# Chicago Symphony Rebrands with New Logo

> Chicago Symphony Orchestra unveils bold red uniforms and modern logo to attract younger audiences.
- Title: Chicago Symphony Rebrands with New Logo · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Chicago Symphony Orchestra unveils bold red uniforms and modern logo to attract younger audiences. Chicago Symphony rebrands as 'Chicago Symphony' with new…
- Keywords: chicago symphony, chicago symphony orchestra, chicago symphony center, chicago symphony chorus, civic orchestra of chicago, klaus mäkelä, chicago federation of musicians, local 10-208, chicago symphony presents, negaunee music institute, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/classical-music/2026/09/24/chicago-symphony-orchestra-cso-rebrand-nonprofit-logo-music-classical
- Published: 2026-09-24T12:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: chicago symphony, chicago symphony orchestra, chicago symphony center, chicago symphony chorus, civic orchestra of chicago, klaus mäkelä, chicago federation of musicians, local 10-208, chicago symphony presents, negaunee music institute, news, local
## Chicago Symphony Rebrands
The nonprofit parent organization of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra announced a rebrand Thursday, meant to usher in a new era for the city’s preeminent classical music company.
## New Naming Convention
The organization will now be known as Chicago Symphony, overseeing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Chorus, and Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
## New Logo
The rebrand features a red logo with a subtle music note motif, replacing the black 'C' clef logo introduced in the 1990s.
## Red Usher Uniforms
Music fans will notice updated red uniforms for the ushers who greet and seat guests at the Chicago Symphony Center.
## New Programming
The organization will add 'Chicago Symphony Presents' to its concert series, featuring jazz, chamber music, and piano recitals.
## Youth Programming
The organization recently announced programming aimed at teens and college students to attract younger music fans.
## New Music Director
Klaus Mäkelä will officially step into the role of music director next fall, starting with performances by Sibelius and Shostakovich.
## Contract Agreement
The organization reached a three-year contract agreement with the Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208 of the American Federation of Musicians.
## Union President Statement
BJ Levy, the local union’s president, said the contract 'recognizes the value of the musicians, keeps up with inflation, and acknowledges the depth of talent and the amount of work required.'
## President Statement
Jeff Alexander, the organization’s president, stated the rebrand is 'really to focus everything we do on the words 'Chicago Symphony,' which are so important to us.'
## Marketing Strategy
Ryan Lewis, the organization’s head of marketing and sales, said the rebrand clarifies identity and lays the foundation for the next decade and beyond.
## Key takeaway

Chicago Symphony rebrands as 'Chicago Symphony' with new logo and red usher uniforms to clarify identity and attract diverse audiences.