I'm almost ashamed to review the Civic Orchestra because it will illustrate that I've had my head…read morein the sand for many years. The Civic Orchestra, the training wing of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, was established in 1919, but I've only discovered this group of talented young musicians in the last couple of years. I haven't been living in a cave, and I've been a classical music fan since college. How did I not hear about this marvelous group until 2016? The members of the Civic Orchestra are professional musicians. They are not full-time students, as one friend of mine assumed. They get paid. They have to audition to join. They are at the beginning of their careers. The Civic Orchestra's mission is to bring classical music to Chicagoans, both in concert at Symphony Hall and in the community. Because the orchestra is subsidized by the CSO, the concerts are free. Yes, free. I've seen small groups perform in the community (Indian Boundary Park District, Senn High School, and South Shore Cultural Center), at Buntrock Hall at Symphony Center, and in the main hall at Symphony Center as well. Next week, I'll see them perform at Fourth Presbyterian Church. The only time I've paid anything was a $5.00 ticket free for a full, two-hour concert that closed out their season in spring, 2018, at Symphony Hall. The concerts feature everything from the full orchestra, to chamber groups (four or five musicians), or six members of the brass section. Programs vary as widely, from a full orchestral night of Mahler to Mozart and Dvorak in chamber music. Members of the Civic joined students at Senn High School for a full concert in spring, 2018. Every fan of classical music in Chicago should get on the Civic Orchestra's mailing list and "like" the orchestra on Facebook. You don't want to miss one performance -- unless it's Mahler. I don't like Mahler. The opportunity to hear live world-class music for free is a rare thing in the United States. We are incredibly fortunate to have this available to us in Chicago.

The Civic Orchestra of Chicago is the perfect means for listening to beautiful music in the…read moreSymphony Center (also home to the CSO) without spending more than $1. That's right - tickets are free, with only $1 convenience charge if you pick them up at the door. You can also order tickets online. In a city the size of Chicago, free entertainment of this caliber is popular, so pick up your general admission tickets at least a few hours in advance and make sure to arrive not long after the doors open, as choice seating fills up quickly. The COC is a great alternative to the CSO for those thrifty persons like myself or those who aren't sure if they enjoy classical music, but want to give it a whirl.

I am honored to write the first review for one of the nicest Jewels in the Chicago New Music scene…read more(now that I have the time to explore it more!): The MusicNOW series. MusicNOW is Chicago's most innovative new music series, featuring the best in modern composition performed by musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. I have been to almost every concert for the last 2 years. The best features: very diverse types of styles of music, concerts not too long, and free beer and pizza after the concert. Even better: musicians, composers, and audience can mingle afterwards. They also almost always have the composers present in person, who you can talk with as well (but I haven't since I'm chicken and don't want to look like a groupie!). Big names: Salonen, Knussen, Golijov, Turnage, Muhly, Wallin, just this year. Very cheap tix, just 20$ (15 in advance/season) which is how much you could pay for the food anyways. Never sold out, and pretty big crowd for New Music concerts. My mind expands with every concert.

Dennis DeYoung is a musical God and still has it today. STYX…read moreis one of my favorite bands of all time but I am boycotting the band and refuse to see them perform since James Young and Tommy Shaw kicked him out out of the band. Last summer, I turned down a free front row ticket to see STYX because there was no Dennis DeYoung. I was so glad to get a chance to see STYX on the Return To Paradise tour in 1996. Dennis DeYoung has NEVER made a sappy ballad. Those are powerful songs that have made Tommy Shaw and James Young rich. So rich to where Tommy Shaw & James Young can record garbage and go on tour making imbeciles of themselves playing Beatles covers. WTF?!?!?! Had Dennis DeYoung not been kicked out, STYX would still be a creative force. Even the Kilroy Was Here album with Mr. Roboto was creative, original and very artistic. The Dennis DeYoung ballads are amazing. To those that knock Dennis DeYoung, have any of you heard the solo albums by James Young? Tommy Shaw? They are HORRIBLE! At least Dennis DeYoung had 1 hit with 'Desert Moon' in 1984. Tommy Shaw had 3 failed albums before he teamed up with Ted Nugent (gasp), Jack Blades of Night Ranger and a session drummer to form Damn Yankees. James Young's 'City Slicker' was probably the worst rock album ever recorded. You wont find it because it went out of print shortly after it came out. Of all the hits STYX had, James Young only wrote 1 (Miss America) which has a huge Dennis DeYoung influence. Without the Oberheim polyphonic syth solo, that song would suck too! Dennis DeYoung's solo material is still great and I enjoy listening to them. Of course, nothing can beat The Grand Illusion and Pieces Of Eight albums. Dennis DeYoung is one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever and probably the most under-rated. Tommy Shaw and James Young can shove their guitars up their a$$ because without Dennis DeYoung, they'd be living in a trailer park!

Dennis, I've forgiven you for so much:…read more Your over-the-top hamminess The sappy Styx ballads Your theatricality and bombast (hello Mr. Roboto) Your ego I even defended you when you split with your Styx bandmates. That's one band that needs your voice - JY Young singing lead on the old hits is just not the same. But I'm sorry - you pushed me too far. When I go to see you perform, I expect all the familiar Styx classics. When you indulge yourself by slipping in non-Styx songs - who the hell wants to hear that? They were boring and put people to sleep, to boot. Please - make up with your former bandmates and do Styx the way it was meant to be done. Get back to Hunchback of Notre Dame, you high-voiced bastard. Leave me with memories of your better days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3gNcYQOGM0

Beautiful building that holds a massive amount of people. They do a wonderful job on up keep…read more We saw to Operas this past weekend and the staging was amazing. I did think the sound could have been a bit better though.

::STORY TIME - LOCK IN::…read more I was 15 when Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness 2 disc set dropped. At the time I was in love with my best friend and we had a thing as teenagers often do. Anyway I got this album, listened to all 2 hours of it, and picked out the songs we'd make out to the following weekend lmaaooo Imagine my surprise shock and horror that on the appointed evening instead of being at my house booed up with me he was in the town next door canoodling with a girl he met at the arcade. Chillleeee. Anyway that was 30 years ago - I grew up to be amazing and he grew up to be a cop. :barf: Despite all of...that... this is still a top 5 album of all time for me - holding court with Third Eye Blind, Stevie Wonder, Bjork, and Snoop Dogg. I never dreamed I would get to hear any of it live. AND YET!! When I heard Billy Corgan was reimagining this as a rock opera - BABY!!! 30 years of memories came flooding back and I had to be there. I went to opening night last week and had a FANTASTIC experience! The seating was plush and comfortable, the sound quality was incredible, and the visuals were sumptuous. Ushers were so helpful and friendly, the bathrooms were busy yet spotless, and customer service was helpful and accommodating. I won't hesitate to return! Also Billy Corgan is larger than life. His voice is still his voice. As a 15yo I could never imagine the treat I would get to experience 30 years later. Fat Things The theatre underwent a seating revamp a few years ago but if you're concerned about width and space you can call customer service for accessible seating. I called and moved from an interior seat on the rear floor to an aisle seat with removable barrier in the same area. So don't be afraid to ask for what you need or think you may need. The arts are for EVERYBODY!!

My husband and I watched Conrad Tao's piano concert on 6/7 at Chicago Symphony Center. It was a 3pm…read moreSunday afternoon show. The venue is beautiful and has amazing acoustics. The seats in the orchestra section were comfortable. The ushers were also super friendly and helpful. A unique feature of the performance space is the seating behind the performers, which I'd never seen before. If we ever are fortunate to see another concert here, I would love to experience what sitting in terrace seats is like.

I attended The Music of SQUARE ENIX - Magic, Memories, and Melodies symphonic concert here (great…read moreshow!!). Venue has decent acoustics; I sat in row J on the main floor and the sound was slightly piercing at times. Sit a few rows back and you'll be golden. In terms of seat comfort I'd say not too shabby at all; cushiony, not rigidly shoulder-to-shoulder with neighbors, and had no fuss when it comes to leg room compared to other venues that I've been to. Staff team was excellent!!! Every staff member I communicated with was super friendly and patient. :)

This trio did music at my sister's wedding at St. Clement Church this weekend, it was divine!…read more Violin, cello and flute. Their repertoire includes liturgical, classical, Broadway, Gershwin, etc. Consider this emsemble if you require live music for your elegant event, whether a wedding or corporate function. And yes, they are bella...

I have seen this group perform many times and I have hired them to perform. I love their…read morecreativity, the sounds, movement, and spirit of the group. They often include guest artists from around the world how often play instruments I have never seen or heard. It is always exciting and inspiring to experience The Guitars of Spain. I particularly enjoy it when they include dancers, adding to the theatrical experience.

Chamber Opera's "Sound Of Music" is a great show. Many people probably base their opinion of Maria…read morein the movie with Julie Andrews who was blonde. But in actuality the first time the musical was done Maria was a brunette. Also the Maria in real life was brunette as the Von Trapp family were real people and this is a true story. So the casting was excellent. And the acting by Ms. Landis as Maria was strongly and elegantly done. She is a mezzo-soprano and her voice is mellow and reminiscent of Maria Callas. The whole cast performed superbly. The musical will be done again this year and I will make sure to see it again as it is outstanding. What a bargain for the price of these tickets!!!

I just saw the sound of music, musical, here and it was beyond unpleasant. We left at intermission…read more The lead role of Maria, was played by an actress who could not act and whose voice made me cry and laugh at the same time....Now, I imagine her actual voice is lovely, but there was some act-y quality she added to it that was forced and Extremely....Difficult.... to bear. I've not been to other performances at Chamber Opera Chicago, so I only have this experience to go on.