CSO Musicians
Musicians know the score, and it’s increasingly digital
As the digital revolution continues to shake up the creative arts, more and more musicians are turning the proverbial page…
John Hagstrom trumpets bonds between military and orchestral music
Before veteran trumpet player John Hagstrom joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1996, he spent six years honing his craft…
CSO horns agree: local craftsman Lewis has no equal
Amateur and student French horn players typically purchase instruments from internationally known manufacturers like Conn-Selmer or Yamaha, but top professionals…
Outdoor community concerts ‘a treat’ for audiences, CSO musicians
On a sunny, breezy August afternoon in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, approximately 50 residents of the Breakers retirement community gathered in…
Gene Pokorny and pals in a tuba ‘first’: Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’
An open letter from Gene Pokorny, principal tuba of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: I am so looking forward to introducing…
In the groove: four CSO musicians explain their fondness for vinyl
Although streaming sites such as Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal and Deezer now dominate the music-recording industry, physical releases have not…
Five CSO musicians cite their favorite concertos
Concertos have been composed for just about every instrument in the orchestra, but the numbers vary considerably. The violin has…
CSO musicians Phillips and Bloom to retire
Two veteran Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians, violin Paul Phillips Jr. and clarinet-bass clarinet J. Lawrie Bloom, will retire June 30…
My Favorite CSO: Max Raimi
Detroit native Max Raimi was appointed to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s viola section by eighth music director Sir Georg Solti in 1984. Also a prolific composer, he has received commissions from many ensembles and institutions, including the Library of Congress and the American Chamber Players.
Five CSO musicians select their favorite soloists
Thousands of classical musicians have made their living as itinerant soloists, performing recitals and joining orchestras in concertos. Some like…
My Favorite CSO: Oto Carrillo
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s commercial recording legacy began on May 1, 1916, when second music director Frederick Stock led the…