Illinois Council of Orchestras Announces Annual Awards
The Illinois Council of Orchestras is pleased to announce the 2016 recipients of its annual awards for excellence in the field of music performance and for support of musical organizations. An awards panel of judges drawn from the Illinois Council of Orchestras Board of Directors and independent professional musicians reviewed nominations representing orchestras, youth orchestras, and chamber ensembles from throughout Illinois.
The 2016 ICO Awards:
Professional Orchestra of the Year Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Grams, Music Director
Community Orchestra of the Year Lakeview Orchestra
Gregory Hughes, Artistic Director
Youth Orchestra of the Year Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra
Allen Tinkham, Music Director
Conductor of the Year (professional orchestra category) Steven Larsen, Music Director
Rockford Symphony Orchestra
Conductor of the Year (community orchestra category) Gregory Hughes, Artistic Director
Lakeview Orchestra
Executive Director or General Manager of the Year Laura Evancho, Executive Director
Heartland Festival Orchestra
Guild of the Year Friends of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra
Volunteer of the Year Taylor Scott
Lakeview Orchestra
The Illinois Council of Orchestras was founded in 1974 with a mission:
- to encourage, promote, and assist orchestras throughout the State of Illinois
- to promote an exchange of information among members, including providing consultants and speakers
- to hold educational conferences for member organizations, including musicians, staff, boards, volunteers, and audiences.