CUSO Season 66!
CUSO 2025-26 Season
The Thrill of the Orchestra
Join Maestro Stephen Alltop and CUSO for our 66th season, “The Thrill of the Orchestra,” featuring stunning works by Brahms, Bernstein, Rachmaninoff, Ravel, Verdi, and more!
Download the 2025-26 season brochure here.
Baroque Concert Nov 22
ConcertoFest
Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.
Faith United Methodist Church
Enjoy an afternoon of magnificent Baroque music performed in the stunning acoustics of Faith United Methodist Church in Champaign. Concertos by Handel, Haydn, and Albinoni will showcase performances by Maria Arrua on violin, John Dee on oboe, and Stephen Alltop on harpsichord and organ. Get concert and ticket details here.
Holiday Concert Dec 10
Good Tidings!
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Krannert Center
Emily Birsan, soprano
Begin your holiday season with this joyful musical celebration for the whole family. CUSO is joined by the beautiful voices of University of Illinois Meredith Chamber Singers, the Oratorio Society, and the Central Illinois Youth Chorus to perform a delightful mix of traditional and popular songs of the season. Get program details here.
Free Youth Concerts
The Composer’s Toolbox
Free Youth Concerts at Krannert Center
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
Educators and students in grades 3–6 are invited to join Maestro Stephen Alltop and CUSO for the 2026 Youth Concert, “The Composer’s Toolbox.” This fun, interactive program enables students to become composers, making decisions about instrumental sounds and colors! Admission is free. Registration is required. Get program details here.
CUSO Music Online
Music can transport us to another time and place. Experience the orchestral passion of Ottorino Respighi’s Pines of Rome, performed by CUSO in Foellinger Great Hall at Krannert Center. View the video of this extraordinary concert on YouTube.
For more CUSO concert performances, visit From the Hall.
Enjoy video performances by CUSO musicians at From the Heart.
Learn more about composers and their music in video talks by Stephen Alltop at From the Maestro.
Support the Music You Love
Since 1959, CUSO has thrived with generous community support. Your donation enables CUSO to continue this long tradition of musical excellence, showcasing the talents of local musicians to perform the music you love. Thank you!
Founded in 1959, the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra has a proud history and has been honored to be named the Professional Orchestra in Residence at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts since 1988. Over the years, CUSO has performed more than 350 concerts and showcased the talents of hundreds of local, professional musicians, bringing the magic of music to audiences of all ages. Led by Music Director and Conductor Stephen Alltop, the orchestra has earned a reputation for performance excellence that makes every concert an extraordinary experience. CUSO musicians are excited to share the thrilling music of our 66th season with you. Thank you for your support, which makes CUSO performances possible.
CUSO is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the community by providing symphonic music of the highest caliber through live performances and music education in the schools, the concert hall, and the community. CUSO is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
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