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Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 362167823 ✦ Chicago, IL ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Chicago Symphony Orchestra?

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, with a workforce of 785 employees. Their primary offering is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which presented 38 weeks of concerts during the 2021/22 season. Conducted by Riccardo Muti, the Orchestra performed at Symphony Center and various community locations, providing free concerts to diverse audiences. Renowned for their innovative programming, they premiered compositions by Missy Mazzoli, Jessie Montgomery, Magnus Lindberg, and Gabriela Lena Frank. Notable performances included the first renditions of Florence Price's Symphony No. 3 and Philip Glass' Symphony No. 11, alongside the Chicago Symphony Chorus. The mission of this organization extends beyond music, enriching lives through community engagement and education, both locally and globally.


Official website here: www.cso.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 94% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has achieved a strong rating of 94% from Charity Navigator, reflecting its effective management and financial health. The organization boasts a high Accountability & Finance score of 96, indicating transparency and responsible stewardship of its resources. With 99% of its board members being independent, the organization exemplifies good governance practices, further strengthened by comprehensive oversight mechanisms such as an Audit and Oversight Committee.

The organization also demonstrates an impressive commitment to its mission, with a program expense ratio of 74.55% and significant investment in leadership development. These metrics suggest that a substantial portion of its funds is directed toward fulfilling its artistic and educational goals. The adaptability statement highlights the orchestra's readiness to respond to changing circumstances, which is crucial for long-term sustainability.

While the overall performance is commendable, the Leadership & Adaptability score of 80 suggests there may be room for improvement in this area. Nevertheless, the orchestra's policies on conflicts of interest, whistleblower protections, and document retention reflect a solid framework of accountability and ethical governance. Overall, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra stands out as a robust nonprofit with a clear commitment to its mission and community.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Chicago Symphony Orchestra legitimate?

Chicago Symphony Orchestra is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Chicago Symphony Orchestra submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $1,850,626
Professional Fundraising Fees: $244,748
Other Salaries and Wages: $35,382,295

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.cso.org

What is the mission statement of Chicago Symphony Orchestra?

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association aims to enrich, inspire, and transform lives through music, community engagement, and education on a local, national, and international scale. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, at the heart of this mission, presented 38 weeks of concerts during the 2021/22 season. During this time, Riccardo Muti conducted various programs, including free community concerts at different venues. The orchestra premiered works by Missy Mazzoli, Jessie Montgomery, Magnus Lindberg, and Gabriela Lena Frank. Notable highlights include the Orchestra's first performances of Symphony No. 3 by Florence Price and Symphony No. 11 by Philip Glass, as well as collaborations with the Chicago Symphony Chorus for performances of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera.


Official website here: www.cso.org

Who is the CEO of Chicago Symphony Orchestra?

Jeff Alexander is the President of Chicago Symphony Orchestra.


Official website here: www.cso.org

What is the revenue of Chicago Symphony Orchestra?

Chicago Symphony Orchestra's revenue in 2022 was $102,432,097.


Official website here: www.cso.org

Who are the executives of Chicago Symphony Orchestra and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Chicago Symphony Orchestra during 2022 was $47,430. There are 785 employees and 831 volunteers at Chicago Symphony Orchestra.


Here are 146 key members and their salaries:


Jeff Alexander (President)
  • Compensation: $529,441
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $39,517
Mary Louise Gorno (Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chester A Gougis (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Steven Shebik (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Helen Zell (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Renee Metcalf (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William Adams Iv (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mrs Robert A Beatty (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Arnold M Berlin (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Laurence O Booth (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William G Brown (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dean L Buntrock (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bruce E Clinton (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard W Colburn (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard H Cooper (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Anthony T Dean (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Debora De Hoyos (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Charles Douglas (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John A Edwardson (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Thomas J Eyerman (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James B Fadim (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David W Fox Sr (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard J Franke (Life Trustee (Until 06/30/22))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cyrus F Freidheim Jr (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
H Laurance Fuller (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mrs Robert W Galvin (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paul C Gignilliat (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joseph B Glossberg (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard C Godfrey (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William A Goldstein (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Howard L Gottlieb (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mary Winton Green (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dietrich Gross (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David P Hackett (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joan W Harris (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John H Hart (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Thomas C Heagy (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jay L Henderson (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mrs Roger B Hull (Life Trustee (Until 06/30/22))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Judith W Istock (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William R Jentes (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paul R Judy (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard B Kapnick (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Donald G Kempf Jr (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
George D Kennedy (Life Trustee (Until 06/30/22))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mrs John C Kern (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Kohl (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Josef Lakonishok (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Charles Ashby Lewis (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Eva F Lichtenberg (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John S Lillard (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Donald G Lubin (Life Trustee (Until 06/30/22))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John F Manley (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ling Z Markovitz (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
R Eden Martin (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Arthur C Martinez (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Judith W Mccue (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lester H Mckeever (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David E Mcneel (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John D Nichols (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James J O'Connor (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William A Osborn (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mrs Albert Pawlick (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jane Direnzo Pigott (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John M Pratt (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Irwin Press (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John W Rogers Jr (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jerry Rose (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Frank A Rossi (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Earl J Rusnak Jr (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cynthia M Sargent (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John R Schmidt (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Thomas C Sheffield Jr (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert C Spoerri (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Carl W Stern (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Roger W Stone (Life Trustee (Until 06/30/22))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William H Strong (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Louis C Sudler Jr (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard L Thomas (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard P Toft (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Penny Van Horn (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paul R Wiggin (Life Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Aalbregtse (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Peter J Barack (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
H Rigel Barber (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Randy Lamm Berlin (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Roderick Branch (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kay Bucksbaum (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert J Buford (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Leslie Henner Burns (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Debra A Cafaro (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marion A Cameron-Gray (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
George P Colis (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Keith S Crow (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stephen V D'Amore (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Timothy A Duffy (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brian W Duwe (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Charles Emmons Jr (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Judith E Feldman (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Graham C Grady (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lori Julian (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Neil T Kawashima (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Geraldine Keefe (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Donna L Kendall (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Thomas G Kilroy (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James Kolar (Trustee (Until 06/30/22))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Randall S Kroszner (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Patty Lane (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Susan C Levy (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Britt M Miller (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mary Pivirotto Murley (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sylvia Neil (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Shelley Ochab (Trustee (Until 06/30/22))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gerald Pauling (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael A Perlstein (Trustee (Until 06/30/22))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jose Luis Prado (Trustee (Until 06/30/22))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Col Jennifer N Pritzker (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Don M Randel (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Mohan Rao (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Burton X Rosenberg (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kristen C Rossi (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
E Scott Santi (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marlon R Smith (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Walter Snodell (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Eugene Stark (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Daniel E Sullivan Jr (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Scott Swanson (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nasrin Thierer (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lisa Thomas (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Terrence J Truax (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Frederick H Waddell (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William Ward (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paul Swatford (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Craig R Williams (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert A Wislow (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gifford R Zimmerman (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dale Hedding (Vp For Development)
  • Compensation: $265,794
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $20,308
Stacie M Frank (Assistant Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $249,994
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $33,975
Renay Slifka (Secretary (Until 09/08/21))
  • Compensation: $78,141
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $14,977
Kristine Stassen (Secretary (As Of 09/09/21))
  • Compensation: $21,813
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $6,417
Vanessa Moss (Vp For Operations)
  • Compensation: $232,843
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $33,424
Riccardo Muti (Music Director)
  • Compensation: $952,263
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Chen (Concertmaster)
  • Compensation: $379,024
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $110,417
John Sharp (Principal Cello)
  • Compensation: $234,272
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $87,612
Stephen Williamson (Principal Clarinet)
  • Compensation: $232,425
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $64,200
Esteban Batallan Cons (Principal Trumpet)
  • Compensation: $217,995
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $61,152


Official website here: www.cso.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Chicago Symphony Orchestra?

Chicago Symphony Orchestra's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.cso.org

Learn more at the official website: www.cso.org

Mission Statement of Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a renowned musical institution, is dedicated to enriching, inspiring, and transforming lives through music, community engagement, and education, both locally and beyond. Its mission extends beyond the core Chicago Symphony Orchestra, reaching a broader scope.

Under the leadership of its Music Director, Riccardo Muti, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents around 38 weeks of concerts annually. Throughout the season, Muti conducts numerous programs at Symphony Center, as well as free community concerts at various locations such as Apostolic Church of God, Morton East High School, and Millennium Park. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is known for its groundbreaking premieres, having introduced new works by Missy Mazzoli, Jessie Montgomery, Magnus Lindberg, and Gabriela Lena Frank during the 2021/22 season.

Moreover, the Orchestra showcases significant compositions by influential figures like Florence Price, whose Symphony No. 3 was performed for the first time, and Philip Glass, with his Symphony No. 11. The Chicago Symphony Chorus collaborates with the Orchestra for memorable performances of timeless pieces, such as Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera. By presenting these captivating performances, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association continues to make a lasting impact on audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for music and its power to bring people together.

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Impact



October, 2024

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) plays a vital role in the cultural landscape of Chicago and beyond, enriching the community through its extensive concert offerings and educational initiatives. During the 2021/22 season, the CSO presented an impressive 38 weeks of concerts, showcasing the talents of its musicians under the direction of Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti. His leadership facilitated not only traditional performances but also accessible free community concerts at venues such as Apostolic Church of God, Morton East High School, and Millennium Park, exemplifying the orchestra's commitment to community engagement.

The CSO is known for its dedication to contemporary music, having premiered significant works by prominent composers like Missy Mazzoli, Jessie Montgomery, Magnus Lindberg, and Gabriela Lena Frank. This dedication to innovation in music is complemented by the orchestra's exploration of historical works, as seen in its performances of Symphony No. 3 by the groundbreaking African American composer Florence Price and Symphony No. 11 by contemporary composer Philip Glass.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus further enhances the orchestral experience, lending its voices to powerful performances of classics such as Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschera." Through these efforts, the CSO not only preserves the rich legacy of classical music but also actively contributes to its evolution, making a lasting impact on the artistic community in Chicago and inspiring audiences across the globe.



This information is meant to be a general summary of Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$102,432,097 (2022)
Expenses
$75,080,250 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $19,509,067
  • Program Service Revenue: $20,795,204
  • Gross Receipts: $202,364,338

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $530,890,156
  • Total Liabilities: $200,470,932
  • Net Assets: $330,419,224

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

Ticket Sales

Revenue

$16,311,923

Performance/Streaming Fees

Revenue

$2,676,287

Other Program Related Revenue

Revenue

$885,398

Facility Rental Revenue

Revenue

$436,105

Parking Lot Rental Revenue

Revenue

$357,500

Organization Details

Founding Year

1890

Phone

(312) 294-3333

Principal Officer

Jeff Alexander

Main Address

220 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 606042559

Website

www.cso.org

NTEE Category

Code: A690 - Arts

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