Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur

06/19/2026

Thank you to the Danville Symphony Orchestra for the tag! We’re excited to share this Illinois Public Media feature on Matthew Sheppard, highlighting his work with the Danville Symphony Orchestra and his recent appointment as Music Director of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra. We’re thrilled to welcome Matthew to MDSO and look forward to an exciting future under his leadership

The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra has just announced the appointment of Matthew Sheppard as the ensemble’s next music director. Sheppard is well known across Illinois as a conductor and educator. In addition to his new post with the MDSO, Sheppard serves as Artistic Director of the Elgin You...

06/19/2026

Come with us this week as we travel the world!

06/19/2026

We honor this historic day of freedom, reflection, and joy. Music has always been a powerful vessel for storytelling, resilience, and unity. Today we celebrate the rich history, vibrant culture, and profound contributions of Black artists and musicians who shape our world's symphony.

06/18/2026

Over the next couple of days, we are going to share a couple of clips of MDSO’s dynamic new conductor, Matthew Sheppard speaking at our Annual Meeting.

Watch and listen to this video to learn about this year’s FREE Labor Day Pop’s concert!

06/17/2026

Us to Danville Symphony Orchestra now that Matthew Sheppard is also conducting Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra.

06/16/2026

Friday’s Annual Guild Meeting was a wonderful way to connect with our members and celebrate another year of working together to inspire a love of the symphony in Decatur and beyond! It was also Matthew Shepphard’s first official appearance as MDSO’s new conductor.

We want to thank Eisenhower High School’s string quartet, “The Bows” and their teacher, Ms. Jennifer Morrow for providing elegant music. Several members of the ensemble are Symphony Guild scholarship recipients!

06/11/2026

This weekend! Are you ready?

One month until we open the Festival with Five Cities Baroque Presents: Baroque Artists of Champaign Urbana, and we could not be more excited!

Mark your calendars, tell your friends, and get ready for a week chock full of Baroque chills and thrills. As always, all events are free and open to the public.

06/10/2026

A hat can really ACCENTuate the look of a note.

06/09/2026

Fun for the whole family!

Next week is FAMILY NIGHT in Central Park! Spread the word about this exciting evening of kid-friendly activities!

06/07/2026

We're off and running with our 2026 season! Join us this Sunday and Monday for a collection of new music (as well as some familiar favorites)!