Founded in 1945, the Alton Symphony is one of only a few organizations dedicated to the performance of live symphonic music in the southern Illinois region.  For sixty six  years it has serviced the residents and artists throughout this area and has served 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.

Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Alton Symphony Orchestra is to supply quality musical programs for our audience and to 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 over a wider area, and augment the number of young musicians in the orchestra.

Since its inception the Orchestra has been operated by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of members of the community and musicians from the Orchestra. Currently comprised of 12 individuals, the board represents a diverse cross-section of business, professional and educational backgrounds. Also represented on the board are our two conductors, in an advisory capacity.

The present symphony season includes four subscription concerts, a children's concert in December, and a Pops fundraiser held in June.