2026-2027 Season Dates | Illinois Symphony Orchestra
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2026-2027 Season Dates

I’m thrilled to welcome you to our third season together, celebrating the energy, artistry, and connection that continue to grow with every performance.

Our Masterworks Series kicks off in spectacular fashion with two blockbuster programs. Halloween weekend brings mischief and magic to life with Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegel, alongside favorites like The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Peer Gynt. Then, we dive into the bold colors of Pictures at an Exhibition, paired with dynamic works by Bartók and contemporary composer Bernd Richard Deutsch. Valentine’s weekend sparkles with the irresistible charm of Gershwin, and our grand finale joins forces with the ISU Concert Choir for Bach’s radiant Magnificat, closing with Brahms’ soaring Symphony No. 2.

Our Chamber Orchestra Series offers two uniquely memorable experiences. A Matter of Taste blends music with a delicious twist (yes — chocolate is involved!), while Silk, Strings, and Serenade pairs Dvořák’s beloved Serenade with stunning works by Tan Dun and Roger Zare, featuring the mesmerizing sounds of the pipa.

This season also shines with an extraordinary lineup of guest artists, including Claire Wells, Jeremy Denk, Jeffrey Biegel, and Gao Hong, alongside the return of familiar favorites Vince Lee and Jake Woollen on the podium.

Whether you’ve been with us for years or are joining us for the first time, we invite you to experience a season filled with vibrant storytelling, powerful artistry, and unforgettable moments.

Come discover the magic of live music with your Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

Taichi Fukumura
Music Director

Claire Wells WEB

Tricks & Treats - Masterwork

Taichi Fukumura, Music Director
Claire Wells, Violin

Dukas The Sorcerer's Apprentice - Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1 - Grieg Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - R. Strauss Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks

Friday, October 30, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
UIS Performing Arts Center, Springfield, IL

Saturday, October 31, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
ISU Center for the Performing Arts, Normal, IL

Concert Comments will start one hour prior to each performance.

Preview the Music
Jeremy Denk WEB

Pictures in Motion - Masterwork

Taichi Fukumura, Music Director
Jeremy Denk, Piano

Deutsch Con Moto - Bartók Piano Concerto No. 2 - Mussorgsky (arr. Ravel) Pictures at an Exhibition

Friday, November 20, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
UIS Performing Arts Center, Springfield, IL

Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
ISU Center for the Performing Arts, Normal, IL

Concert Comments will start one hour prior to each performance.

Preview Bernd Richard Deutsch Con Moto Preview the Music
The Snowman WEB

Holiday Pops in the Heartland - Pops

Taichi Fukumura, Music Director
Springfield Concert Featuring Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras, Springfield Choral Society, and Springfield Youth Performance Group
Bloomington-Normal Concert Featuring Springfield Choral Society

Celebrate the holidays with cinematic movie music from Home Alone, Babes in Toyland, The Snowman, and more.

Friday, December 11, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
UIS Performing Arts Center, Springfield, IL

Saturday, December 12, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
ISU Center for the Performing Arts, Normal, IL

Jake Woollen WEB

A Matter of Taste - Chamber Orchestra

Jacobsen Woollen, Resident Conductor 

Mendelssohn Overture to A Midsummer's Night Dream - Maxime Goulet Chocolats Symphoniques - Beethoven Symphony No. 1

Friday, January 15, 2027 @ 7:30 PM 
First Presbyterian Church, Springfield, IL

Saturday, January 16, 2027 @ 7:30 PM 
Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, IL

Coda Conversations immediately following each performance.

Preview the Music
Jeffrey Biegel WEB

Crazy For Gershwin - Masterwork

Taichi Fukumura, Music Director
Jeffery Biegel, Piano

Gershwin Girl Crazy Overture - Peter Boyer Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue - Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue - Dana Suesse Jazz Nocturne - Gershwin An American in Paris

Friday, February 12, 2027 @ 7:30 PM
UIS Performing Arts Center, Springfield, IL

Saturday, February 13, 2027 @ 7:30 PM 
ISU Center for the Performing Arts, Normal, IL

Concert Comments will start one hour prior to each performance.

Preview the Music
Good Witch Bad Witch WEB

Good Witch/Bad Witch - The Broadway Witches - Pops

Vince Lee, Conductor
Alli Mauzey and Dee Rosciolli

A concert of Diva Showstoppers featuring a Glinda and Elphaba from the Broadway company of WICKED, GOOD WITCH/BAD WITCH has been thrilling audiences coast to coast with their stunning vocals and playful banter!

Friday, March 5, 2027 @ 7:30 PM
UIS Performing Arts Center, Springfield, IL

Saturday, March 6, 2027 @ 7:30 PM 
ISU Center for the Performing Arts, Normal, IL

Gao Hong WEB

Silks, Strings, & Serenade - Chamber Orchestra

Taichi Fukumura, Music Director 
Gao Hong, Pipa

Zare La Zebu Forte Overture - Tan Dun Concerto for String Orchestra and Pipa - Dvořák Serenade for Strings

Friday, April 2, 2027 @ 7:30 PM 
First Presbyterian Church, Springfield, IL

Saturday, April 3, 2027 @ 7:30 PM 
Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, IL

Coda Conversations immediately following each performance.

Preview Roger Zare's Le Zebu Forte Overture Preview the Music
ISU Concert Choir WEB

Fate Now Conquers - Masterwork

Taichi Fukumura, Music Director
Illinois State University Concert Choir

Carlos Simon Fate Now Conquers - J.S. Bach Magnificat - Brahms Symphony No. 2

Friday, April 23, 2027 @ 7:30 PM
UIS Performing Arts Center, Springfield, IL

Saturday, April 24, 2027 @ 7:30 PM 
ISU Center for the Performing Arts, Normal, IL

Concert Comments one hour prior to each performance.

Preview Carlos Simon Fate Now Conquers Preview the Music
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