Nichols Concert Hall

"Polished & intimate concert venue showcasing classical music performances, with bench seating."

Nichols Concert Hall is an Evanston concert venue operated by the Music Institute of Chicago, presenting classical, jazz, and family-friendly music performances at 1490 Chicago Avenue. The hall programs a diversity of artists across classical, jazz, and family-friendly genres, with resident ensembles and student and faculty performances on a regular schedule. The Music Institute of Chicago, which operates Nichols Concert Hall, was founded in 1931 and has grown to one of the largest community music schools in the nation with multiple campus locations from Chicago to Lake Forest. Located in Evanston, Illinois, with additional Music Institute of Chicago campuses in Chicago, Downers Grove, Lake Forest, and Winnetka. Attendees consistently note the strong acoustics, the intimate proximity to performers, and the ornate hall that was originally a church; several mention the unpadded pew seating and suggest bringing a cushion for longer events.