March 7 Concert
Happy Birthday, America!
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Krannert Center
Taimur Sullivan, alto saxophone
Maestro Stephen Alltop and CUSO will perform a wide-ranging program of music to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Samuel Barber’s beautiful Adagio for Strings, Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story,” and John Williams’ cool jazz music from the film “Catch Me if You Can,” featuring Taimur Sullivan on alto saxophone, are some of the American musical highlights presented. Get concert and ticket details here.
May 2 Verdi’s Requiem
Verdi’s Requiem
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Krannert Center
With the awe-inspiring power of the full orchestra and large chorus, the powerful music of Verdi’s Requiem reaches deep into our souls. CUSO is joined by the University of Illinois Meredith Chamber Singers, UIUC Oratorio Society, and the UIUC Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs. To hear this masterpiece, sung by the combined choirs of the University of Illinois in the resplendent Foellinger Great Hall, will be a stunning experience. Get concert and ticket 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.
Join the CUSO Guild
Formed in 1962 to establish a strong foundation of community support for the Symphony, the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Guild has a proud history of volunteer service and leadership. The Guild has been CUSO’s key partner in providing youth music education programs that benefit hundreds of children in our community. For information on Guild membership and volunteer opportunities, get program details here.
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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