Chicago Philharmonic Society

Founded in 1989, the Chicago Philharmonic Society is a collaboration of over 200 classical musicians. Its orchestra, the Chicago Philharmonic, performs classical, jazz, pop, movie concerts, new commissioned works, and conducts educational programming throughout the Chicago area in venues such as the Harris Theater, Auditorium Theatre, and The Chicago Theatre. With this award, the Chicago Philharmonic Society engages in training and professional development opportunities to build its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative.

The Chicago Philharmonic Society (Philharmonic) is a musician-governed membership association of nearly 200 classical musicians. The Philharmonic performs symphonic music, new commissioned works, and chamber music, reaching 100,000 patrons each year. This award supports the general operations of the Philharmonic.

The Chicago Philharmonic Society presents symphonic and chamber music concerts at venues throughout Chicago. More than 200 of Chicago’s highest-level classical musicians are part of the Society. Since 2012, it has served as the official orchestra for the Joffrey Ballet and has relationships with Ravinia, Chicago Opera Theater, American Ballet Theater, and the artist Joshua Bell. It is now a resident company at Chicago’s Harris Theater. In addition to its concerts it has outreach programs to connect Chicago youth to classical music and provides performance opportunities for members of the community. This award supports Chicago Philharmonic’s exchange with Poland.

As part of the exchange, the Chicago Philharmonic travels to Poland to share works from living classical composers (including a number from Chicago), connect with Polish musicians and students, and deepen their knowledge about Polish music and culture. The trip to Poland provides context for the Chicago Philharmonic’s inaugural Polish Music Festival, which takes place in Chicago in 2018. The Philharmonic will invite a number of musicians and soloists from Poland to participate in the three-day festival. This affords Chicago audiences the opportunity to hear the artistry of the Polish musicians in genres ranging from classical to jazz. Award funds will support direct project expenses such as: travel, performance, marketing and communication, and costs related to venues. This award is recommended as part of the International Connections Fund.