Applications open September 16 - 30. 

Dame Myra Hess
Concerts

Enjoy a musical lunch break with concerts featuring solo and ensemble performances that showcase emerging classical musicians from all over the country. Concerts take place every Wednesday at 12:15 pm.

Artist Applications for the Dame Myra Hess Concerts will be open from September 15 
through September 30, 2026.  Check back then to learn more about applying to perform on the Hess Concerts.
APPLY HERE

Dame Myra Hess Concerts

When: Wednesdays, 12:15 - 1 pm

Where: Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago - 55 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago

Cost: Free

Take a musical lunch break and enjoy a classical concert, featuring the best and brightest of young musical talent performing today. Inspired by legendary pianist, Dame Myra Hess' lunchtime concerts during World War II, our concerts give you the opportunity to listen to emerging artists at the beginning of their careers. CMC presents over 50 Dame Myra Hess concerts a year and they are livestreamed by 98.7 WFMT.

 

Classical Music Chicago celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Dame Myra Hess Concerts during the 2026–27 season, marking five decades of presenting free world-class classical music in downtown Chicago and introducing audiences to many of the world's most accomplished musicians at the beginning of their careers.

Dame Myra Hess 50th Anniversary

Our mother, Helen S. Gore, was studying classical piano in London before Dame Myra Hess began her free wartime classical concerts at the National Gallery. If our mother were here today, she would heartily endorse the Hess Concerts for their purpose of providing extraordinary classical music to the residents of Chicago and beyond.

- Gore Family Foundation

Thank you to our supporters

Dame Myra Hess Concerts are presented in partnership with 98.7 WFMT

Dame Myra Hess Concerts are made possible through the generosity of the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council Agency and contributions from individual donors.

Dame Myra Hess Concerts are presented in association with the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago.

The Saints Arts Grants support the piano tuner for the Dame Myra Hess Concerts.

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