Symphony Social

Trevor Orthmann is executive director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO), central Illinois’ largest professional orchestra serving the communities of Bloomington-Normal, Springfield and the surrounding region with symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, Family Pops Concerts, Concerts for Kids and Around the Town Free Chamber Music Series in each community. In addition to concert performances, the Orchestra's music education and outreach programs serve pre-Kindergarten students through Itsy Arts: Emotions and Music in collaboration with Illinois Arts Station at Illinois State University; elementary schools through the Music Matters education program and reach middle schools, high schools, universities, community organizations and senior centers through guest artist residencies and ensemble performances promoting lifelong learning in the arts. The ISO’s Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras programs serve students in 2nd grade through high school.

Mr. Orthmann leads the ISO's administrative staff and volunteers to fulfill the organization's mission of inspiring all audiences through exceptional live orchestral performances and outreach programs. Orthmann has stabilized the orchestra's operations through the restructuring of administrative staff, board governance and the concert season in his ten years at the ISO.

He initiated the launch of a strategic planning process by the Board of Directors which has led to an increased level of awareness and support of the ISO in the region with significant increases over the last two seasons in individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and foundation support. He received the largest gift of over $950,000 made to the ISO

Prior to joining the ISO in 2009, Trevor was president of Symphony in C, one of three professional training orchestras in the United States that prepares musicians for careers as professional orchestral musicians through live performance, educational outreach programs and professional development seminars.

During his eight-year tenure as president, Trevor successfully moved the Symphony to Camden, New Jersey and guided the organization through a major re-naming and re-branding campaign which led to significant increases in contributed and earned revenue. Symphony in C was designated a Major Arts Institution by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and was bestowed Citations of Excellence for organizational management and arts education. In 2004, the Symphony was awarded the national MetLife Award for Excellence in Community Engagement by the League of American Orchestras.

Orthmann was responsible for the Symphony’s debut performances in Philadelphia, PA in Verizon Hall, and Perelman Theater at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts; for the Symphony’s first broadcasts on WRTI, WHYY and WQXR public radio stations; and for the Symphony’s first commercial recording on Bridge Records featuring the children’s works of Symphony in C’s Composer in Residence Daniel Dorff.

Trevor began his career with Symphony in C in 1996 as Personnel and Administrative Manager working closely with Music Director Alan Gilbert, was promoted to General Manager in 2000 and was appointed President in July 2001. Trevor previously served as Marketing Manager & Finance Assistant for the Baltimore Opera Company.

Orthmann served on the boards of ArtPride New Jersey, South Jersey Cultural Alliance and LEAP Academy Charter School in Camden. He has been a panelist for the League of American Orchestra’s Essentials of Orchestra Management Seminar.

Trevor is a graduate with Highest Distinction of Carnegie Mellon University’s Master of Arts Management program and a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance. He is a 2002 graduate of the Leadership New Jersey program.

Trevor actively competes throughout the world in duathlon (run-bike-run) and triathlon and was a member of Team USA representing the United States in the 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012 and 2015 World Championships. In the 2004, 2005, and 2015 season, he received All American honors from USA Triathlon.

Trevor’s other athletic endeavors have included bicycle racing, cross country skiing, running, snowshoeing, dogsledding and in-line skating.

He was born and raised in Wausau, WI and is married to Elizabeth Orthmann.