About
MISSION
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional orchestra that utilizes the universal expression of music to create profound, inspiring, and personal connections between the people and communities of Chicago’s Southland.
IPO is a leading performing arts organization in Chicago’s Southland, providing professional orchestral music of beauty and excellence to the region. The orchestra’s repertoire ranges from Baroque and Classical masterpieces to world premieres and modern favorites. The Illinois Council of Orchestras named IPO the “Illinois Professional Orchestra of the Year” in 2020, 2010, and 1991, recognizing IPO’s overall commitment to artistic excellence.
During the 2026-27 season, IPO will perform several concerts in two venues: Lincoln-Way North High School in Frankfort and The Center at GovState in University Park. The orchestra also performs a myriad of educational offerings for youth each season via our educational arm, The Marilynn Tannebaum Youth Music Education Institute. In addition to the Mainstage season, IPO’s summer chamber series occurs annually at Olympia Fields Country Club.
From our community orchestra roots in Park Forest, the 69-member orchestra has grown into a critically acclaimed professional regional orchestra. Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra is supported in part by Ozinga Foundation, Gerhard Manufacturing and Design, Michuda Construction, Distinctive Gold Jewelry, OpenAI Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council.
CORE VALUES
Welcoming — Whoever you are, IPO welcomes you to be inspired by what you hear and see, meet others who share your interest or love of music, and find your own joy in the shared experiences of live symphonic music.
Inclusive — IPO believes in the power of diverse viewpoints and a reimagining of assumptions. Our orchestra builds community through music, intentionally fostering inclusivity through the breaking down of barriers and an openness to new musical experiences.
Striving for Excellence — Quality and attention-to-detail matter. IPO pushes artistic boundaries while delivering stunningly beautiful concerts and explorations that reflect our lived experiences. IPO provides excellent music, life-changing youth music programs, and a friendly atmosphere, close to home.
IPO HISTORY
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 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, a regionally centralized location. Maestro DeLeone became Conductor Laureate of the IPO in 2011. After an international search process, IPO appointed David Danzmayr as Music Director, serving from 2012-2016 and expanding 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’s Board of Directors announced the hiring of Stilian Kirov as Music Director beginning with the 40th Anniversary Season. Kirov has expanded IPO’s repertoire and developed Classical Evolve, the company’s first Composer-in-Residence Competition.
IPO has a long track record of expertly managing concerts and youth programming. Executive and Artistic leadership bring vitality to the organization with an eye towards future programming growth, increasing community partnerships, and strengthening IPO’s fiscal foundation. IPO is led by a 24-member Board of Directors focused on aligning the organization’s goals to the needs of the diverse Chicago Southland. IPO believes in the power of high-quality music and music education to transform lives.