Bloomington-Normal Symphony Orchestra Collection Processed by Kay Lynn Lukenheimer Fall 2003 Table of Contents Collection Information Historical Sketch Important Dates Conductors and Presidents Scope and Content Note Box and Folder Inventory

Bloomington-Normal Symphony Orchestra in the Scottish Rite Temple in an undated photograph from the Archives.

 

Collection Information
Volume of Collection:	Six Boxes.
Collection Dates:	1950-1997.
Restrictions:	None.
Reproduction Rights:	Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection must be obtained in writing from the McLean County Museum of History.
Alternative Formats:	None.
Other Finding Aids:	None.
Location:	Archives Annex
Notes:	See also scrapbook collection O-B-3, audio recordings of select concerts, Symphony Guild cookbooks, and An index to the programs of the Bloomington-Normal symphony orchestra, 1944-1974 by Glenn Patton (located in Milner Library).

Historical Sketch

The origins of the Bloomington-Normal Symphony Orchestra are in the Philharmonic Society. It was formed in the late 1920s, and directed by Dean Alfred Hiles Bergen of Illinois Wesleyan University. This group was made up of people from Illinois Wesleyan and the surrounding community and consisted of a chorus and an orchestra to accompany it. Most notable was the group's annual performance of Handel's Messiah. Also preceding the Symphony was the Bloomington Band, directed by Frederick Ashton. This group was made up of community members as well. In 1944, efforts to form the B-N Symphony began. Leading these efforts were Louis Williams, organizer of the group's first fund drive; Frances Elfstrand, first B-N Symphony Society president; and James Bichett, overseer of organizational matters. Dr. Robert Hargraves of IWU became the group's first conductor. Members of the Symphony were made up of Illinois Wesleyan and Illinois State Normal University faculty, community members, and a few high school students. The premiere concert was on Thursday, December 7, 1944, in the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Bloomington. Throughout the years, many exciting things happened to the B-N Symphony. Several notable guest artists performed with the Symphony, including Jack Benny, Felicia Montealegre, Benno and Sylvia Rainoff, Howard Hanson, and Peter Schickele. Along with the big-name performers, the Symphony often featured contest winners. The Young Artist's Auditions was created in 1960, with the winner featured as a soloist the Symphony. The winner of the first Van Cliburn International Piano Competition also played with the B-N Symphony, a tradition that continues to this day with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. A women's symphony guild was formed in 1961; this group presented children's concerts, raised money, and increased interest in the Symphony. It is also interesting to note that the Symphony Guild published two cookbooks: "Symphony in Food" (1962) and "Coda" (1972). In 1984, the Boards of the Bloomington-Normal Symphony and the Springfield Symphony formed a cooperative alliance after the B-N Symphony Music Director resigned suddenly. The two groups already shared musicians, so the alliance was natural. In the following years, the Illinois Chamber Orchestra and the Springfield Symphony Chorus were formed to provide audiences and musicians with more performances and a broader repertoire. On July 1, 1993, after two years of planning, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra was formed. This group took the place of the Bloomington-Normal and Springfield Symphonies and still performs several concerts a year in Normal and Springfield.

Important Dates

December 7, 1944 The Bloomington-Normal Symphony Orchestra performs its first concert. 1949 Guest artists begin to perform with the Symphony. 1954 The Symphony celebrates its first ten years. 1962 The "Symphony in Food" cookbook is published by the Symphony Guild. 1964 The first Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winner performs with the Symphony. October 8-14, 1971 The mayors of Bloomington and Normal name this week the Bloomington-Normal Symphony Week. 1972 The "Coda" cookbook is published by the Symphony Guild. 1974-75 Season 1975-76 Season The Symphony celebrates the nation's bicentennial by featuring an American piece in each concert. 1978 The position of General Manager is created. 1983-84 Season The Symphony celebrates its 40th season. July 1, 1993 The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is formed; the group performs dual concerts in Normal and Springfield.

 

Scope and Contents Note

The Bloomington-Normal Symphony Orchestra collection consists of six boxes. The material dates from 1950 to 1997. The B-N Symphony ceased to exist in 1993 when it merged with the Springfield Symphony to form the Illinois Symphony. The two boxes hold a wide range of material. The Bloomington-Normal Symphony Orchestra collection consists of six boxes. The material dates from 1950 to 1997. The B-N Symphony ceased to exist in 1993 when it merged with the Springfield Symphony to form the Illinois Symphony. The two boxes hold a wide range of material. Box 1 Contains newspaper clippings ranging from 1954 to 1997. Box 2 Contains a miscellaneous assortment of concert programs, photographs and biographies of guest artists, photographs of Symphony members, concert tickets, concert advertisements, Symphony mailings, and promotional items. The programs are an incomplete set from the years 1950 to 1993. The programs from the 1983-84 season, the group's 40th anniversary, give summaries of the Symphony's first 40 years. Some of the artist photographs are autographed. Box 3 Contains minutes and financial records dating from 1961 to 1998. Box 4 and Box 5 Contain season information, from 1952 to 1967 and 1967 to 1978, respectively. Box 6 Contains a miscellaneous assortment of newsletters, reports, correspondence, Symphony Guild information, etc.

Box and Folder Inventory

Box 1	Newspaper Clippings
Folder 1	Newspaper clippings, 1954-69
Folder 2	Newspaper clippings, 1970-72
Folder 3	Newspaper clippings, 1973-74
Folder 4	Newspaper clippings, 1975
Folder 5	Newspaper clippings, 1976-77
Folder 6	Newspaper clippings, 1978-79
Folder 7	Newspaper clippings, 1980-88
Folder 8	Newspaper clippings, 1989
Folder 9	Newspaper clippings, 1990
Folder 10	Newspaper clippings, 1991
Folder 11	Newspaper clippings, 1992
Folder 12	Newspaper clippings, 1993-97
Folder 13	Newspaper clippings, exact dates unknown.