In her evolving role at the CSO, Martha oversaw the Orchestra’s artistic planning, education programs, professional chorus, Symphony Center Presents (a presentation series including visiting orchestras, chamber music, recitals, jazz and world music) and the Civic Orchestra (training orchestra of the CSO). In her capacity as the CSO’s vice president of artistic planning and audience development, she developed collaborative programming with other Chicago institutions and launched innovative initiatives such as Beyond the Score ® (which is currently being licensed to other orchestras), CLassicEncounters ® and Music Now. She also provided the oversight of the annual three-week CSO festival. Ms. Gilmer was the producer of countless concert and semi-staged CSO operatic performances. During her tenure in Chicago she accompanied the CSO on tours around the world. Ms. Gilmer is a well-known writer and lecturer on music, culture and community, and she has made presentations at such places as Aspen Ideas Festival, among others. In June 2012 Martha Gilmer’s position at the CSO was endowed as The Richard and Mary L. Gray Chair – Vice President of Artistic Planning and Audience Development, a first in the music world according to Musical America.