About Civic Orchestra of Chicago

The Civic Orchestra of Chicago is now accepting applications for the 2026/27 season.

Founded in 1919 as a training program of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Civic Orchestra prepares its members for multifaceted and meaningful careers in orchestral music and beyond. Civic members participate in full-orchestra concert cycles, workshops, masterclasses, mock auditions, chamber music, school partnerships and other special projects. They are coached and mentored by Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur, CSO musicians and world-renowned guest conductors and clinicians. Civic performs free and low-cost concerts in Orchestra Hall and in communities across greater Chicago, and anchors the annual Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition and Chicago Youth in Music Festival.

The audition deadline is 11:59pm Central Time on Sunday, February 15, 2026 on Acceptd. Please visit cso.org/joincivic for more information.