About Us

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 and Illinois State University’s Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts and School of Music.

Mission & Vision

Create engaging musical experiences. - Mission Statement

To be the premier regional orchestra in Illinois, inspiring our communities through the transformative and universal power of music. -Vision Statement

Core Values

Excellence

To commit to the highest level of artistic, administrative, and volunteer achievement.

Diversity & Inclusion

To embrace diversity, access and inclusion in our performances, programs and practices.

Engagement

To cultivate meaningful connections through musical performances, programs, and partnerships.

Education

To nurture the growth of all learners.

Collaboration

To build and expand a spirit of support and collaboration throughout the ISO and our communities.

Innovation

To explore and create new ideas both on and off stage.

Legacy

To responsibly manage our resources, plan for our future, and foster our communities' investment in us.

Mission & Vision Statement along with Core Values were adopted by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Get Involved with Illinois Symphony

Our patrons, donors, and sponsors are a large part of what makes our orchestra great and our concerts successful! If you'd like to take part in making a difference for our orchestra, click Donate Today button. Thank you!

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