User:P1neapple1989/Illinois symphony orchestra

The 2008/2009 season marks the beginning of the 16th year of beautiful music making by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and the 9th season under the baton of Maestra Karen Lynne Deal.

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is unique in its diversity and musical ambassadorship, as its members represent the countries of Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Syria, Macedonia, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Taiwan, China, Australia, South America, Canada and America. The majority of our musicians live in the cities of Chicago and St. Louis, as well as in Springfield, Bloomington-Normal, central and southern Illinois and the surrounding states. Many serve on the faculty of prestigious universities and others use the orchestra as a platform from which to launch major orchestral and solo careers. This breadth of musical cultures and personalities brings an invigorating freshness and passion to performances.

History
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra was born in 1993 with the consolidation of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Association, and the Bloomington-Normal Symphony. Under the direction of Kenneth Kiesler, who served as Music Director of the Springfield Symphony (1980 - 1993) and later the Illinois Symphony Orchestra (1993 - 2000), the orchestra performed in New York City; making its Alice Tully Hall debut in 1988 and Carnegie Hall debut in 1990.

Performance Venues
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra performs at multiple venues in central Illinois including Sangamon Auditorium on the campus of the University of Illinois at Springfield, St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield, the new Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Second Presbyterian Church in downtown Bloomington, the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Douglas and Miller Parks and this season will debut in Quincy and at the renowned Ravinia Festival in Chicago.

http://www.ilsymphony.com/