OTTAWA – The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra (IVSO) proudly continues its Diamond Anniversary celebration with a spectacular holiday performance, The Sparkle of the Season, on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. at the Ottawa High School Auditorium. This milestone 75th season event promises to delight audiences with timeless holiday classics and vibrant musical performances under the masterful direction of IVSO’s esteemed conductor, Dr. Daniel Sommerville.

Joining the IVSO for this festive concert are the Illinois Valley Community College Collegiate Choir and the Ottawa High School choirs, who will perform Shaw and Bennett’s The Many Moods of Christmas and selections from Handel’s Messiah, featuring soprano Jenilyn Roether. The concert will also showcase Michael W. Smith’s powerful Glory Overture and additional selections by the guest choirs.

The event will begin with a special welcome address by Daniel Thomas, Illinois Deputy Director of Tourism, making this a truly memorable occasion.

Post-Concert Celebration

at Tangled Roots Brewing Company

To continue the celebration, a post-concert event will be held at Tangled Roots Brewing Company in downtown Ottawa. As part of a unique partnership, Tangled Roots has crafted a special lager, Maestro, infused with a hint of blood orange, to commemorate the IVSO’s 75th Anniversary. Guests can also purchase commemorative IVSO 75th Anniversary beer steins at the concert, creating the perfect keepsake from this historic season.

“Celebrating 75 years of music and community is a truly remarkable achievement,” said Rich Crum, IVSO Board Vice-President. “This season is not just a milestone for the orchestra, but for the Illinois Valley as a whole. We are thrilled to share this celebration with our audience, and the partnership with Tangled Roots Brewing Company is a perfect way to bring the community together.”

Ticket Information

Tickets for The Sparkle of the Season are on sale now. Don’t miss this wonderful way to usher in the holiday season while celebrating the IVSO’s extraordinary legacy. For tickets and more information, visit www.ivso.org

Celebrate the joy of the holidays and 75 years of symphonic excellence with the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra – a tradition of music, community, and inspiration.