Organization Mission and History

Since 1974, the Illinois Council of Orchestras (ICO) has served as the statewide advocacy and service organization for the orchestral community in Illinois. The Illinois Council of Orchestras was founded with the following mission:

  • To advocate for and to promote the development and success of Illinois orchestras and to respond to their needs
  • To promote an exchange of ideas and resources among members
  • To provide a system of communication to meet mutual needs and concerns
  • To encourage financial support for orchestras from all possible sources
  • To sponsor educational conferences, workshops, and other activities for the betterment of member orchestras.

Membership is open to orchestras

The Illinois Council of Orchestra, serves over 130 organizations and their 1,000 plus board, staff and musician members. ICO’s members are comprised of professional, academic, youth, and community-based orchestras, choruses, and festivals in Illinois and across the midwest.

ICO is governed by a 20-member Board of Directors who hail from arts organizations all over the state of Illinois. ICO's headquarters are in Chicago.

Click here for the ICO Brochure »