THE CHICAGO CONSORT was founded by Director Emeritus, Thomas Wermuth, in 1990.  Under Mr. Wermuth's direction, the group performed over 20 international concert tours. Upon Mr. Wermuth's retirement in the spring of 2021, Patrick Connolly became the new music director of the group and has since then led tours in Iceland, Sweden, and Spain.  The students range in age from 13 to 18. All of the students began their studies in the Suzuki Method at the Western Springs School of Talent Education and the Naperville Suzuki School. After completing the Suzuki repertoire they are currently studying the standard violin concerto repertoire. Individually the performers participate in various youth orchestras and frequently hold chairs in the Illinois All State Orchestra. Many members of the group have won numerous prizes in local, regional, national and international competitions.