Better Makers: Chicago Symphony Orchestra Ends Yearlong 125th Anniversary Celebration With Symphony Ball

by Anna Carlson

This year’s Chicago Symphony Orchestra Symphony Ball, hosted by the Women’s Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSOA) and the Symphony Ball Committee on Oct. 15, marked the end of the orchestra’s 125th anniversary celebration and raised more than $1.5 million.

The evening began with red carpet arrivals and a reception before a concert by the CSO and Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti, who recreated the orchestra’s first program from Oct. 16-17, 1891. The celebration then continued as more than 600 guests attended a gala at the Palmer House Hotel.

Northern Trust was the presenting sponsor.

Debbie Wright, Dr. Judy Bundra and Dean of the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern Toni-Marie Montgomery at the CSO Symphony Ball
Dean of the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern Toni-Marie Montgomery, Debbie Wright and Dr. Judy Bundra (Photo by Robert Carl.)
Katie Keiser, CSOA Trustee Scott Santi, Nancy Santi, Richard Santi, and Maggie Keiser at the CSO Symphony Ball
Katie Keiser, CSOA Trustee Scott Santi, Nancy Santi, Richard Santi, and Maggie Keiser (Photo by Robert Carl.)
Chair of the CSOA Board of Trustees Helen Zell, Symphony Ball Co-chair Laura King, Symphony Ball Co-chair Jamey Fadim and CSOA Trustee Liz Adams at the CSO Symphony Ball
Chair of the CSOA Board of Trustees Helen Zell, Symphony Ball Co-chair Laura King, Symphony Ball Co-chair Jamey Fadim and CSOA Trustee Liz Adams (Photo by Todd Rosenberg Photography.)
CSOA Trustee Randy Berlin and Melvin Berlin at the CSO Symphony Ball
Melvin Berlin and CSOA Trustee Randy Berlin (Photo by Todd Rosenberg Photography.)
Ghada Albeheary and CSO Overture Council member and Lyric Opera Young Professionals President Justin Breitfelder at the CSO Symphony Ball
Ghada Albeheary and CSO Overture Council member and Lyric Opera Young Professionals President Justin Breitfelder (Photo by Todd Rosenberg Photography.)
Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti leads Daniil Trifonov and the CSO in Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 at the Symphony Ball
Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti leads Daniil Trifonov and the CSO in Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 at the Symphony Ball Concert (Photo by Todd Rosenberg Photography.)
The Grand Ballroom of The Palmer House filled with Symphony Ball guests
The Grand Ballroom of The Palmer House filled with Symphony Ball guests (Photo by Todd Rosenberg Photography.)
125th Anniversary Cake at The Palmer House during the CSO Symphony Ball
125th Anniversary Cake at The Palmer House (Photo by Todd Rosenberg Photography.)

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