Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is a dynamic ensemble of some of the world’s finest musicians. The fifth oldest symphony in the United States and the oldest orchestra in Ohio, the CSO was founded in 1895. Today, under the artistic leadership of Paavo Järvi, the CSO has achieved international critical acclaim and an operating budget that consistently places it among America’s top 10 orchestras.

The CSO is the umbrella organization for the Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Pops Orchestras, presenting more than 100+ concerts and events annually, 24 of which are Cincinnati Pops concerts under Conductor Designate John Morris Russell. A dynamic and thriving organization with a growing support base of audiences and contributors, the CSO is a cornerstone of the Cincinnati arts community and an anchor institution at Music Hall in the Over-the-Rhine community of Cincinnati, with additional summer performances at Riverbend Music Center. The CSO serves as an ambassador for Greater Cincinnati to the world through national and international tours and an extensive Grammy-winning recording catalog, with over 10 million recordings sold worldwide. At home, the CSO was rated #1 in customer satisfaction and value among all Greater Cincinnati arts and entertainment venues, according to a 2010 independent study conducted by Northern Kentucky University. The CSO also presents year-round family, community and education programs and concerts, including Lollipops Family Concerts, Young People’s concerts and Classical Roots. In addition, the CSO serves as the official orchestra of the annual May Festival, Cincinnati Opera and Cincinnati Ballet.