Illinois Symphony Orchestras

Locate symphony orchestras in Illinois to promote your business

By Emmet McMahan
Involvement with an Illinois symphony orchestra can be a great opportunity for the small business owner. It can establish a balance between work and recreation for your employees, create a good reputation for your company and strengthen ties with your community. Attending a performance by a symphony orchestra supports not only professional musicians but young, aspiring musicians, as well.

You can use tickets to an orchestra in Illinois to entertain clients, provide rewards for employees and show your appreciation to customers. Tickets to individual performances are readily available in many cases and most orchestras also offer season tickets. Orchestras frequently offer discounts for families, students and seniors as well.

Illinois orchestras generally fall into the following categories:

1. A symphony in Illinois has professional musicians and may feature internationally known performers as guests. A full symphony or philharmonic orchestra usually consists of at least 80 players and may have more than 100.

2. Smaller community orchestras that offer free public concerts and may be available for private events. A chamber orchestra has less than 40 players.

3. Youth orchestras that feature younger players. These orchestras typically require players to be within a specified age range and stage annual auditions.

 

Find professional Illinois symphony orchestras near you

Symphony orchestras perform a variety of classical, experimental and modern compositions in Illinois. Opera also is popular and typically has scheduled performances throughout the season.
Try: The American Federation of Musicians has a list of the member orchestras of the Regional Orchestra Players' Association. Join the Association of Major Symphony Orchestra Volunteers to support symphonies not only in Illinois, but those around the country.

Support an Illinois youth orchestra

Young musicians can obtain stage experience and training in a youth symphony. Illinois youth symphonies are well-respected and perform many of the same pieces as professional orchestras.
Try: Playmusic.org has many music-related links, including an alphabetical list of youth symphonies by state. Your business can support a youth symphony orchestra such as the Central Illinois Youth Symphony in Peoria.

Buy tickets to an IL symphony orchestra in your city

Most large cities in Illinois have at least one professional orchestra and several chamber orchestras. They play many different types of music, in addition to classical compositions.
Try: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs classical and popular music at Symphony Center. The Danville Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit, professional orchestra that performs at the Danville High School Auditorium.

 

  • Listen to performances over the radio. Many major Illinois symphony orchestras broadcast live and recorded performances that allow you to enjoy world-class music from your home. The websites for the orchestra and radio stations will list the scheduled air times and performances.