Illinois Symphony Orchestra

08/23/2026

Sip. Savor. Sound. An Evening with the ISO Woodwind Quintet.

Grab yourself a drink and pull up a seat! The ISO Woodwind Quintet is hitting the stage this week, bringing beautiful music, lively energy, and a little midweek escape.

Featuring five outstanding musicians including: Kimberly McCoul Risinger, Flute; Dan Schartz, Oboe; Dana Hotle, Clarinet; Rachel Hockenberry, Horn; and Ben Roidl-Ward, Bassoon; these intimate performances are the perfect blend of great conversation, great company, and great music.

Don't miss your chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy some Sips & Sounds with the ISO!

08/21/2026

The ISO Guild of Bloomington-Normal and the ISO Guild of Springfield received top honors! Check out this article in the The State Journal-Register.

Two Illinois Symphony Orchestra guilds are being recognized on the national and state stage. Here's how volunteers helped earn the honors. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra

08/13/2026

Get your kicks on Route 66!

Pack your bags, grab your friends, and join us for the On the Road Gala on September 27, 2026 at ISU's Bone Student Center.

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road with Route 66-inspired food stations, exciting live and silent auctions, and entertainment from the Illinois Symphony Orchestra led by Resident Conductor Jacobsen Woollen.

We'll also honor Drs. Carol and Gerry Chrisman for their lasting impact on the ISO and our community.

Come celebrate a century of adventure, music, and connection! Details at ilsymphony.org/bngala.

08/12/2026

Thank you EverTrue Concordia Village for underwriting the cost of our ensemble concerts for the residents of the community.

Your generosity makes it possible for residents to experience the joy, connection, and inspiration that live music brings. We are grateful for your partnership and commitment to enriching the lives of those you serve. 🎶❤️

08/06/2026

Sips & Sounds continues to delight audiences and musicians alike, creating memorable musical experiences for our community. The series is possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and donors.

We are grateful for their commitment to live music. To make a donation and support Sips & Sounds, visit ilsymphony.org and click Donate today.

08/03/2026

We're excited to be part of Lincoln Memorial Garden's Moonlight Meander on August 28th! We hope you'll join us to experience our Woodwind Quintet.

08/01/2026

What a fantastic week of Sips & Sounds! 🎶

Our Brass Quintet delivered outstanding music, the weather was beautiful, and great food and company made each concert a memorable experience.

A special thank you to our musicians for presenting such a fun and diverse program, and to everyone who joined us. Your energy and support make these concerts truly special.

We'll see you later this month for our final Sips & Sounds concerts of the summer!

07/28/2026

💛 More Than 40 Years of Devotion to the Illinois Symphony Orchestra

Since 1979, Patricia and Randy Rushing have been among the Illinois Symphony Orchestra's most dedicated supporters—attending concerts, introducing new audiences to the music they love, opening their home to musicians, and helping the organization grow and thrive.

This year, the Rushings were honored with the ISO's highest volunteer recognition, the Gold Baton Award, a surprise that left both of them humbled.

Patricia, who has served on the ISO Board of Directors for nearly a decade and as Board Secretary for approximately seven years, believes in following her heart when it comes to supporting the arts. Together, she and Randy have helped bring ISO performances to unexpected venues across the community, from country clubs and historic homes to Harvest Market and even Motorheads Bar & Grill—creating opportunities for new audiences to experience the power of live symphonic music.

Their message is simple: invite someone along, experience the music, and let the orchestra do the rest.

"The best marketing tool is somebody that says, 'Hey, go to the symphony with me next week.'" — Patricia Rushing

Thank you, Patricia and Randy, for more than four decades of passion, generosity, leadership, and advocacy. Your impact on the Illinois Symphony Orchestra—and our community—is immeasurable.