Chicago Symphony Orchestra facts for kids
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is a famous orchestra in Chicago, Illinois. It's known as one of the best orchestras in the world! They perform at the Orchestra Hall in Chicago. In the summer, you can find them playing at the Ravinia Festival. Since 2010, their main conductor has been Riccardo Muti.
Contents
A Look Back: The CSO's History
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra began a long time ago, in 1891. It was first called the "Chicago Orchestra." A man named Theodore Thomas started it.
Changing Names and Conductors
In 1905, the orchestra changed its name to "Theodore Thomas Orchestra" to honor its founder. Frederick Stock became the new conductor. He led the orchestra for a very long time, until 1942. Then, in 1913, the orchestra got its current name: the "Chicago Symphony Orchestra."
Over the years, many talented conductors have led the CSO. Some of these include Fritz Reiner, Georg Solti, and Daniel Barenboim. When Daniel Barenboim left in 2006, Bernard Haitink became the principal conductor. Pierre Boulez was named conductor emeritus. In 2010, Riccardo Muti took over as the orchestra's main conductor.
Famous Guest Conductors
The CSO has also welcomed many famous guest conductors. These are conductors who visit to lead the orchestra for a short time. Some well-known names include Richard Strauss, John Williams, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Leonard Bernstein. Many of these guest conductors have also made recordings with the orchestra.
Three special guest conductors were Carlo Maria Giulini, Claudio Abbado, and Pierre Boulez. They were called "principal guest conductors."
Summer Performances at Ravinia
Every summer, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois. The orchestra first played at Ravinia in August 1936. They have been a part of the festival every summer since then!
Recordings and Awards
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has made over 900 recordings throughout its history. They have also won many awards for their amazing music.
Did you know? The orchestra's music was used in Steven Spielberg's 2012 movie Lincoln. The music for the movie was composed by John Williams.
Main Conductors Through the Years
Here are some of the main conductors who have led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra:
- 1891-1905 Theodore Thomas
- 1905-1942 Frederick Stock
- 1953-1962 Fritz Reiner
- 1963-1968 Jean Martinon
- 1969-1991 Sir Georg Solti
- 1991-2006 Daniel Barenboim
- 2010- Riccardo Muti (current music director)
Other important conductors who held special titles include:
- 1969-1972 Carlo Maria Giulini - Principal Guest Conductor
- 1982-1985 Claudio Abbado - Principal Guest Conductor
- 1995-2006 Pierre Boulez - Principal Guest Conductor
- 2006-present Pierre Boulez - Conductor Emeritus
- 2006-present Bernard Haitink - Principal Conductor
Images for kids
-
The Orchestra performs in Orchestra Hall at the Chicago Symphony Center
-
Sir Georg Solti
-
Riccardo Muti
See also
In Spanish: Orquesta Sinfónica de Chicago para niños
