Illinois Symphony Orchestra

10/10/2026

‼ ATTENTION ARTISTS OF ALL AGES! ‼

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra invites artists of all ages and experience levels to transform music into visual art through a special community-wide project inspired by Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.

Originally composed as a musical tribute to the artwork of Viktor Hartmann, Pictures at an Exhibition brought paintings to life through sound. Now, we're turning that creative journey around. We challenge student and professional artists alike to listen to Mussorgsky's vivid musical landscapes and create an original work inspired by what they see, feel, and imagine through the music.

Whether you paint, draw, sculpt, photograph, or work in another medium, this is your opportunity to become part of a unique artistic collaboration linking music and visual art. Submitted works will be featured in an online gallery and, space permitting, displayed at our Pictures in Motion concert on Friday, November 20, 2026, at the UIS Performing Arts Center in Springfield or Saturday, November 21, 2026, the ISU Center for the Performing Arts. Select student artwork may also be showcased in public spaces leading up to the concert.

Let the music spark your imagination and create your own Picture at an Exhibition.

📆 Artwork Deadline: November 2, 2026

10/06/2026

🎥 Before she takes the stage with your ISO, meet Claire Wells.

One of classical music's most exciting rising stars, Claire Wells makes her Illinois Symphony Orchestra debut this month in Prokofiev's lyrical and dazzling Violin Concerto No. 1.

Winner of the 2025 Susan Wadsworth Young Concert Artists International Auditions, Claire has been praised for her elegant musicianship and expressive depth, captivating audiences wherever she performs.

Get a preview of her artistry in the video below, then experience her live with Music Director Taichi Fukumura and your ISO at Tricks & Treats.

📍 Springfield | October 30
📍 Bloomington-Normal | October 31

🎟 Tickets and subscriptions available now.

The International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition 2025 — First Rou...

10/05/2026

In a world of AI everything, choose something that's always real.

Experience the energy, emotion, and excitement of LIVE music with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Led by Music Director Taichi Fukumura, this season features unforgettable performances that will move, inspire, and connect us through the power of music.

🎟️ Season and single tickets are on sale now. Don't miss a single moment. Go to ilsymphony.org/seasontickets.

Secure your Illinois Symphony Orchestra season tickets today and experience unforgettable concerts, extraordinary artistry, and the power of LIVE music.

09/07/2026

Music and storytelling came together in If You Love For Love: The Passionate Life of Gustav Mahler.

Curated by Resident Conductor Jacobsen Woollen, the program explored Mahler's life through biographical storytelling and live performance, revealing the experiences and passions that shaped his music.

The evening featured Mahler's “Piano Quartet” and selections from the “Rückert-Lieder,” performed by Roy Meyer (violin), Lisa Nelson (viola), Henry Lin (cello), and Joe Welch (piano), with guest soloist Aubrey Hawkinson. As Woollen guided audiences through Mahler's story, the music brought those moments to life.

Presented at Moses Montefiore Temple in Bloomington, the performance was shared with a deeply attentive audience, creating the kind of intimate atmosphere that made Mahler's music and story feel especially personal.

09/05/2026

Discover the passionate life of Gustav Mahler! 🎶

Join us for a special Around the Town concert, If You Love for Love: The Passionate Life of Gustav Mahler, and experience the story, loves, and music of one of classical music's most fascinating composers.

Resident Conductor Jacobsen Woollen, soprano Aubrey Hawkinson, and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra Piano Quartet will bring Mahler's remarkable journey to life through storytelling and live performance. Featuring Mahler's Piano Quartet and selections from the Rückert Lieder, this intimate program offers a revealing and deeply personal look at the composer behind the music.

📍 Moses Montefiore Temple, Bloomington
📅 Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 7:00 PM
🎟️ Free Concert

Stay after the performance for a special reception hosted by the Illinois Symphony Guild of Bloomington-Normal and Moses Montefiore Temple, and enjoy conversation with fellow music lovers.

Featuring: 🎻 Roy Meyer, Violin
🎻 Lisa Nelson, Viola
🎻 Henry Lin, Cello
🎹 Joseph Welch, Piano
🎤 Aubrey Hawkinson, Soprano
🎼 Jacobsen Woollen, Resident Conductor

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, insight, and discovery.

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.