Maestro Stilian Kirov will conduct the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra through the 2022-23 season. Kirov, a native of Bulgaria, is a graduate of The Julliard School and has a master’s degree in conducting from the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris. Kirov joined the IPO as music director in 2017.
Maestro Stilian Kirov will conduct the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra through the 2022-23 season.
graduate of The Julliard
School, Stilian Kirov will
once again conduct for
the Illinois Philharmonic
Orchestra. (Provided photo)
Kirov joined the IPO as music director in 2017 and has “brought a wonderful exuberance to IPO over the past two seasons, resulting in critically acclaimed concerts, a renewed commitment to American music, investment in community and educational programming and a focused approach to nurturing new artistic voices through the Classical Evolve composer competition,” said Christina Salerno, IPO executive director.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with Maestro Kirov’s dedication to growing IPO’s musical influence and we look forward to his continued leadership in the coming seasons,” she added.
Kirov, a native of Bulgaria, is a graduate of The Julliard School and has a master’s degree in conducting from the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris. He received the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award in 2016, 2017, 2018 and again this year.
IPO is one of several regional orchestras he is conducting.
“Through his leadership, the orchestra continues as a premier artistic partner in the metropolitan Chicago region, presenting extraordinary concerts with a vibrant repertoire,” said Michael Rogers, IPO board president.
IPO is concluding its 41st year. The 69-member orchestra is a critically acclaimed professional regional orchestra. Performances are given at Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights.
IPO is supported, in part, by Bimba/IMI Precision Engineering, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, Ozinga Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.