Central Illinois Youth Symphony celebrates 60 years

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Lidia Riley, Executive Director of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, about the group’s upcoming 60th anniversary concerts on May 3 at Five Points Washington. This milestone event brings together current students and alumni for a homecoming-style performance celebrating generations of young musicians. Riley shares how the program reflects both the organization’s history and its future, with a mix of classic works, new compositions, and a grand finale featuring the 1812 Overture.