"The performance here is very strong. The students can intellectually grasp a piece in a comparatively short amount of time. The fact that so many students participate when there's no credit given for playing in an orchestra or singing in a choir really says something. You're only there if you want to be, which makes it a very good experience."

-William C. White, AB '05

Middle East Music Ensemble
Photo: Daniel Collins

Don’t miss a down beat.

The Department of Music’s performance program encompasses a wide range of musical opportunities for talented musicians hailing from throughout the campus and community. Membership is open to all who successfully complete the audition process, including undergraduate and graduate students (regardless of field or major), faculty, staff, and community members. The performance program includes 14 ensembles – two orchestras, a wind ensemble, four choirs, jazz, early, and new music ensembles, world music groups, piano and chamber music programs – which collectively present over 100 performances each season. Participation in the Department’s performance program provides Chicago students with exceptional opportunities to develop their musical skills and expand their artistic horizons – as well as to complement their academic pursuits and enrich their campus life!

Musicians who join a performance ensemble have access to top-flight instructors throughout the year, including professional conductors, experienced coaches, visiting artists, and acclaimed guest soloists, as well as the Department’s artists-in-residence ensembles: eighth blackbird, the Pacifica Quartet, Newberry Consort, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. All of the performance ensembles share a substantive approach to repertoire, including familiar masterworks and exploring unusual corners of the repertoire within every season. Joint concerts and special collaborations with other University departments and Chicago-area ensembles add to the distinctive array of events and experiences offered by the Department of Music’s thriving performance program.

Learn more about auditions
Learn more about the ensembles