The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association has adopted the name Chicago Symphony as part of a new institutional identity that includes a new logo and renamed programmes. The orchestra itself retains its historic name.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA), the parent organisation of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, has changed its name to Chicago Symphony, effective 24 September.
The change does not affect the name of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra itself. Instead, Chicago Symphony will serve as the umbrella identity for the orchestra and the organisation’s other artistic, educational and community programmes.
As part of the rebrand, Symphony Center becomes Chicago Symphony Center, while Symphony Center Presents has been renamed Chicago Symphony Presents. The Negaunee Music Institute will become the Chicago Symphony Negaunee Music Institute. The names of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Chorus and Civic Orchestra of Chicago remain unchanged.
The organisation has also introduced a new visual identity, including its first new logo in approximately three decades. The previous black “C”, designed in the style of a musical clef, has been replaced by a red “C” incorporating a musical-note motif.
According to Ryan Lewis, Chicago Symphony’s head of marketing and sales, the rebranding process began around four years ago and was intended in part to reduce confusion created by the organisation’s multiple identities.
“This is an opportunity for us to clarify who we are, and it allows us to reintroduce ourselves as the organization Chicago Symphony and really lay the foundation for the next decade and beyond,” Lewis told WBEZ.
The new identity arrives ahead of another major transition for the institution. Klaus Mäkelä is due to begin his tenure as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the 2027/28 season.
Chicago Symphony President Jeff Alexander said the rebrand was intended to focus the organisation’s activities around the words “Chicago Symphony”, while presenting its different programmes under a more unified identity.
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