About Chicago Philharmonic

1979-1989: Our Beginnings

Chicago Philharmonic’s beginnings go back to 1979 when principal musicians from the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra formed Orchestra of Illinois to present and play symphonic performances outside of the opera hall. Although this organization was disbanded in 1988, musicians rallied again that same year to create the Orchestral Society of Illinois in June 1989; the precursor to the Chicago Philharmonic Society.

1989-2004: A New Orchestra for Chicago

After years of musical planning and fundraising, the Society, under the governance of President Temma Abram presented its inaugural concert with Larry Rachleff conducting Symphony II in March of 1991. Maestro Rachleff continued to lead as Orchestra Director for 23 years. During this time, the orchestra had a working board that contained several musicians and engaged Theodore “Ted” Kaitchuck as Personnel Manager from 1991-2013; this role was also held by Terrell Pierce from 2013-2019 and most recently Nathaniel Davis. It was in these years that the orchestra began performing as the Ravinia Festival Orchestra. The Society expanded in 1995 to staff a General Manager, Lynn Juniel, who managed day to day operations, as well as many faithful volunteers, who was then succeeded by Ben Rachleff until 2010.

The Orchestral Society of Illinois appointed James T. Berkenstock, an original founder, as President after the untimely loss of Temma Abrams in 1999 and continued to serve for nine seasons when the orchestra formed its relationship with Salute to Vienna. Under the direction of Maestro Rachleff and Mr. Berkenstock, Symphony II was honored as the Illinois Council of Orchestras Orchestra of the Year in 2002. The orchestra changed its name to the Chicago Philharmonic in late 2004 to better reflect the orchestra’s offerings and celebrate its relevance to the Chicago community. Ted Davis served as President faithfully from 2009-2011 and guided the Society during its economic downturn in its 2008 season where the orchestra experienced reduced programming.

Also in 2012, the Chicago Philharmonic began serving as the official orchestra of the Joffrey Ballet, providing live music for all their performances at the Auditorium Theatre. In July of that same year, the Society adopted the formal name The Chicago Philharmonic Society, which reflects the organization’s structure, increasingly diverse music offerings, and varying ensemble sizes from symphonic to chamber. Board Chairman Paul R. Judy was responsible for establishing the Society’s first Endowment Fund. During this time of growth, Scott Speck was named Artistic Director and Principal Conductor in July 2013 to lead nearly 200 of the highest-level classical musicians performing in the Chicago metropolitan area. In the years since, the Chicago Philharmonic has consistently won praise from music critics and audiences alike.

In 2015, Tom Manning began serving as Board Chairman, and under his leadership, the Society continued its strong financial growth with 8 consecutive years of an operational surplus. After performing symphonic concerts primarily in the North Shore (Evanston) area, Maestro Speck led the Chicago Philharmonic in its first self-presented concert in the city of Chicago in May 2016, when the orchestra became a resident ensemble at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park. The Illinois Council of Orchestras has awarded the Chicago Philharmonic “Orchestra of the Year” (2018), “Programming of the Year” (2019), “Community Relations of the Year” (2019), “Executive Director of the Year” (2020), and in 2021 awarded Principal Conductor and Artistic Director Scott Speck “Conductor of the Year.” Likewise, our organizational structure has become a shining example for musicians and orchestras everywhere.

Cultural collaborations have begun to be an integral addition to Chicago Philharmonic’s programming. In 2023, the Philharmonic collaborated with the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance to host Somos Un Solo Pueblo, Mexico y Puerto Rico, a one-of-a-kind symphonic concert celebrating Chicago’s vibrant Puerto Rican and Mexican communities at the iconic Chicago Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Similarly, in 2024, Chicago Philharmonic partnered with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China to present a sold-out Chinese New Year Concert & Celebration. These partnerships not only celebrated the richness of different cultural traditions but showcased the universal language of classical music by bridging communities and fostering cultural understanding and appreciation.

Moving forward, the Chicago Philharmonic ardently anticipates expanding its repertoire and forging new partnerships that transcend boundaries, uniting audiences from diverse backgrounds through the transformative power of great music.