The Illinois Council of Orchestras is pleased to announce the 2022 recipients of its annual awards for excellence in the field of music performance and for support of musical organizations. An awards panel of judges drawn from the Illinois Council of Orchestras Board of Directors and independent professional conductors and musicians reviewed nominations representing orchestras, youth orchestras, and chamber ensembles from throughout Illinois.
The ICO honored the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra with the Community Orchestra of the Year award. The Elmhurst Symphony’s music director is Stephen Alltop.
In addition, Alltop was named Conductor of the Year of a professional orchestra for his work with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, which was awarded Guild of the Year.
The Illinois Council of Orchestras was founded in 1974 with a mission: to encourage, promote, and assist orchestras throughout the State of Illinois; to promote an exchange of information among members, including providing consultants and speakers; and, to hold educational conferences for member organizations, including musicians, staff, boards, volunteers, and audiences.
