Encore Chamber Orchestra is a specialized training and performance orchestra for talented young musicians from the Symphony Orchestra who aspire to be career professionals.  Led by Music Director Allen Tinkham, Encore has amazed audiences throughout the Chicago area. Performances over the last three seasons include: the City of Chicago’s CelticFest, Chicago Humanities Festival, Ravinia Festival, Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium. Each December, Encore Chamber Orchestra collaborates with the Salt Creek Ballet in the presentation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, at The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University.

Encore Chamber Orchestra has toured internationally and was the first ever youth orchestra to perform at the National Concert Hall in Budapest, Hungary.  The orchestra has also shared the stage with violinist, Rachel Barton Pine on the nationally broadcast series, From the Top. Encore helped to launch the grand reopening of the Chicago History Museum, which included a special performance of Copland’s Lincoln Portraits narrated by award winning journalist Bill Kurtis.

Encore Chamber Orchestra has played for such dignitaries as President George H. W. Bush, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Mayor Richard M. Daley.