At the invitation of first music director Theodore Thomas, Frederick Stock joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s viola section in 1895. He was promoted to assistant conductor in 1899, and in 1905, he succeeded the ensemble’s founder to become second music director. During his 37-year tenure (the longest ever at the CSO), he led dozens of world and U.S. premieres, established a regular series of concerts for young people, founded the Civic Orchestra, and led the CSO’s first commercial recordings.

In celebration of Stock’s 150th birthday in November 2022, panel of experts shared their insight into his enduring legacy during this online presentation.