The Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is a professional member orchestra comprised of approximately 80 musicians lead by Music Director David Commanday. The PSO presents a seven-concert classical subscription series, pops performances and student concerts annually at the 2000 seat Peoria Civic Center Theater. The season balances performances by internationally renowned soloists and local artists, popular works and 20th Century compositions as well as familiar and unique solo instruments and attracts over 1600 season subscription ticket holders per year! Through the years, Peoria Symphony audiences have enjoyed top-quality soloists like Itzhak Perlman, Dudley Moore, Andre Watts, Jerry Hadley, Awadagin Pratt, Sarah Vaughan, the Atlantic Brass Quintet and Eroica Trio to name a few.
Additional pops and chamber concerts are held at various settings throughout the community and ensembles of PSO musicians present in-school programs to approximately 80 area grade schools exposing students to symphonic instruments and music. The PSO also continues an outreach effort with Common Place allowing children of various income levels the same musical exposure. Educating adults as well, the Symphony offers complimentary, informative pre-concert talks prior to each classical performance. These popular, entertaining lectures are hosted by musicians, soloists and local music educators.
The PSO is governed by a 27 member board of directors made up of community volunteers and in addition to the musicians, employs a small full-time & part-time staff. Also part of the PSO family are the Peoria Symphony Guild, which organizes fundraisers and presents educational music programs as well as the Peoria Symphony Foundation, which ensures the PSO's long-term financial stability.
The vision of the PSO states: The Peoria Symphony Orchestra provides excellent performances of classical and modern music to a large and diverse audience in varied settings. Through a team effort of boards, staff, volunteers and musicians, the PSO will develop aggressive programs of education, marketing and development. Cooperative efforts with local organizations will enable us to enrich the mind, life and culture -the soul- of our community.
