Chamber Orchestra of the New Music School

New Music School is pleased to announce its Chamber Orchestra, debuting Spring Semester 2026. Under the leadership of Eric Gratz, this tuition-free ensemble is open to exceptional pre-conservatory string players from the greater Chicago area. Participants benefit from collaborations with esteemed soloists, opportunities to premiere original compositions, and performance tours. The Chamber Orchestra explores a diverse repertoire, with particular emphasis on classical and modern works that are often underrepresented in traditional programs.

Admission to the Chamber Orchestra is by audition only.

While there is no minimum age limit, applicants are expected to demonstrate advanced technical skill, ensemble experience, and a commitment to musical growth.

Auditions
We are currently accepting auditions for violin, viola, cello and bass.

Audition Fee $50
January 26 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
January 27 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Audition Repertoire
Please prepare two solo works in contrasting styles, 3-4 minute excerpts each, without accompaniment.

First Rehearsal
February 9, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Weekly Rehearsals
Mondays 6:00-8:00 PM

Fall 2025 Schedule
February 9, 16, 23
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (Possible sections, no Gratz)
April 4, 13, 20, 27

Performance
April 29, 2026 with Guest Artist Rachel Barton Pine

Fees
Tuition-Free

The application form is available below. Email Mr. Gratz at egratz@newmusicschool.com with any immediate questions.

About Eric Gratz

LISTEN - ERIC GRATZ

Since his concerto debuts at the age of 14 in the United States, Spain, and Portugal, American violinist Eric Gratz has been celebrated as a thrilling performer, combining an old world style with a modern musical intellect. A prizewinner of multiple international competitions, he has performed as soloist or concertmaster with the Cleveland Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony, Tucson Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, San Antonio Symphony, and Santa Fe Opera, among many others. 

Gratz appears at major festivals and concert series around the world, including Mainly Mozart, Maui Classical Music Festival, Castleton Festival, Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts, Dame Myra Hess Recital Series, and venues including Severance Hall, De Falla Hall, and the Kennedy Center. He has given masterclasses at various institutions in the U.S., as well as in Ecuador, Italy, and China. Gratz has recorded several Tonebase Violin courses on music by Beethoven, Kreisler, and Ysaÿe. Since 2024 he has served as Director of the American Chamber Music Society. His collaborators include Vadim Gluzman, Anton Nel, Jeffrey Kahane, John Novacek, Jeannette Sorrell, and members of the Pacifica, Vertavo, Mendelssohn, Formosa, and Fine Arts String Quartets.

Schedule Your Audition for New Music School’s Chamber Orchestra.

Please fill out this form to set up an audition time. Please note that the Chamber Orchestra is tuition-free but an audition fee of $50 is required. If you can demonstrate financial need, please contact New Music School directly at billing@newmusicschool.com with a financial aid request.