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.
