Dear Overture Council Members,

Welcome to the first Clef Notes of the 2024/25 Season! It was wonderful to see so many of you at Symphony Ball, and I look forward to seeing more of you at our Season Kickoff Party on October 18, as well as our Networking Night at Symphony Center on October 29 (more details below). In this monthly newsletter, you will find information about upcoming events, committee meeting dates, membership renewal and upcoming CSO performances.

This is the Overture Council’s 15th season — our crystal anniversary! I’m grateful to all the amazing members who’ve contributed to the Overture Council this last decade and a half — you’ve all contributed to making this the foremost young professional organization in Chicago. As the Overture Council enters its crystal anniversary year, we want to celebrate the organization’s ongoing brilliance while building clarity on what the next generation will be.

Our Executive Committee has begun to sketch out an exciting program of events, ranging from casual happy hours to free Civic Orchestra performances to some very exciting Soundposts. We’re happy to share more, and we can’t wait to engage members who want to help execute these events and plan others. It’s always a great time to get more involved with the Overture Council, and as we look to the future, we’re looking for you to help shape it.

Let the music play,

Leah Williams, Overture Council president

Continue reading for more information about these events, or click on a photo to access the RSVP form!

OC Ticket Offers

Don’t forget Overture Council members have access to specially priced tickets for $40 or less to select concerts throughout the season. Here are the steps to take advantage of this perk.  

• Step 1: Visit the calendar listing for performances that have the OC ticket offer available. (OC tickets usually become available 1-4 weeks ahead of the concert date with newly eligible concerts typically added on Thursday afternoons.)
• Step 2: Choose your preferred concert. All seats available with this special offer will appear on the seat map. Select your seats and add to your order.
• Step 3: Proceed through the checkout process. Tickets will be delivered by email, unless you select another delivery method.
• Step 4: Attend the concert!

Friday, October 18
6:30-9:30 PM at Joy District

The CSO season has just begun, and we’re excited to invite you to our exclusive Overture Council Season Kick-Off Party! Let’s come together to celebrate the start of another thrilling year of music, connection and unforgettable experiences.

Join us for an evening where you’ll have the chance to engage with fellow members, network with music enthusiasts and explore what’s ahead for the Overture Council this season. Whether you’re a long time supporter or new to the OC, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with the community and make lasting memories.

• Where: Joy District
• When: October 18, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
• Dress code: None
• Refreshments: Appetizers and drink tickets provided

Be sure to RSVP now and secure your spot at this must-attend event. We can’t wait to see you there and make it a night to remember!

Civic Concert & Happy Hour
Masur Conducts Ortiz & Schumann
Monday, October 28

Preconcert Happy Hour: starting at 6:00 PM

Before each Civic performance, members meet up to socialize and network near Symphony Center. Join us at the Palmer House lobby bar for an informal happy hour. Food and drinks are not provided.

Concert: 7:30 PM

The CSOA holds a block of 20 tickets for Overture Council members at all Civic Orchestra performances held at Symphony Center. Civic Orchestra performances are free to attend but require a reservation. Our OC block guarantees you a seat and allows you to sit near fellow members! Tickets are first-come, first-served. 

Tuesday, October 29
6:00-8:00 PM at Symphony Center

Be there for our first Networking Night and Meet the Committees event of the season! Join us for an evening of connection, collaboration and professional growth.

• Where: The Forte Event Space at Symphony Center
• When: October 29, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
  
• Dress Code: None
• Refreshments: Light refreshments provided

Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with fellow young professionals in a welcoming atmosphere. We’ll also introduce the various Overture Council Committees, highlighting professional development opportunities available to members. Whether you’re interested in event planning, outreach or advancement, there’s a committee that aligns with your talents and interests.

Thursday, November 14
5:30-7:15 PM in Grainger Ballroom

Unlock the power of music in film and TV at Soundpost: Melodies in Motion – Scoring for Screen, an exclusive evening for young professionals and movie lovers. Join award-nominated composer Kubi Uner, a creative force behind soundtracks for Hollywood films like American Traitor, Force of Nature and even a Wyld Stallyns track for Bill & Ted Face the Music. As the director of Columbia College’s top-ranked Music Composition for the Screen program, Kubi will share how music shapes what we see on screen and reveal the secrets of composing for movies and TV.

OC members who attend Soundpost receive two free drink tokens! 

Beyond the presentation, immerse yourself in an evening of light bites, drinks and curated beats from our DJ, while networking with fellow film, music and art enthusiasts in the stunning Grainger Ballroom. Through hands-on interactive activations, explore how scores shape cinematic moments.

But the night doesn’t end there — stick around for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert after the event (discounted tickets are available), and experience live classical music at its finest.

Looking to take your membership to the max? Join a committee!
Most committee business takes place on Slack, so be sure to check there for up-to-date committee happenings.

Core Member Activities: Suet Lee
External Relations: Geetha Somayajula
Membership: Dan Bohlmann
Next joint meeting: Wednesday, November 13 at 6:00 p.m.
Hybrid: 220 S. Michigan Ave. or Join on Teams.

Stay up to date on all Overture Council events and happenings by visiting our social media pages or following the complete season calendar. Have an idea for our next Clef Notes? Submit it here!

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