The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association's prestigious training ensemble for emerging professional musicians, The Civic Orchestra of Chicago, has announced the program for its 2015/16 season performances.
The Civic Orchestra's 2015-16 season includes a full roster of free performances at Symphony Center, as well as its ninth annual community concert at the South Shore Cultural Center and the Civic Chamber Music Series, which features chamber ensembles comprised of Civic Orchestra musicians in free public concerts that are presented at a variety of venues throughout Chicago, including several Chicago Park District locations.
The Civic Orchestra of Chicago will also be contributing to the celebration of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 125th anniversary during this season through rehearsals and performances of works premiered by the CSO, and as part of the 125 concerts in the community that are being presented next season.
This year will also mark the 22nd and final season for Cliff Colnot as Principal Conductor of the Orchestra. Colnot leads the Civic in performances at Symphony Center on November 16 and February 29 while continuing to prepare the orchestra throughout the 2015-16 season.
In a recent press release announcing the new season, Colnot remarked that he wouldn't trad his two-plus-decades working with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for all the world:
"I have had the privilege of leading the Civic Orchestra for more than 20 years and have enjoyed working with this exceptional ensemble during that time.
"I'm incredibly proud of the reputation that we have built for Civic Orchestra performances, as well as the standard of musical performance that we have achieved together. This era of music-making with the Civic Orchestra will always mean a great deal to me.
"I look forward to my remaining time with the great Civic Orchestra and also to new artistic opportunities that lie ahead for me."
At least two additional Civic concerts in the community are planned, including a performance at a Chicago Public School and at an off-site venue in the greater Chicago area, with the details to be announced at a later date.
Ticket reservations for Civic Orchestra of Chicago performances at Symphony Center can be made online at the CSO's official website, in person at the box office at 220 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL or by phone at (312) 294-3000.
For more information about the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, visit cso.org/civic.
