Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) is a leading performing arts organization in Chicago’s Southland and the region’s only professional orchestra. IPO’s repertoire champions symphonic music in all its forms — from the baroque and classical canon to 21st-century masterpieces and cross-genre musical experiences. The Illinois Council of Orchestras named IPO “Illinois Professional Orchestra of the Year” in 2020, 2010, and 1991, recognizing IPO’s overall artistic excellence.

IPO’s history dates back to 1954. Then known as the Park Forest Symphony, it was formed at the community level with volunteer musicians. In 1978, the orchestra was re-formed into a professional chamber orchestra performing in Park Forest. In 1982, the orchestra was renamed to reflect its regional mission. Instrumental to IPO’s growing success was the naming of Carmon DeLeone as Music Director in 1986. During DeLeone’s 25-year tenure, the IPO expanded its Artists-in-the-Schools Education Program to include interactive Youth Concerts. In the 1990s, IPO performed in residence at the Center for the Performing Arts at Governors State University in University Park. In 2008, the orchestra began a new residency at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center in Frankfort; and in 2017, the orchestra relocated its mainstage concert season to Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL. Maestro DeLeone became Conductor Laureate in 2011. After an international search process, IPO appointed David Danzmayr as Music Director, serving from 2012–2016 and expanded IPO’s programming to include an American work on every program. In 2017, following a search that attracted over 170 applicants from around the world, IPO announced the hiring of Stilian Kirov as Music Director beginning with its 40th Anniversary Season. Kirov has expanded IPO’s repertoire and developed Classical Evolve, the company’s first Composer-in-Residence Competition.

Photo: Barry Butler Photography, Christina Salerno