Illinois Symphony Orchestra

05/24/2026

Congrats to Trevor Orthmann on being named an Executive Director of the Year nominee by The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce 🎶✨ From being inspired by a Cajun fiddler as a young musician to leading the Illinois Symphony Orchestra for 17 years, Trevor’s passion for music continues to elevate our community.

Studio Bliss Photography

Meet Trevor Orthmann, our next Executive Director of the Year nominee for Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. This is Trevor's 17th year as director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and their mission is to create engaging experiences that inspire our community through the transformative power of music, and boy do they!

Trevor's inspiration as a young boy came in the form of a Cajun fiddler who visited his hometown. From there, he has been fully invested in music for his entire lifetime, playing under the direction of the great Leonard Bernstein and on stages across the US. Now, he serves both Springfield and Bloomington through his passion for educational programs, such as the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra, produces concerts, chamber music experiences, and has brought world-class music from musicians around the world to more than 40,000 patrons here in Central Illinois.

Now, if you have never been to a performance, you will know Trevor the minute you see him! The amazing ORTTU rhinestone suit he brought to my studio is one of the many stunning pieces he owns for performances. I've never been so excited for a wardrobe showing up in the studio! The man knows how to light up a room, and I love, LOVE that from clothing to demeanor, he wants the world of symphony to be accessible and fun for all who attend...and speaking of... you can find the Illinois Symphony at Bloom Wine Bar & Florals next month. Save the date! Sips & Sounds is on Wednesday, June 24th at 6pm!

Cheers Trevor! Thank you for an incredible session and for bringing a beautiful appreciation for the arts to our community!

05/22/2026

Get new ideas to orchestrate a new look for your kitchen at the Lavender & Lemons Kitchen Tour!

Grab some friends & make a day of checking out fabulous kitchens throughout Bloomington-Normal on Saturday, June 20th. Tickets are $25 per person. Tickets may be purchased at Hy-Vee, Casey's Garden Shop & Florist, and The Garlic Press, or online at ilsymphony.org/kitchentour.

05/21/2026

Get your tickets for the Lavender & Lemons Kitchen Tour hosted by the ISO Guild of Bloomington-Normal on Saturday, June 20th. Go to ilsymphony.org/kitchentour for more information.

05/20/2026

Is it Pomp & Circumstance time… or Pumps & Circumstance time? 🚴‍♂️🎓

Today is National Bike to Work Day!

Fittingly, the composer behind the iconic Pomp & Circumstance marches, Edward Elgar, was also an avid cyclist who found inspiration on two wheels. 🚲

When Elgar was knighted in 1904, he rode more than 80 km on his Royal Sunbeam bicycle to share the news with his father. He often cycled through the Malvern Hills, where melodies would come to him along the way—earning his bike the nickname “Mr. Phoebus.” Some of his most beloved music was inspired while he was out riding.

Discover more musical inspiration on two wheels:
👉 https://lnkd.in/gWSxh282

From its debut 1948 performance, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) has been a powerhouse orchestra that regularly surprises guest conductors and artists with the exceptional musicianship of its members. The WSO is an integral part of Winnipeg's rich cultural life.

05/20/2026

✨ The Gift That Changed the Night ✨

What an unforgettable evening at the Illinois Symphony Orchestra’s Night in Monte Carlo Gala on April 18, 2026. Held at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – a DoubleTree by Hilton, the night was filled with music, elegance, and incredible generosity.

Together, our community raised over $220,000 — the highest-grossing gala in ISO history — exceeding our goal by nearly 50%! 🎶💫

A truly special moment came when a meaningful gift in support of the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra was made during the evening, helping propel us beyond our goal and ensuring continued opportunities for young musicians across our region.

💛 We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this night extraordinary — our guests, donors, sponsors, and musicians.

Check out the full photo album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUeLH

Photo Credit: Javed Rassi

05/19/2026

🎻 Auditions Announcement 🎻

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce auditions to fill the following string positions:
Principal Cello
Viola 7

📅 Audition Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
📍 Location: Normal First United Methodist Church

Go to ilsymphony.org/employment for more information.

05/12/2026

Dine & Donate at Portillo's tomorrow and support your Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras!

Join us at Portillo's this Wednesday, May 13th, to support the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras! Present the flyer at checkout or use code PORTILLOS66 online and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the ISYO!

05/06/2026

It was truly a pleasure participating in the RISE Springfield Leadership Conference as part of the Non‑Profit Showcase. Thank you to The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce for hosting such a thoughtful, energizing event and for welcoming local non‑profits into the conversation. The connections, the encouragement, and the shared commitment to our community made the experience meaningful.

Pictured representatives from area non-profits.