Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra

The Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra Association (KVSOA) is a distinguished organization that encompasses the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra (KVSO), the Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra (KVYSO), the KVSO Women’s Board, and the KVSO Foundation. The association is dedicated to fostering musical education and providing public performances as a valuable cultural asset to the community. ### History The roots of the KVSOA can be traced back to the post-World War II era when various attempts were made to establish a symphony orchestra in Kankakee County, Illinois. Despite initial financial challenges, the desire for a local symphony persisted. In late 1965, a small group of local musicians began gathering to play chamber music, primarily for their enjoyment. This group expanded and, by March 1967, had grown to 25 players, leading to the formation of The Society for the Friends of Music. With an understanding of the potential community impact, the society's organizers aimed to extend beyond personal enjoyment to include musical education and public performance. The original charter of 1967 encapsulates these ambitions. The Society for the Friends of Music was officially chartered in Kankakee in late 1967, and on February 10, 1968, the newly formed Symphony Orchestra made its debut. The name of the ensemble evolved over time, becoming the Kankakee Symphony Orchestra in 1974 and later adopting the name Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra in 1986. ### Conductors Over the years, the KVSO has been under the baton of several esteemed conductors: - Reinhold Schuller (1967) - Bernard Fischer (1967-68) - Harlow Hopkins (1968-70) - Maria Tunicka (1970-74) - Ovid Young (1974-84) - Samuel Magad (1984-85) - Peter Lipari (1985-87) - Allan Dennis (1987-2023) ### KVYSO The Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra (KVYSO) is a crucial part of the association, focusing on the musical training of young musicians in grades 7-12. The KVYSO provides an opportunity for these students to learn from experienced educators in a university setting at Olivet Nazarene University. The youth orchestra performs various concerts throughout the year, with two main concerts held at ONU’s Larsen Fine Arts Center in the Kresge Auditorium. ### Community Engagement and Support The KVSOA is actively involved in the community, hosting events such as "Symphony of Style," "Music in the Park," and a special "July 4th Concert and Celebration." The organization also benefits from partnerships with corporate and community partners who share its mission and invest in the KVSO family. The KVSOA operates out of PO BOX 52, Kankakee, IL 60901, and can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by phone at 815-214-9555. The association's efforts are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and it encourages donations to continue its mission. The KVSOA maintains an active online presence with annual reports available on its website and keeps its audience engaged through social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube.