The Chicago Businessmen's Orchestra is now the
History
Founded in 1921 by State Street businessman George Lytton as the Chicago Businessmen's Orchestra, the Chicago Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra drew its members from the business and professional men who worked in the downtown area. These men were not only successful businessmen but also accomplished musicians, and the Orchestra enjoyed an excellent reputation. Concerts were played at Orchestra Hall under the direction of such noteworthy conductors as Frederick Stock, Rafael Kubelik, George Dasch, and Igor Stravinsky. Soloists included such distinguished names as Percy Grainger, Mischa Mischakoff, Louis Sudler, and William Warfield.
Today, the CMSO provides a very diverse group of talented musicians an opportunity to perform a wide-ranging repertoire of classical music. The CMSO gives accessibly priced concerts at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center, home of the Merit School of Music, and provides up-and-coming artists from the school, along with professional musicians, the chance to appear as soloists with the Orchestra.
Under the direction of our music director and conductor, Russell Vinick, the Chicago Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra celebrates 88 years of performing music for the community! The CMSO hopes to serve an ever-widening community of players and listeners in Chicago.