About Us

The Heartland Festival Orchestra is a new, versatile, and innovative chamber orchestra composed of the finest professional musicians Central Illinois has to offer. The number of players varies, sometimes being quite small, in the spirit of chamber music, and sometimes increasing for special occasions and projects. Our concerts are presented in a variety of locations, and each one benefits a charity partner doing great work for our community.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Heartland Festival Orchestra is to serve Peoria and the extended community of Central Illinois with a level of musical excellence, innovation, imagination, and outreach new to the region. Recruiting the finest among the region's professional musicians, our performances will vary in musical styles and periods, ensemble type and size, and venue. Our concerts will challenge the stereotypes of classical music performance, inviting audiences to participate in an informal, spontaneous, and interactive experience.

The HFO is fundamentally committed to balancing artistic, educational, and financial goals in a way which respects the differing expertise, roles, and responsibilities of its partners: Directors, Musicians, Staff, Trustees, Sponsors, and Concertgoers. We are committed to seeking out partners among local and regional charitable organizations in order that they may share in outreach and financial benefit from our concerts.