Frederick Stock

Music Director, 1905–1942


An accomplished musician, Frederick Stock joined the Chicago Orchestra as assistant principal viola in 1895 at the invitation of Theodore Thomas. Following Thomas' death in January 1905, Stock assumed conducting duties, and in April 1905, the board unanimously elected him as music director. He served as music director for 37 years, longer than any other, during which time the Orchestra made its first commercial recording (1916), inaugurated the first season of the Ravinia Festival (1936), celebrated its 50th season (1940–41) and welcomed its first female musician (Helen Kotas, 1941).

Read more
Frederick Stock