Illinois Council of Orchestras Annual Awards

2025 Award Nominations Open

Awards Application

Each year the ICO conducts an awards program to recognize orchestras, conductors, and volunteers that have demonstrated exceptional achievement. These highly sought-after awards provide local and statewide recognition to both individuals and their organizations. An independent panel of judges reviews materials in spring, and awards are announced in late spring. Members of the ICO Board of Directors will make a formal presentation during the spring, upon request, to each of the award-winning orchestras at a concert or other special occasion.

ICO will be taking into account all of the virtual achievements that were made by our members, in addition to any in person events that were able to take place. 

Only current ICO member orchestras are eligible for these prestigious annual awards.

Awards Application: The deadline to apply for the a 2025 Awards is Monday, February 3, 2025.

2025 Awards Brochure
This brochure contains information regarding the application process and the requirements for applying for an award. 

 Requirements for Applying for an Award

  • Deadline for applications February 3, 2025
  • All applicants must be current members of the Illinois Council of Orchestras.
  • Awards will be based on achievements of the past season, 2023-2024
  • An organization may apply for awards in more than one category in the same year. If applying for an award in more than one category, you will need to submit a seperate nomination form for each category.
  • After having received an award, an organization will not be considered for an award in the same category for a period of five years. The organization may apply in other categories. 
  • The Illinois Council of Orchestras reserves the right not to name a winner in every category.
  • Ensemble definitions:
    • A community orchestra is one in which at least 60% of the musicians are either volunteers or are paid less than union scale.
    • A college/university orchestra is one in which at least 75% of the musicians are registered students.


Award Recipients: If requested, one on-site presentation will be made at a performance by winning orchestras in 2025 or 2026, by a member of the Board of the ICO.

Awards Application

Award Categories

The Illinois Council of Orchestras reserves the right not to name a winner in every category.

  • Orchestra of the Year, professional orchestra
  • Orchestra of the Year, community orchestra
  • Orchestra of the Year, youth orchestras
  • Orchestra of the Year, chamber ensemble
  • Conductor of the Year, professional orchestra
  • Conductor of the Year, community/small orchestra
  • Conductor of the Year, college/university orchestra
  • Board President of the Year
  • Executive Director or General Manager of the Year
  • Volunteer of the Year
  • Programming of the Year
  • Community Relations of the Year
  • Guild of the Year
Awards Application

2024 ICO Award Winners 

The Illinois Council of Orchestras is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of its annual awards for excellence in the field of music performance and for support of musical organizations. An awards panel that included judges from the Illinois Council of Orchestras Board of Directors and from independent arts organizations reviewed nominations representing orchestras, youth orchestras, and chamber ensembles from throughout Illinois. 

Board President of the Year:  Margaret Gergen, Evanston Symphony Orchestra
Conductor of the Year (Youth Orchestra): Daniella Valdez, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
Conductor of the Year (Community):  David L. Crane, Southwest Symphony Orchestra
Education Program of the Year: EMA Youth Orchestra
Orchestra of the Year (Community Orchestra): Evanston Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra of the Year (Youth): Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Programming of the Year: Lakeview Orchestra
Volunteer of the Year: Alexandra Newman, Lakeview Orchestra
Cultural Leadership: Greg Clemons


2024 ICO Awards Press Release

Awards History