach’s joyous and inventive music. The Brandenburg Concertos lift spirits with their pulsing rhythms, novel instrumental combinations and an electrifying harpsichord solo. Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur leads two Christmas cantatas that showcase Bach’s masterful writing for voices, here brought to life by the Chicago Symphony Chorus and soloists.
Ryan Townsend Strand, tenor, Dave Govertson, bass-baritone, Rachel Sparrow, soprano, Lauren Rudolph, mezzo-soprano