Theodore Thomas Society
Dick Pigott, Chair

Planned gifts support the CSO's endowment and often provide financial benefits to the donor, too. Tax savings, current cash payments, supplemental support for family members and friends — these and other benefits are available depending on a donor's circumstances and objectives. We help our donors choose the approach that works best for them.

All Planned Giving donors enjoy the benefits of membership in the Theodore Thomas Society, named in honor of the founding Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Through special activities and patron services, the Theodore Thomas Society honors its members by enhancing their appreciation of music and their sense of belonging to the CSO family.

How can I become a member of the Theodore Thomas Society?

Plan a financial arrangement to benefit the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. We can help you understand the options available and the ways to go about setting up the arrangement that is just right for you.

Notify the Chicago Symphony Orchestra of your arrangement. To become a General Member, it is not necessary to provide documentation or any particulars about it. Your word is enough for us. We appreciate knowing the details of your gift. That way, you can be sure that the gift works as you intend it to. That information helps us plan, too.

To be member of the Stradivarian Associates, a special group within the Theodore Thomas Society, you must provide documentation of an irrevocable gift of $50,000 or a revocable gift of at least $100,000.

What are the general benefits of membership?

• Annually two membership events in connection with music at Symphony Center.
• An invitation to the Annual Meeting of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association.
• Recognition in Notebook throughout the season and in the Annual Report. (Those who wish to remain anonymous may certainly do so.)
• An invitation to all open rehearsals of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
• An invitation to a backstage tour of Symphony Center.
• Invitations to tours, special concerts and galas sponsored by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
• VIP ticket services.

What are the additional benefits enjoyed by the Stradivarian Associates?

• An invitation to a special evening at Symphony Center.
• An invitation to two Salon Series events.