Welcome to IPO’S 47^th season as a professional orchestra. We are thrilled you have joined us for a dazzling array of programming and exceptional performances under the baton of Maestro Stilian Kirov.

Our season begins with an evening of three great American symphonies. Maestro Kirov and the orchestra will share the rhythmic vitality and lyricism of John Vincent in his Symphony in D. The program also includes Symphony No. 3, Sunday Symphony by William Grant Still, the first African American composer to have a symphony performed by a professional orchestra in the United States. Additionally, opening night will see the Midwest premiere of David Diamond’s Symphony No. 2. This piece was composed before World War II and became somewhat lost in the post-war era, but its mysterious, expansive grandeur will awe you.

In October, the IPO will make its first foray into the genre of musical theater with its production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in partnership with Governors State University and Kokandy Productions. We are excited the production will feature musicians, actors and singers who are all Chicago area natives.

We follow up this first for the IPO with a return to classical works by Mozart, Rachmaninoff and Mendelssohn conducted by the IPO’s own Conductor Laureate, Carmon DeLeone, who served as Music Director of the IPO for 25 years. During his tenure as Music Director, the IPO was twice awarded the “Illinois Orchestra of the Year” by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.

You will not want to miss Handel’s Messiah in December. Maestro Kirov in collaboration with Dr. Keith Hampton will conduct the IPO Orchestra and the Chicago Community Chorus in a rousing performance that is sure to brighten your holiday season.

We are grateful for you, our patrons and donors. Your enthusiasm and generosity allow the IPO to inspire the people and communities of Chicago’s Southland. 

I look forward to seeing you at many of the concerts this 2024-25 season. Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Karen Hoag,
IPO Board President