ASO History

Founded in 1945, the Alton Symphony Orchestra is one of only a few organizations dedicated to the performance of live symphonic music in the southwestern Illinois region.  For over 7 decades, the symphony has provided quality orchestral music to the residents and artists throughout the Riverbend area.  ASO has continuously served the region as a cultural force, broadening the awareness and importance of the arts in the community, while making itself easily accessible to persons of all ages and backgrounds.

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The purpose of the Alton Symphony Orchestra is to supply quality musical programs for an audience and present local musicians the opportunity to play.  Our current goal is to enhance the appreciation of fine music in a more diverse audience, develop the appreciation of orchestral music in children, and augment the number of young musicians in the orchestra.

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