The Chicago Scratch Orchestra is a dynamic ensemble of musicians that evolved as part of a rich tradition of scratch orchestras. The first Scratch Orchestra was founded by the British composer Cornelius Cardew in 1968. The Chicago Scratch Orchestra was founded in 2010, and its repertoire has included scores by Cardew, Pauline Oliveros, Tom Bickley, Viv Corringham, Eric Glick Rieman, Alison Knowles, Gino Robair, Glenn Weyant, John Roche, members of the Chicago Scratch Orchestra, and others.

CSO has performed at a wide range of venues in the Chicago area -- such as the Green Mill, Heaven Gallery, Empty Bottle, High Concept Laboratories, Ball Hall, WNUR and more. Click here to find out more about our past concerts -- including repertoire, personnel, pictures and audio.

Click here to find out about scores that the Chicago
Scratch Orchestra has performed.

Click here to find out more about the CSO's past concerts -- including audio & pics.