Chicago Philharmonic

We are thrilled to announce American Mavericks, a landmark Chicago Philharmonic celebration on July 1 at the newly opened Elie Wiesel Auditorium at the Obama Presidential Center. This will be one of the very first cultural events ever held in the space, and we invite you to join us for this historic moment.

This intimate gathering of 250 guests honors America’s 250th year with a pre‑concert cocktail reception and a full symphonic program led by Artistic Director Scott Speck.

The concert highlights many of the artistic "mavericks" who shaped our nation's artistic past and future including Michael Tilson Thomas, Aaron Copland, Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, John Williams, and more. Featured guests include Kishi Bashi, Njioma Grevious, Melissa Joseph, and Darryl J. Williams.

We hope you join us for this extraordinary celebration of the rich tapestry of American music, rooted in joy, curiosity, and hope.

American Mavericks
Wednesday, July 1
Cocktail Reception: 5:30 PM
Concert: 7:00 PM

Individual Tickets: $500
Attire: Black Tie

Tickets and more information at chicagophil.org

We’re proud to partner with the Obama Foundation as we bring Side by Side with the Chicago Philharmonic to the John Lewis Plaza for the very first time.

Since 2013, Side by Side has welcomed hundreds of musicians ages 8 to 85+ to rehearse and perform with the world‑class musicians of the Chicago Philharmonic.

This summer, the tradition reaches a new milestone at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center. On July 27, community musicians are invited to bring their instruments for a free rehearsal led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Scott Speck, followed by a summer‑evening concert on the plaza.

Listeners are warmly welcomed to experience the music and the architecture of this historic new space.

Monday, July 27
John Lewis Plaza, Obama Presidential Center
6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL

Rehearsal: 4:30 PM
Performance: 6:45 PM

Learn more, register to perform, and get your free tickets at chicagophil.org.

☀️ Summer 2026 is our biggest yet, a season of iconic stages, remarkable artists, and community moments.

As we step into Chicago Philharmonic’s 37th season, we are grateful for the incredible partners and community who make our work possible. Thanks especially to the Make It Better Foundation, whose support helps this work shine even brighter.

Through June 30, all gifts are doubled up to $25,000. Visit chicagophil.org to make a difference.

Chicago, get ready to play! 🎻

This summer, Side by Side returns bigger than ever with three concerts across the city.

Bring your instrument, join our free rehearsal with Scott Speck, and perform a summer‑evening concert side by side with the musicians of the Chicago Philharmonic.

It’s joyful, it’s welcoming, and it's one of our favorite summer traditions.

Participation is free; registration required at chicagophilharmonic.org.

We’re one week out from Rocky’s 50th anniversary.
The fight that turned a long shot into a legend

Experience Bill Conti’s legendary score performed live by the Chicago Philharmonic.
From the streets of Philadelphia with to the final bell, feel every hit, every heartbeat, every rise. 🥊

🗓️ May 16, 2026
📍 The Auditorium
🎟️ Tickets at chicagophil.org or link in bio

Rocky - 50th Anniversary - Chicago - The Auditorium - Sat, May 16, 2026, 07:30 PM - AXS US Get tickets for Rocky - 50th Anniversary promoted by Auditorium Philms Presents at The Auditorium in Chicago on Sat, 16 May 2026 - 07:30 PM at AXS.com

Today we celebrate the release of Invictus, the world‑premiere recording of Chicago‑based composer ’s piano concerto, on . Inspired by William Ernest Henley’s 1875 poem Invictus, the concerto was written specifically for pianist and performed with Chicago Philharmonic under the direction of Artistic Director Scott Speck.

The concerto premiered on October 18, 2025 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance as part of Ear Taxi Festival, a citywide celebration of contemporary music. The concert was a true celebration of our city's extraordinary depth and diversity of talent, featuring Chicago-based soloists, composers, and the Chicago Philharmonic. Now we're proud to bring this to a global audience.

Invictus is available now on all major streaming platforms and for purchase at cedillerecords.org.