Jeff Alexander writes:
Dear Mr. Zick,
I am very pleased to share with you an exciting announcement about a newly created CSO Fellowship Program, which will launch with auditions this spring for its first class of up to three Fellows to join the CSOA family in the 2022/23 Season.
In its first year, the CSO Fellowship Program seeks to welcome three outstanding early-career string players from populations that have traditionally been underrepresented in American symphony orchestras, including, but not limited to, those who identify as Black, Latino or Indigenous. Fellows will gain significant experience rehearsing and performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, have the opportunity to work with renowned conductors and receive training and mentorship from CSO musicians to better equip them to win auditions in U.S. orchestras. Fellows will play a minimum of 20 subscription weeks with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and will have access to up to 10 one-hour private lessons with a CSO Member annually. Additional benefits such as financial support for initial relocation expenses and auditions will be available.
The CSO Fellowship Program has been developed with full support from Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti as part of his ongoing commitment to training the next generation of musicians, as well as the CSO Members’ Committee and the Chicago Federation of Musicians. The program builds upon the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s longstanding focus on the training and development of musicians that began more than 100 years ago with the establishment of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. The CSOA has gone on to create or participate in programs that support young musicians from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the orchestral field, specifically those interested in gaining entrance to top conservatories and post-secondary music schools as they seek a career in classical music performance. These programs include the Percussion Scholarship Program, Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative and Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions.
We are excited to launch the CSO Fellowship Program, coming out of our renewed conversation about, and commitment to, expanding opportunities and support for talented musicians from diverse backgrounds eager to pursue a career performing in symphony orchestras. We must remain focused on this important work to ensure a strong and equitable future for this wonderful and life-enriching artform.
If you know of anyone who would be interested in applying for the program, the application process will open on April 1, with information available via cso.org/fellowship.
Thank you for your support of the CSOA, which is key to the success of important initiatives like the CSO Fellowship Program.
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