Chicago Symphony Center

220 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60604, USA

Address:	220 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
Phone:	+1 312-294-3000
Site:	cso.org
Rating:	4.7

Location

Photos 1

Reviews 16

John Miller

Uncomfortable Seats; Dont Trust the Box Office - A world-class symphony is only as good as those who represent them. And, so it is with CSO. I very much wanted to go to their 125th Anniversary concert, because they were going to play my favorite piece of all time, Tchaikovskys Piano Concerto No. 1. So, I called their Box Office and specifically asked when single tickets were going to go on sale. I was told August 12. Since I am not good at trusting people, I periodically checked their website. And, guess what? Yep. The tickets were on sale by June 7. And, I ended up in Row B in what I call the "upper deck." Its actually the "Gallery." When I told one usher I was in the "upper deck," he laughed and asked if I mistakenly thought I was coming to a Cubs game. Well, I am certain the bleacher seats there are more comfortable! You know for sure at the CSO that you are indeed in the cheap seats. The gallery is sloped at quite an angle! You definitely want to make sure that you are holding onto the side rail at all times going up and coming down! Then, because of the high degree of slope, there are the same metal rails between each row. So, you have a pretty good chance of having one leg wedged against one of the rails. The symphony is very good. But, I was struck at how their conductor, Riccardo Muti, leapt into their programs Beethoven before the audience had quieted down from applauding. I said to someone during intermission that maybe Muti just wanted to get the program over with so he could get to the gala ball being held afterward. The music was great, but you are put through some hurdles unless you are willing to really lay your money down to get decent seats. Ours were $60/each. To me, it wasnt worth it, and I have no plan on returning to CSO.

Rochi Mensi

Un lugar impecable. Y ofrece todos los estilos musicales que uno quiera. En mi estadia en Chicago, fui a escuchar a la orquesta sinfonica, obras de Stravinsky, Bartok y Debussy. Ayer fui al Festival de Jazz de Monterrey. Sali de ambos eventos impresionada de la calidad de musicos que interpretaron las obras. El teatro es indescriptible. La acustica es perfecta, no importa donde estes sentado. Un lugar perfecto para empezar una noche plena. :)

Xiaochen Liu

Definitely pay attention to the address of the theater. I booked a ticket online. When I went to the theater at Michigan Ave. There is no one there and the guard told the me that the concert was cancelled. The next day I called the box office (they didnt work at night), they said that show was not cancelled but happened at another place and I cant get any refund. I checked my confirmation email again. Yes there was one line saying "Harris Theater" but very small, and didnt show any address information. However down below, there was a very bold and bigger text saying "Chicago Symphony Center" and the location on Michigan Avenue. And then its everything about the rules at the Symphony Center. Such misleading information. Very disappointed with the experience. Hope they can improve their confirmation email and tell the guard what is really going on.

EstherSylvia Firlej-Perisin

The Chicago Symphony Center, home to the world-renown Chicago Symphony, is one of Chicagos historic landmark buildings. It was designed by Chicagos famous architect, Daniel Burnham. The building, completed in 1904, is one of the architectural jewels along Michigan Avenue. The interior was designed by Van Doren Shaw. The vast Orchestra Hall can seat 2,522, but it still retains a certain intimacy. The acoustics are terrific. The building also houses Buntrock Hall, a training facility for future musical artists, and Grainger Ballroom. If you cannot take in one of the incredible performances by the Chicago Symphony or one of the visiting artists, at least take in an architectural tour.

Sofía Núñez

Los espectáculos empiezan puntuales asi que atentos. A la salida hay taxis esperando en la puerta. El edificio cuenta con asensores. La acústica es buenísima en todo el auditorio y se ve muy bien desde lo más alto también. Cuenta con un balconado en las espaldas del escenario, un espacio interesante para ver los espectáculos.

Brooke Hutchison

The Chicago Symphony Center is a delight. The building itself is a wonder to behold, but the orchestra will blow you away. I love music, but I typically prefer current artists that are more or less rocknroll, and Ill tell you, I still enjoyed this orchestra. I sat in the balcony - judging by the map, youd think that they were bad seats, but the sound was still magnificent, and the price was even better (be warned, the stairs were surprisingly steep). If you enjoy live music but dont typically go to an orchestra concert, I bet youd have a good time. Check it out!

Chris Johnson

I have attended multiple concerts put on by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and have sat both in the upper balcony and the balcony behind the stage. The sound is great and the building is beautiful. The location is easy enough to get to by train and there is also parking available in surface lots for less than $10 on most nights.

Caleb Young

Was there for a wedding in one of their event spaces. Very cool vintage building. Looks like some old French palace. Very cool. We also snuck into the box seats in the symphony hall, very cool. Great views and a cool balcony and a sweet park across the street for wedding photos. One of the best wedding venues Ive been to.

Becca Laurito

For those of you who think Classical music is dead- go to the CSO! Whenever Muti conducts, the concerts are sold out, otherwise they are VERY well attended. One of the best orchestras in the world, Chicago Symphony does not disappoint in terms of quality musicianship, beautiful acoustics and accommodating hall.

Kevin Maher

Love this classy venue. Sound wise there isnt a bad seat in the house, great lighting, and that old school feel. comfortable seats and a great view of the stage from almost anywhere. We sat on the main floor but others in our family sat in the balcony and had a blast up there too.

Nathanel Mori

I listened to John Williams perform his soundtracks and his violin concerto there. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is one of the best in the world, and the venue itself is everything youd wish from that kind of caliber (not to mention the location in the city).

Lynn Wynn

CSO is one of the worlds top symphony orchestras. We sat in the terrace seats above the orchestra--stunning. I suggest holding onto your jacket and using it as a lumbar support. The seat backs are a bit too perpendicular for my taste. Beautiful venue.

Arash Farahani

They have some of the best orchestral performances. As Im a student Ive only got 10$ student tickest for some of the programs. I loved the performances a lot but I also have gotten to know that some of their seats really sock!

Eric Hiller

I LOVE the CSO. The prices are more affordable than youd think, and it supports a major institution. I find the orchestra soothing and enjoy going here with others. At Christmas they do wonderful concerts themed to that end.

David W

The crowning jewel of the citys artistic life. Blasphemy not to attend with sobriety and respect. Come as often as you can: it keeps you grounded living a restless city. Try Terrace Left for chamber music and recitals.

Tara Schnaible

Such an amazing cultural center. A variety of different types of musicians perform here, often in collaboration with the CSO. If you want something a little different, check out their free civic orchestra concerts.