Family Matinees
For over 100 years, the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra has performed fun and imaginative concerts for children at Symphony Center. A cornerstone of the CSO’s offerings for young people today, Once Upon a Symphony and Family Matinees showcase symphonic masterworks and incorporate theater, dance or multimedia to help deepen audience engagement with the music.
Once Upon A Symphony (for ages 3-5)
Presented in Symphony Center's intimate Buntrock Hall, Once Upon a Symphony weaves chamber music performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with storytelling, sets, costumes and multimedia to create a captivating and magical introduction to live music for children aged 3-5.
Goldilocks
April 6-May 18, 2024
Goldilocks stumbles across a cottage belonging to three bears! Explore some of the responsibilities that come along with growing older.
The Little Red Hen
December 7, 2024
Featuring delightful musical portraits of animals, the classic story of the solitary, hard-working hen explores the importance of working together as a community.
Abiyoyo
April 5-May 10, 2025
This redemptive tale of a boy and his father who rid their town of a monster features enchanting music performed by members of the CSO.
Once Upon a Symphony is created in partnership with Chicago Children's Theatre.
Family Matinees (for ages 5+)
Perfect for families with children ages 5-12, these hour-long performances take place in historic Orchestra Hall and often feature actors, dancers and multimedia. Additionally, parents can access online resources to help prepare for the performance, including learning guides and custom playlists.
Sound Waves
May 11, 2024
Explore the wonder and symbolism of water with conductor Tania Miller and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Philharmonia Fantastique
October 19, 2024
Featuring stunning animation and a virtuosic score by Mason Bates, Philharmonia Fantastique takes audiences inside musical instruments and shows how they work together as an orchestra.
The Music of Our Emotions
March 8, 2025
Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser and members of the CSO present Tchaikovsky’s courageous journey and show how music helps all of us express our emotions.
Community Pride
May 2-3, 2025
Joined by the winner of the 2024 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition, Thomas Wilkins conducts a program celebrating the joy, power and beauty of community.