OX

The Knox-Galesburg Symphony is a distinguished musical organization with a rich history dating back to its inaugural subscription season in 1951. Initially, performances were held at Beecher Chapel in Galesburg, but as the audience expanded, the venue shifted to Central Congregational Church, then to Harbach Theatre, and ultimately settled at the Orpheum Theatre. The Symphony's growth is marked by the addition of two subscription concerts and various non-subscription events, including the much-anticipated annual Pops concert. Dedicated to community engagement and arts education, the Symphony has implemented several outreach programs. These include Music Mornings at the Galesburg Public Library, Music Memories for students at the Orpheum, the annual Young Pianists Competition, in-school tours, and music appreciation classes, all aimed at fostering a love for music among youth and adults alike. The Symphony is known for attracting exceptional musicians from within a 100-mile radius and featuring guest artists of regional, national, and international acclaim. Its commitment to high-quality performances is evident in its frequent broadcasts on public radio stations, which serve to extend its reach beyond the immediate geographical area. In 1997, the Knox-Galesburg Symphony embarked on a tour of Spain, delivering sold-out performances in cities such as Lleida, Reus, Girona, and Barcelona's prestigious Palau de la Musica. The following year marked a significant achievement when composer Eric Speier chose the KGS over other orchestras from the United States and Europe to perform his film score for a Columbia Tri-Star Home Video release. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2001, the Symphony collaborated with the Saint Louis Ballet to perform "The Nutcracker," further solidifying its reputation as a cultural cornerstone of Galesburg and west-central Illinois. The Knox-Galesburg Symphony's dedication to artistic excellence and innovative programming has been recognized with numerous awards and honors bestowed by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. These accolades include Orchestra of the Year, Conductor of the Year, General Manager of the Year, Cultural Leadership of the Year, Programming of the Year, Community Relations of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Board President of the Year, and Contributor of the Year. Additionally, the ICO has presented Meritorious Awards to Knox College, NAEIR, and Wells Fargo Bank for their unwavering support of the Symphony. The Knox-Galesburg Symphony stands as a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire communities, maintaining high artistic standards and a commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of its region.