The Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has been named as the recipient of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce Small Business All-American City Award. The orchestra will be recognized and receive the award at a luncheon on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at the Creve Coeur Club in Peoria, IL.
Music Director George Stelluto is excited about the award and said: “I am very happy that the PSO musicians, staff, and Board are receiving this well-deserved recognition. They have worked hard to get where we are now and the PSO’s dedication to bringing excellent, meaningful cultural experiences to all of our citizens is unrivaled.”
Recognized for its excellent programming and performances, the orchestra presents eight subscription concerts each season as well as an annual concert for young people attended by some three thousand students. In addition to these concerts, the PSO offers chamber music
performances, outreach presentations, and masterclasses throughout the region in schools, universities, hospitals, and other venues. PSO orchestral and chamber music performances, as well as educational programs, are broadcast regularly on WCBU public radio and on public television station WTVP. From 2011 to 2014, the PSO received numerous awards including the nationally prestigious ASCAP Award for Adventuresome Programming and the Illinois Council of Orchestras Professional Orchestra of the Year Award. In November 2013, the PSO organized a Tornado Relief Concert that attracted 250 volunteer musicians to perform Handel’s Messiah.
The PSO is the 14th longest serving orchestra in the United States. Now in it’s 117th Season, it began with conductor Harold Plowe and his vision for an orchestra in Peoria in 1897. That year, the Peoria Star newspaper wrote, “An orchestra is to be organized under the auspices of the Bradley Institute for the study of orchestral compositions of the best masters, classic and modern. It will be open to all persons who possess the requisite musical skill and are otherwise suitable for membership.” Plowe served as Music Director until 1927. In June of 2010, George Stelluto was appointed the PSO’s 16th Music Director. He is now in his fourth season leading the orchestra. He also serves on the faculty of the Juilliard School and as Associate Conductor of the Ravinia Festival.