Mode Project developed and is producing an eight-episode digital content series for world-class Chicago Symphony Orchestra, in which the pilot episode delivers a heartfelt invitation to new audiences to experience the CSO with the message “We All Belong Here.” The documentary style approach is designed to give CSO musicians and Symphony Center staff the opportunity to personally welcome all Chicagoans to experience a live performance for themselves. First timers' preconceived notions are dispelled as we give them a relatable sneak peek inside Symphony Center and reveal the meaningful role audiences just like them play in making every concert experience special.
The CSO Marketing Team set out to reach new potential attendees and differentiate live performances at Orchestra Hall as a unique and special experience designed for audiences just like them. The organization needed to overcome the idea that symphonies are only for certain types of people, or that people must know a great deal about classical music to enjoy them. “We realized this was also an opportunity to make it clear to audiences that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra exists to provide all kinds of people with access to an experience that is both world class and uniquely Chicago,” says Brooks Ruyle, Creative Director, Mode Project.
“Made by humans to be enjoyed by humans.””
CSO musicians and staff help to reveal the institution's humanity as they reassure potential audiences that they can and will feel at home here. They explain first hand how the live performance experience is made great by all kinds of people coming together to share something special.
“The series hit on all of these facets surrounding how we wanted to bring in audiences and it really delivers that Mode Project Storytelling Arc. It’s getting picked up in a lot of places and getting a fabulous response.”
Future episodes in the “We All Belong Here” series will invite audiences to find out what happens when all different kinds of families, friends and couples take a chance and experience their first ever performance of the CSO live and in person! “It’s exciting, totally identifiable and, we think, ultimately rewarding to see just what these first timers realize as they sample this unique part of the cultural fabric of Chicago,” said Ruyle.
This latest effort between CSO’s Marketing Team and Mode Project builds upon their successful partnership as storytelling allies. A creative collaboration that began with the previous 10 part digital Series “Our Music is for Everybody.”
