The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has received a monumental gift of $50 million from the Zell Family Foundation, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history.
This generous donation is part of the CSO’s SEMPRE ALWAYS capital campaign and brings the total raised to $215 million2.
The gift comes from Helen and Sam Zell on behalf of the Zell Family Foundation.
It aims to secure long-term financial stability for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) and support its tradition of musical excellence.
The $50 million donation will be used to:
Strengthen the organization’s finances by reducing debt over time
Increase the CSOA’s endowment
Provide funding for musician and staff retirement benefits
Support domestic and international touring activities
Fund special artistic projects shaped by CSO music directors
Invest in digital content initiatives for marketing and promotion2
Helen Zell has been a long-standing supporter of the CSO:
Joined the Board of Trustees in 2007
Served as the first woman chair of the CSOA Board from 2015 to 2020
Chaired the Music Director Search Committee that recommended Klaus Mäkelä as the new music director
Currently serves as one of three vice chairs on the CSOA’s Board of Trustees
This donation is particularly noteworthy as it represents the largest single donation in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s history.
It will play a crucial role in ensuring the orchestra’s future sustainability and ability to continue its prestigious tours and artistic endeavors.
CSOA President Jeff Alexander expressed deep gratitude for the gift, emphasizing its importance for the organization’s future and its ability to enrich lives through music in Chicago and beyond.
The newly appointed Music Director Designate, Klaus Mäkelä, also shared his inspiration from Helen Zell’s dedication to the orchestra.
This remarkable donation underscores the vital role of philanthropy in supporting major cultural institutions, bridging the gap between earned revenue and operating expenses to ensure their long-term viability and continued contribution to the arts.
Photo: (bottom) Mega-philanthropist Sam Zell with Lifestyles Magazine/Meaningful Influence founder Gabriel Erem
