PSO Guild

The Peoria Symphony Guild’s purpose is to promote the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and to extend the reach of the Symphony’s Educational Outreach efforts. We invite anyone who is interested to join us – no auditions or musical talent is required!

Our membership consists of people who share an appreciation of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra’s contributions to our local cultural and educational landscape. Many members contribute time, talent, and treasure in support of efforts such as:

• Youth Outreach – Puppet Troupe (K-3) and Annual Student Concert (3-12)
• Fostering Young Talent – Young Artist Competition
• Events for Members and Guests – Musical Bridges, Welcome Coffee, Holiday Luncheon, Spring Luncheon, and Golf Scramble
• PSO Musician and Audience Appreciation – providing hospitality at rehearsals and audience appreciation receptions

Peoria Symphony Guild was founded in 1951 as an auxiliary of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and is organized by the authority of and under the charter of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, a 501(c)(3) organization.

History

The Peoria Symphony Guild, established in 1951, provides educational and community outreach for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and classical music, in addition to generating financial support for Peoria Symphony performances.

The Guild presents daytime annual Student Concerts for thousands of school children and their teachers in central Illinois, a tradition since 1954.

The Guild sponsors the Young Artist Competition for instrumentalists and vocalists, 18-years-old and younger. Talented young musicians compete to perform as a soloist with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra at annual Student Concerts. The winner also receives a scholarship award. This is the fourth decade of the Guild’s Young Artist Competition.

The Guild’s Puppet Troupe brings classical music in a light-hearted form to elementary schools in the Peoria area. The Guild is proud of this award-winning tradition of over 50 years.

Guild Leadership

• Patrick Caplis, President
• Louisa Blanchard, Vice President
• Vacant, Secretary
• Shellie Schwanke, Immediate Past President