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March 2024 by Corey Westhall
Great sound. We were settled in the galleries, needed a pair of binoculars but the sound was out of the world.
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April 2023 by Aleks T.
Absolutely incredible experience. My husband and I came to see Daniil Trifonov perform with the CSO and even he was left in awe (and has very limited knowledge/experience with classical music). Not a bad seat in the house. We sat on the farthest right side of the upper balcony and the views and sounds were more than what I had hoped for. The ushers were so incredibly kind and helpful. Parking was also super convenient as the Grant Park South garage leads right up to the front doors of the orchestra hall. While the tickets can be a little more on the expensive side, they are WELL worth the money to see such a world-class group of talented musicians and we left feeling honored to have seen them play. Both the Stravinsky and Rachmaninov sections were mesmerizing and it would be hard to choose which was a favorite. Looking forward to attending more performances in the future!
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April 2023 by Shannon S.
I absolutely LOVE attending concerts at Symphony Center. I am always left in awe of the talent of the musicians. I love the casual atmosphere (you will see ppl wearing jeans and tshirts) and how friendly and helpful the staff is. I've sat in all different sections and by far the best sound for the price is in the gallery as there is no ceiling right above you like there is in many seats in the upper balcony and main floor (unless you pay much more to be in the front few rows). I also like the "birds eye view" of being able to look down and see every musician (even if you can't see the details). If being able to see the musicians up close is more important to you, I'd def recommend the main floor or even the terrace (seats above the stage) but the sound will not be as good. Even if you are not someone that plays an instrument or listens to classical music, going to the Symphony is a MUST DO if you are in Chicago!!
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January 2023 by Bob L.
If you have not gone to a concert or event you are missing out. A must see whether a resident or tourist. Lots of great memories I have of attending here thru the years. It does not matter what kind of music you like you have to experience a classical concert here and I assure you that you will be glad and love this place.
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January 2023 by Garifalia K.
Had an opportunity to see a friend play here and it was a lovely experience. Of course, CSO delivers and everything about the experience from the acoustics to the crowd and the musicians playing in the warm lights of the auditorium is hypnotic and amazing. It is a must if you are visiting Chicago or you are a Chicagoland resident.
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December 2022 by Peg P.
There is no legitimate way to give the CSO less than five stars. Whatever issue you may have, we're talking about a truly world class orchestra. And Ricardo Muti, nearing the end of his time with the CSO, is one of the greatest conductors in your lifetime. You'd be a fool to miss an opportunity to hear Muti conduct this orchestra.Is it the best venue for acoustics? Nope. For that, you'd need to make your way to Symphony Hall in Boston. Is it the most comfortable seating? It is definitely not equal in comfort to sitting at home in your recliner and wearing fuzzy slippers. But the acoustics aren't bad, and the seats aren't bad. I've sat all over, and I can confirm that there's really not a bad seat in the house. If sitting for the length of a concert is somehow painful to you, you should see a good orthothopedist. It's true, Ricardo Muti doesn't choose the most cutting edge pieces, but his selections are never boring. And many of them are downright enthralling. He makes Brahms come to life like nothing I've ever heard. And his Shostakovich orchestrations are without equal.Our most recent visit was for the Merry Merry Chicago annual Christmas concert. Not conducted by Muti. In fact, I don't think Ricardo Muti would touch a song like Fiddle Faddle or White Christmas with a ten-foot baton. But it was fun to clap and sing along in a way that would make Muti probably throw a shoe at you.Everyone should jump at the chance to hear the Chicago Sympony Orchestra with a great conductor. And then everyone should go back to see the Merry Merry Chicago performance because there is literally nothing more Christmas-y you could do in this city. And besides -- there is no better opportunity to wear your spiffy red velvet trousers or sequined tartan plaid bolero jacket.
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November 2022 by Dan W.
Saw an incredible show here in box seats. It's a wonderful experience that I cannot recommend. The acoustics in the space are otherworldly! It reminded me of how much I missed live music, and how talented people are. These people must rehearse and rehearse with so much dedication.
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November 2022 by Bailey M.
I went here a few nights ago for their show that they do with the Joffrey Ballet, this was the second time they collaborated since 2019. It was a 2 hour show, the first half was purely the CSO. The second half was the CSO with the ballet performers. Within the second half there was two different ballet performances, one was very eccentric which I was surprised by. The second dance included 5 dancers showcasing the ordinary struggles of a family, it was cute and heart touching. The venue is very beautiful and has nice acoustics. I sat in the main section, right side and was happy with my view.
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July 2022 by VD Eh
Get invited to the Saturday's evening concert after visiting the hall on Chicago Open House event and now we're about to enjoy the show!
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June 2022 by LOUIS FASULLO
the girls can play a carehenet...
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April 2022 by L L.
We enjoyed a great concert by Grammy winning jazz singer Dianne Reeves tonight. Our seats were on the lower balcony left in the second row with a terrific view of the stage. These are my favorite seats now. Dianne was in a great mood and reminded the packed audience of her rained out concert at Millennium Park a few years ago after she completed her opening song. The acoustics are excellent in symphony hall. Staff was very helpful.
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March 2022 by Laura M.
Had my first CSO at the movies experience watching Jurassic Park. So phenomenal!!! The whole experience was wonderful. I cannot wait to see more movies this way! It was family friendly and they had an intermission long enough to grab a drink and a snack (or use the loo). As of 3/27/22, masks were still required the whole time and you did have to show proof of vaccination. In the gallery, steps are steep, if you are fearful of heights, I'd recommend getting seats in a lower area. I highly recommend everyone tries this experience at least once!
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July 2020 by ed juillard
Words can not adequately describe this TRANSCENDENT space.
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July 2020 by Richard Lightburn
The classic Classical venue, 1904 home of the CSO
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July 2020 by Jacqueline Acevedo Colon
Best place ever!!
