75 Seasons of Splendor!
Diamond Anniversary
2024-2025 Concert schedule
The Sparkle of the Season
Saturday, December 14, 4:00 p.m.
Ottawa High School Auditorium
The Illinois Valley Community College Collegiate Choir and choirs from Ottawa High School join the IVSO to perform Shaw and Bennett’s “The Many Moods of Christmas” and a portion of Handel’s Messiah, featuring soprano Jenilyn Roether. Also included in this wide variety of holiday music is Michael W. Smith’s powerful and moving “Glory Overture,” as well as additional selections by our guest choirs. You won’t want to miss this wonderful way to usher in the season!
Jenilyn Roether, soprano
Stunning Soundscapes
Saturday, March 8, 7:00 p.m.
Ottawa High School Auditorium
The IVSO proudly presents the winners of the 2025 Young Performers Competition, along with Aureate Skylines by award-winning composer Elliot Leung and Lyric for Strings, a moving piece by African American composer George Walker. Prominently featured is Ferde Grofé’s picturesque Grand Canyon Suite.
A Dazzling Finale
Saturday, May 3, 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre,Illinois Valley Community College
Anton Carus, violin
Young award-winning violinist Anton Carus travels from Germany to perform Sibelius’s Violin Concerto. Also on the program is Tchaikovsky’s triumphant Symphony No. 2 as well as Strauss’s picturesque “Voices of Spring” waltz, first presented by this orchestra in our inaugural season 75 years ago.
Dr. Daniel Sommerville, music director and conductor
The diamond anniversary of the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra is upon us, and in celebration of this impressive milestone, we are excited to present a season filled with a wealth of favorite classics and delightful new pieces, showcasing exceptional soloists and choirs who find their roots in the Illinois Valley.
We look forward to bringing this music to life for you, our audience!
Cordially,
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Make Music with Us
Your generosity in supporting the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra today is much appreciated.
Thank you for taking a quick moment to help us keep the music going.
The 2024-25 season of the IVSO is proudly sponsored by Miller Group Charitable Trust.
Recent News from the IVSO
IVSO’s March 10 performance, Be Inspired by Story!, has been relocated to the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre at Illinois Valley Community College, and the performance time is now 3:30 p.m. Featuring the amazing talents of our Young Performers’ Competition winners, Senior Division Gabrielle Mosley and Junior Division Hallee Loza.