The Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO) is excited to partner with Illinois State University’s Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Starting in late August, ISO will move its season of concerts to the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall.
Dean of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Jean Miller states, “The Illinois Symphony Orchestra collaboration is one that ISO’s Executive Director Trevor Orthmann and I have been discussing for years. We both understand the value of moving ISO to Illinois State’s Center for the Performing Arts on campus to enrich and provide exceptional performances and opportunities for students, patrons, and the larger community.”
Dr. Adriana Ransom, director of the School of Music said, “Hosting ISO on campus will be energizing for the School of Music. Our students will have access to professional-level symphonic performances and be exposed to standard and new repertoire. Students will be able to interact with the symphony’s professional musicians, as well as with internationally recognized guest artists and conductors.”
Illinois State University Professor of Flute and Principal Flute of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Kimberly Risinger shared, “I believe ISU students will benefit from this partnership in many ways. More students will attend ISO concerts since they are on campus, and it will be wonderful for them to have this opportunity to enjoy, learn, and grow as musicians.”
Illinois Symphony Orchestra’s Executive Director Trevor Orthmann states, “The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is excited to begin a new partnership with ISU’s Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts and School of Music as we strive to provide a strong foundation for the continued growth of exceptional orchestral performances and music education programs. Our partnership with ISU strengthens our mission as we inspire our community through these transformative live music experiences.”
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra will perform a full season of live concerts at Illinois State University’s Center for the Performing Arts. To kick off the partnership, the ISO will perform a free Around the Town “Musical Chairs” concert featuring a string quartet at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 28, 2022, in the Center for the Performing Arts. During the performance, the audience will have the opportunity to move seats between pieces to experience the hall and select seats for the upcoming season.
For more information about the upcoming Around the Town “Musical Chairs” concert, visit ilsymphony.org.
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is central Illinois’ largest professional orchestra serving over 35,000 patrons in the communities of Bloomington-Normal, Springfield, and the surrounding region with symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, and Concerts for Kids series in each community. In addition to concert performances, the orchestra’s music education and outreach programs serve pre-K and elementary schools through the Itsy Arts and Music Matters education programs and reach middle schools, high schools, universities, community organizations, and senior centers through guest artist residencies and musician and ensemble performances. The ISO also has an active Around the Town Chamber Music Series and virtual Sunday at Six Recital Series. The Illinois Symphony Orchestra has a budget of approximately $1.3 million.
In July 2020, the ISO acquired the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony (SVYS) organization that was started in the early 1970s by parents, music teachers, and musicians to keep string programs and youth orchestra in Springfield and surrounding communities following the elimination of all school orchestra programs. Now, the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras (ISYO) programs consist of Starter and Junior Strings, Preparatory Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra serving over 150 students. The ISO also has a partnership in education and community engagement (PEACE) with the UIS-School of Music.
Tickets
Illinois Symphony Orchestra offers a variety of ticket options including single event, season subscriptions, and group packages. Season subscriptions for concerts held in Normal may be ordered beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, and the physical processing of the orders will begin Monday, September 12. Season tickets can be purchased in person at the Center for the Performing Arts Box Office 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, or by phone at (309) 438-2535. Season tickets are not available online at this time.
Individual tickets will go on sale at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 27 and can be purchased in person, by phone, or online. The box office will also be open two hours before all performances.
For more information about the 2022-2023 Illinois Symphony Orchestra season, email Illinois Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Trevor Orthmann or call (217) 522-2838 x 2.
For those who require accessible accommodations, or for additional inquiries, please contact the Illinois State University Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at (309) 438-2535 or email at FineArtsTickets@IllinoisState.edu.
