Chicago Symphony Orchestra Parent Organization Rebrands as Chicago Symphony
On Thursday, the nonprofit organization that manages the Chicago Symphony Orchestra unveiled a new identity, renaming itself from Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association to Chicago Symphony. This entity oversees the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Chorus, and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. The venue located on Michigan Avenue has been rebranded as the Chicago Symphony Center, and ushers will don new red uniforms. The logo has transitioned from a black 'C' clef to a red design featuring a music note theme. Furthermore, the concert series previously known as Symphony Center Presents will now be referred to as Chicago Symphony Presents. The Negaunee Music Institute will also take on the new name. President Jeff Alexander highlighted the emphasis on 'Chicago Symphony.' Additionally, the organization announced a three-year agreement with the musicians' union, acknowledging their contributions and workload.
Key facts
- The nonprofit parent of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra rebranded as Chicago Symphony, announced Thursday.
- The Chicago Symphony Orchestra keeps its name; the Chicago Symphony Chorus and Civic Orchestra of Chicago fall under the new umbrella.
- The orchestra's Michigan Avenue home is renamed Chicago Symphony Center.
- A new red logo with a subtle music note motif replaces the black 'C' clef logo from the 1990s, the first logo change in 30 years.
- Ushers will wear updated red uniforms.
- Symphony Center Presents becomes Chicago Symphony Presents, covering jazz, chamber music, and piano recitals.
- The Negaunee Music Institute will add the Chicago Symphony name.
- The rebrand began about four years ago to clarify brand identities and attract younger, more diverse audiences.
- Klaus Mäkelä becomes music director next fall; he conducts Sibelius and Shostakovich this weekend.
- A three-year contract was reached with the Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208 of the American Federation of Musicians.
Entities
Artists
- Klaus Mäkelä
- Jeff Alexander
- Ryan Lewis
- BJ Levy
- Courtney Kueppers
- Jean Sibelius
- Dmitri Shostakovich
Institutions
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra
- Chicago Symphony
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association
- Chicago Symphony Chorus
- Civic Orchestra of Chicago
- Chicago Symphony Center
- Chicago Symphony Presents
- Symphony Center Presents
- Negaunee Music Institute
- Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208
- American Federation of Musicians
- WBEZ
Locations
- Chicago
- United States
- Michigan Avenue