Classical Symphony Orchestra

The Classical Symphony Orchestra is a serious music education program for serious musicians, offering opportunities to young artists interested in pursuing classical music. Founded by Music Director Joseph Glymph in 1979, the organization has grown to include two full symphony orchestras with over 190 musicians. The mission of the organization is to build the future of classical music through the cultivation of young artists, targeting students from junior high school through college, graduate students, and young adults. Joseph Glymph, the Music Director, has over 40 years of experience as a music educator and is nationally renowned for his superb orchestra training. The orchestras are active in the Chicago arts community, performing free concert series at The Chicago Cultural Center and the Auditorium at Northeastern Illinois University, as well as showcase joint concerts at Navy Pier and Northeastern Illinois University. Formal auditions are held twice a year for each orchestra, drawing members from a vast geographical area of 64 schools and 52 communities.