Go Beyond the Stage with your Illinois Symphony Orchestra at the Pillsbury Factory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact Beth Wakefield
217-522-2838 x4
bwakefield@ilsymphony.org

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO) goes Beyond the Stage with new concert experiences that take YOU to unique venues for immersive, themed ensemble performances. From factory and warehouse settings to mansions and yoga studios, Listen Live, be surprised, and experience the artistry of the ISO like you have never experienced it before. Executive Director Trevor Orthmann states, “We are very excited to launch our Beyond the Stage performances at the Pillsbury Factory, working with Moving Pillsbury Forward, to create an experience combining music, art, and food in this unique setting.”

Our inaugural Beyond the Stage concert experience is set for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the former Pillsbury Factory located on the northeast side of Springfield, Illinois. The ISO's Percussion Ensemble and Piano Trio, featuring Piano, Violin, Viola, will perform in the C-mill of the old Pillsbury Mills. Local Artist Robert Mazrim said, “the musicians will be surrounded by the spray-painted murals created by local artists, as well as the rich patina of the 87-year-old factory floor, which will provide for a unique acoustic experience beyond the traditional concert hall.”

This ticketed event includes the performance experience and hors d'oeuvres catered by Conn's Catering along with a cash bar. The event is co-hosted by Moving Pillsbury Forward with all the event proceeds supporting the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

Go Beyond the Stage on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Pillsbury Factory. Gates will open at 6:00 PM with the performance beginning at 7:00 PM. Purchase tickets at ilsymphony.org/Pillsbury. Single tickets are $40 per person prior to the event and $50 per person at the gate (Cards Only).

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Beyond the Stage at the Pillsbury Factory is in partnership with Moving Pillsbury Forward. Vice President Polly Poskin said, “we are thrilled to partner with the ISO on this next concert experience. It’s like having a prime seat to the premier of this new immersive concert experience.” Proceeds from the event will go to support your Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

For more information about the ISO, go to ilsymphony.org.

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO), led by Music Director Taichi Fukumura, is central Illinois’ largest professional orchestra serving over 35,000 patrons in the communities of Bloomington-Normal, Springfield and the surrounding region with symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, and Concerts for Kids series in each community. In addition to concert performances, the Orchestra's music education and outreach programs serve pre-K and elementary schools through the Itsy Arts and Music Matters education programs and reach middle schools, high schools, universities, community organizations and senior centers through guest artist residencies and musician and ensemble performances. The ISO also has an active Around the Town Chamber Music Series and virtual Sunday at Six Recital Series. The Illinois Symphony Orchestra has a budget of approximately $1.4 million.

In July 2020, the ISO acquired the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony (SVYS) started in the early 1970s by parents, music teachers and musicians to keep string instrument education and a youth orchestra in Springfield and surrounding communities following the elimination of all school orchestra programs. Now, the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras (ISYO) programs consist of Starter and Junior Strings, Preparatory Orchestra, Concert Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra serving over 300 students. The ISO also has a partnership in education and community engagement (PEACE) with the UIS-School of Music and Illinois State University’s Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts and School of Music.

Additional information about the Illinois Symphony Orchestra is available at www.ilsymphony.org.

The ISO is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

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