Peoria Symphony Orchestra Announces New Partnership with Bradley University Student Ambassadors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEORIA, IL [September 24, 2025] The Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is proud to announce a new partnership with Bradley University through the launch of its Student Ambassador Program. This initiative brings together Bradley students who will serve as ambassadors to encourage their peers to attend PSO performances and experience world-class symphonic music right here in Peoria.

Thanks to the generosity of a PSO patron, season tickets for student ambassadors have been donated, and all Bradley University students can now purchase tickets to PSO concerts for just $10. To access the discount, students simply need to call the symphony office at 309-671-1096 or visit the PSO offices at 101 State Street in downtown Peoria. 

“This exciting partnership will be one of many in the future,” said Anthony Marotta, Executive Director of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. “The PSO is committed to educating and entertaining our local students, and we believe this collaboration will spark lifelong appreciation for music. It’s especially timely as we prepare for Titanic Live on Saturday, September 27th at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater. The live music with film will be a truly unforgettable experience that will showcase the power of music to move and inspire.”

George Stelluto, Music Director of the PSO, shared his enthusiasm: “I’m very excited and grateful for this new collaboration with Bradley University! Thank you, President Shadid, all the ambassadors, and students for this opportunity to share the joy that great music can bring to us as individuals and as a community.”

Bradley University President Jim Shadid praised the initiative, stating: “Bradley University and the Peoria Symphony Orchestra are two foundational pillars of Peoria. We have been bound together since our very beginnings, when Lydia Moss Bradley and the orchestra’s first conductor, Harold Plowe, envisioned the symphony as both an educational and cultural treasure. Now more than 125 years later, it is inspiring to see the orchestra continue that mission by welcoming and engaging Bradley students as part of its audience and its future.” 

Students themselves are eager to be part of the program. Bradley student ambassador Bailey Gordon commented: “I’m thrilled to be a student ambassador for the symphony. Music has the power to bring people together, and I think a lot of my classmates will be surprised at how exciting and moving these concerts can be. It’s a great opportunity to experience something truly special in Peoria.”

The Peoria Symphony Orchestra looks forward to welcoming Bradley students to its concerts and building a long-lasting partnership that will enrich the cultural fabric of Central Illinois.

About the Peoria Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1897, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra is the 14th oldest orchestra in the United States. Its mission is to entertain, educate, and inspire through live musical performances that celebrate the power and beauty of symphonic music.

About Bradley University

Founded in 1897, Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Ill., offering students a personalized, transformative experience to prepare them for future success. With more than 100 programs, a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, and guaranteed experiential learning opportunities for 100% of students, Bradley provides an individualized hands-on education with nationally recognized faculty. Bradley offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate academic programs including business, communication, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.

Media Contact:
Ashley Hade
Marketing and Sales Manager
Peoria Symphony Orchestra
Phone: 309-671-1096
Email: ashley@peoriasymphony.org