Philharmonic Society of Belleville

Summer Intergenerational Orchestra Rehearsal
2025-06-02 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-06-09 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Philharmonic Hall, 116 N Jackson St, Belleville, Illinois, 62220, United States

Summer Intergenerational Concert
2025-07-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Belleville First Assembly of God, 900 Fair Oaks Drive, Belleville, IL, 62221, United States
The Belleville Philharmonic proudly presents its Summer Intergenerational Concert, a celebration of music that unites the community across generations. This inspiring event will be held on July 20 at 2:00 pm at Belleville First Assembly of God, 900 Fair Oaks Drive, Belleville, Illinois 62221, United States. This year’s concert features a remarkable turnout with close to 100 participants, highlighting the orchestra’s growing appeal. Notably, several families are performing together, including at least one family spanning three generations.

An Evening With Christine Brewer
2025-10-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Union United Methodist Church, 721 E Main St, Belleville, Illinois, 62220, United States
Please join us for the opening concert of the 160th Concert Season of the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra welcomes soprano Christine Brewer to perform on this celebratory program.

As a recognition of this anniversary year, the orchestra will open the season with the rousing Zampa Overture, by Ferdinand Hérold, which was played by the orchestra on its very first concert on January 26, 1867. The orchestra will also perform the symphonic poem, Die Moldau, by Bohemian composer Bedrich Smetana. This glorious piece evokes the flow of the Vtlava River (or in German, the Moldau) from its source in the mountains of the Bohemian Forest through the Czech countryside to the city of Prague.

The heart of the program will be a performance of Four Last Songs for soprano and orchestra by Richard Strauss. The settings are for a solo soprano voice, feature soaring melodies against a full orchestra, and have prominent horn parts. The combination of a beautiful vocal line with supportive horn accompaniment references Strauss’s own life; his wife Pauline de Ahna was a famous soprano and his father Franz Strauss a professional horn player.

Ms Brewer has made a life’s work of studying and performing these songs, having performed them all over the globe with many of the world’s finest orchestras. Grammy Award-winning American soprano Christine Brewer’s appearances in opera, concert and recital are marked by her own unique timbre, at once warm and brilliant combined with a vibrant personality and emotional honesty reminiscent of the great sopranos of the past. Named one of the top 20 sopranos of all time (BBC Music), her range, golden tone, boundless power, and control make her a favorite of the stage and highly sought-after reording artist.

Ms. Brewer sang a concert in Los Angeles honoring and remembering world-renowned cellist Lynn Harrell in 2021. She had performed and recorded with Harrell many times prior to his death in 2020. Their recording session of Somewhere Over the Rainbow with John Williams conducting is a moving arrangement that they recorded in the same studio where Judy Garland recorded that song in 1939. Ms. Brewer will perform this splendid arrangement of Over the Rainbow with the Philharmonic.

She has sung around the world in concert halls and opera houses with renowned conductors like Donald Runnicles, Zubin Mehta, David Robertson, Leonard Slatkin, Kurt Masur and Michael Tilson Thomas. One of her favorite concert hall requests is Richard Strauss’ Four Last Songs, which she has performed over 100 times in 40 different countries on five continents. She recorded those songs with the Atlanta Symphony and Donald Runnicles conducting. In 2011, Christine joined Arts and Faith in St. Louis to perform a memorial concert at The Sheldon Concert Hall, remembering the September 11 attacks and honoring those who lost their lives that day. She has continued working with Arts and Faith as they bring musicians from the St. Louis metro area together to make music together each year. The program has grown over the years and audiences see and hear artists of all faiths performing their music and singing together in harmony.

Ms. Brewer has recently sung the role of Mrs. Grose in Benjamin Britten’s opera “The Turn of the Screw” at the Spoleto Festival 2025 in Charleston, SC. Upcoming events include singing with the Holiday Brass at Manchester United Methodist Church, performing with members of the St. Louis Symphony brass members. She will also do a holiday recital with pianist Craig Terry at the Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville in December, and a concert with pianist Alla Voskoboynikova at the Hettenhausen Theatre at McKendree in February celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the theatre.

Ms. Brewer began a program with the Marissa, Illinois 6 graders called Opera-tunities and continued the program for nearly 15 years alongside their teacher Nancy Wagner, conductor David Robertson, and members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. She is also a visiting professor at Webster University. In April 2015, Christine joined 140 other notable celebrities receiving a bronze star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Christine’s discography includes over 25 recordings. One of her most recent recordings Divine Redeemer on Naxos, contains selections with concert organist Paul Jacobs.

The Philharmonic is composed of about 60 volunteers, professional musicians and amateurs, who meet weekly to provide concerts throughout the year, including a much-loved fully-stage Nutcracker Ballet with the Belleville School of Ballet. It is proud to be second oldest continuously performing symphony orchestra in the United States.

HEROLD Overture to Zampa (Performed at the first Philharmonic Concert on January 26, 1867.)

HANDEL Let the Bright Seraphim from Samson by Handel

H. ARLEN Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Christine Brewer, Soprano

SMETANA The Moldau

STRAUSS Four Last Songs

Christine Brewer, Soprano

Symphony of Sips & Savors Pairing Event Fundraiser
2025-10-26 16:00 - 20:00 | Andria’s Steakhouse, 6805 Old Collinsville Rd, O'Fallon, Illinois, 62269, United States
Join us for an unforgettable evening of food, wine, and community as Andria’s hosts the Sip & Savor Tasting Event, a one-of-a-kind culinary and cultural experience in support of the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra — the second-oldest orchestra in the nation and a cherished cornerstone of our region’s history.

Guests will move through five tasting stations, each thoughtfully designed to highlight the harmony between exquisite wines and handcrafted small plates:

Assortment of Sauvignon Blanc

• Paired with Mushroom Risotto Arancini – crisp citrus notes cut through the richness of creamy, golden risotto bites.

Assortment of Red Blend

• Paired with Steak Meatballs in a Tomato Basil Sauce – a cozy, robust pairing that balances fruit-forward notes with a classic Italian comfort dish.

Assortment of Zinfandel

• Paired with Mini BBQ Ribs – smoky, sweet, and spiced ribs find their perfect match in Zinfandel’s jammy fruit and peppery finish.

Ratti Ochetti & Ripassa

• Paired with Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse – the elegance of Nebbiolo and richness of Ripasso meet in decadent harmony with velvety chocolate and nutty hazelnut.

Assortment of Chardonnay

• Paired with Caprese Salad Skewers – fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil drizzled with vinaigrette highlight the Chardonnay’s creamy texture and orchard fruit.

Supporting the Arts

This evening is more than an indulgence in fine food and wine — it is a celebration of music, culture, and community. Fifty percent of the evening’s proceeds directly benefit the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra, helping sustain its mission to enrich lives through music as it has for over 150 years.

Event Details

Tickets: $60 per person 50% of proceeds benefit the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets availible through Andrias Website

Buy Tickets @ Andrias

Sunday, October 26 @ 4 – 8 pm

@Andria’s Steakhouse

6805 Old collinsville rd. o’fallon, IL

62269 United States

Nutcracker Ballet Saturday Matinee
2025-11-22 14:00 - 16:30 | Love Church, 1549 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, Illinois, 62223, United States
Come Celebrate a Belleville tradition that highlights the partnership of the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra and the Belleville School of Ballet. The Nutcracker Ballet performed in its entirety. Dancers from the Belleville School of Ballet are accompanied by the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra in this Tchaikovsky classic suite.

Nutcracker Ballet Saturday Performance
2025-11-22 19:30 - 22:00 | Love Church, 1549 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, Illinois, 62223, United States

Nutcracker Ballet Sunday Matinee
2025-11-23 14:00 - 16:30 | Love Church, 1549 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, Illinois, 62223, United States

Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert
2025-12-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Belleville First Assembly of God, 900 Fair Oaks Drive, Belleville, IL, 62221, United States
Come out to support our Youth Orchestra in the first concert of their season. Hear holiday classics and favorites at this performance.

Christmas Wonders
2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Cathedral of Saint Peter, 200 W Harrison St, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
Richard Thompson, conductor

Experience the magic of the holiday season with “Christmas Wonders,” a captivating concert by the Belleville Philharmonic Chorale, conducted by Richard Thompson. This enchanting event will take place at the magnificent Cathedral of St Peter in Belleville, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of sacred and festive choral works.

Join us as the Chorale fills the cathedral with the harmonious sounds of the season, celebrating the spirit of Christmas through a diverse repertoire of traditional and contemporary pieces. Whether you’re a long-time fan of choral music or discover it for the first time, “Christmas Wonders” promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you filled with joy and wonder.

Holiday Pops
2025-12-14 12:30 - 14:30 | Lincoln Theater, 103 E Main St, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
Get ready to experience the magic of the season at the Holiday Pops Concert! Join the Belleville Philharmonic as they present a festive concert conducted by the talented Joseph Choi. This delightful event will feature a mix of traditional and pop Christmas hits that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.Before the main concert, enjoy a special theatre organ preshow by the St. Louis Theatre Organ Society. This unique performance will take place at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Belleville, adding an extra touch of charm to your evening. Thanks to a generous donation this event is free, however due to demand tickets are required.

Stars of Tomorrow
2026-03-07 19:30 - 21:00 | Saint Matthew Church, 1200 Moreland Dr., Belleville, IL, 62223, United States
Stars of Tomorrow, Philharmonic Orchestra

Joseph Choi, conductor

Featuring winners of the Stars of Tomorrow Competition.

Venue is handicap accessible.

From Sea To Shining Sea
2026-04-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Cathedral of Saint Peter, 200 W Harrison St, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
Philharmonic Chorale Richard Thompson, conductor

Songs of America and patriotism for chorus

Venue is handicap accessible.

Tchaikovsky Fireworks
2026-05-09 19:30 - 21:00 | St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 W B St, Belleville, Illinois, 62220, United States
Joseph Choi, conductor

MENDELSSOHN St. Paul Overture

HAYDN The Heavens are Telling from Creation (Performed at the first Philharmonic Concert on January 26, 1867)

MENDELSSOHN He Watching Over Israel from Elijah

Thanks be to God from Elijah

TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5

Venue is handicap accessible.
