The Peoria Symphony Orchestra performs its final concert of the season, Grand Slam Jam
For Immediate Release: May 6th, 2026
PEORIA, IL – The PSO’s last concert for the season will be performed at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater on May 15th, 2026, at 7:30 pm. Accompanying the PSO for Grand Slam Jam is guest pianist, Orion Weiss.
Orion is a highly sought-after pianist who has performed all around the world. He graduated from the Juilliard School in 2004 and, since then, has won awards such as the Classical Recording Foundation’s Artist of the Year award, the Gilmore Young Artist Award, the Gina Bachauer Scholarship at the Juilliard School, and more. He’s been recognized in the New York Times, Washington Post, and other publications, noting his brilliant playing, powerful technique, and wide range of colors in his playing.
In February of 2025, he released the third record of his album trilogy, Arc III. Since then, he has performed across the U.S. with many other Symphony Orchestras and music groups such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and many more.
Grand Slam Jam will feature a variety of pieces, which include works by Duke Ellington, Frank Zappa, Leonard Bernstein, The Moody Blues, and Keith Emerson. Maestro Stelluto explains: “If you like to think outside the box, this is the concert for you! It’s an electric, eclectic, and exciting musical roller coaster ride not for the faint of heart! Leonard Bernstein and Duke Ellington combining Jazz, Broadway, and popular music with the power of the orchestra. Rock rebels Frank Zappa, Keith Emerson, and Justin Hayward doing the same with Rock. So, strap in, buckle up, and keep your hands inside the vehicle while riding!”
About Orion Weiss
One of the most sought-after soloists and chamber music collaborators today, Orion Weiss is a “brilliant pianist” (The New York Times) who has performed with all of the major orchestras of North America and at all of the major venues and music festivals.
In February 2025, Weiss released Arc III, the final album in his Arc recital trilogy on First Hand Records. Known for his affinity for chamber music, Weiss performs with artists such as violinists James Ehnes, Augustin Hadelich, and William Hagen; pianists Michael Stephen Brown and Shai Wosner; and many string quartets, including the Ariel, Parker, and Pacifica Quartets.
A native of Ohio, Weiss attended the Cleveland Institute of Music and made his Cleveland Orchestra debut in 1999. In 2004, he graduated from the Juilliard School. Weiss’s awards include the Classical Recording Foundation’s Young Artist of the Year, Gilmore Young Artist Award, an Avery Fisher Career Grant, and more. Learn more: www.orionweiss.com.
Ticket Information
Tickets start at $34 for Adults. Students can attend for just $15—and Bradley and ICC Student Tickets are $10 thanks to our Student Ambassador Program. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit peoriasymphony.org/purchase-tickets or call 309-671-1096.
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About Peoria Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1897, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to entertain, educate, and inspire through music. The PSO presents excellent live musical performances, innovative music education programs, and engaging community outreach efforts, which significantly impact the cultural and economic vitality of Central Illinois.
For media inquires or more information
Ashley Hade, Marketing and Communications, Peoria Symphony Orchestra.
Email: ashley@peoriasymphony.org // Direct line: 309-465-1563
