Mission & History
Mission
To entertain, educate, and inspire through music. The Peoria Symphony Orchestra presents excellent live musical performances, innovative music education programs, and engaging community outreach efforts, which significantly impact the cultural life of Central Illinois.
Peoria Symphony Orchestra 1917-1918. Founder of the PSO, Harold Plowe is the conductor.
History
The Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) was first known as the Bradley Symphony Orchestra under the direction and vision of musician and conductor Harold Plowe. On November 24, 1897, the Peoria Journal 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. The orchestra will be under the general supervision of Dr. C.T. Wyckoff of the Institute. It will be directed by Harold Plowe, whose experience as a teacher and conductor especially fit him for this service. It is hoped to make this a permanent feature of the educational work of the institute and Peoria.” Nineteen years later, on December 5, 1916, the Bradley Symphony Orchestra incorporated and was renamed the “Peoria Symphony Orchestra.”
Conductor Plowe retired in 1927. For the next 50 years, nearly a dozen different conductors directed the symphony. In 1978, Dr. William Wilsen took the podium and remained for 21 years. Under Wilsen’s direction, the Peoria Symphony rose to a new level and experienced a centennial celebration. In 1989, the PSO was acclaimed nationally and internationally when they played in Germany at the International Bodensee Festival.
During the 2009-2010 season, the PSO auditioned seven talented conductors, chosen from a pool of over 250 world wide applicants. In June of 2010, George Stelluto was selected to become the PSO’s new Music Director beginning with the opening concert of the 2010-2011 season on September 18, 2010 and is the PSO’s current Music Director.
Since 2010, he has brought the PSO to perform at the Ravinia Festival and on regular regional television and radio broadcasts. During the COVID pandemic, the PSO broadcast all of its concerts free on WTVP-public television, bringing the solace of music to the entire Central Illinois region.
Anthony Marotta became Executive Director of the PSO in April 2022. He works closely with the PSO Board of Directors and the PSO Foundation Board of Directors to guide the work of the PSO.
