CENTRALIA
PHILHARMONIC
ORCHESTRA
Orchestra News
Independent Silver Band
Holiday Festival Concert is Sunday, December 3 at City Hope Church Auditorium
The Holiday Festival Concert will return to the beautifully decorated City Hope Church Auditorium for its 63rd edition as the Centralia Philharmonic Orchestra, Centralia Choral Society, Actors in Action and the Light & Lens Club come together with holiday music, costumed characters and a photography exhibit to celebrate the season. Activities begin at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, with the Phil’z Harmoniks string ensemble performing in the café area where complimentary refreshments will be available for all concertgoers. At 3:00 p.m., the performance begins in the auditorium with the Orchestra under the direction of Mathew Webster and Lynda Marshall leading the Chorus. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Patapan are just some of the holiday favorites in the program. Special pieces include the Trans-Siberian Orchestra version of Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers featuring Actors In Action members, and the combined Orchestra and Chorus performing the Hallelujah Chorus and And the Glory of the Lord. Admission to the concert is free with a free-will offering taken during the performance.
City Hope Church is located at 1000 East Third Street in Centralia. Off-street parking, including handicapped parking, is available in the main lot accessible from Second Street as well as the auxiliary east parking lot which offers an enclosed pathway to the main lot. On-street parking is also available. City Hope Church Auditorium is fully handicapped accessible.
Orchestra
Season & Event Sponsor
Maryann Langenfeld
Event Performer Sponsor
Lorraine Bassett
Event Supporter Sponsor
Damon Harbison
Jackman's Fabrics
Orchestra Season Sponsor
Choral Society Sponsors
Tom & Jan Hawkins, Oratorio
Norma Borgmann, Oratorio
Steve & Marge Kasten, Cantata
Steve & Tammy Miller, Cantata
Mike & Viki Loomis, Chorale
Lana Shaw, Chorale
The Independent Silver Band and Tom Baker's Mardi Gras Band will be among the guests for the Family Concert on Sunday, October 22 entitled "A Brass Blast."
Tom Baker's Mardi Gras Band
Orchestra Announces 2023-2024 Season
The Centralia Philharmonic Orchestra will open its 63rd season on Sunday, October 22 with a Family Concert entitled “A Brass Blast.” The Orchestra’s brass players as well as special guests will be featured in an entertaining and educational performance for the whole family.
The Family Concert will be followed by the Holiday Festival Concert on Sunday, December 3 at the beautifully decorated City Hope Church Auditorium. The Centralia Choral Society will be joining the Orchestra in a program of holiday favorites.
The Winter Pops Concert returns on Saturday, February 24 for an incredible evening of music, snacks and drinks in a cabaret setting. With a movie and television theme, the evening includes a costume contest and a chance to win tickets to a St. Louis event.
The season concludes on Sunday, May 5 with an outdoor concert at the Centralia Carillon Park. The Orchestra joins carillonneur Roy Kroezen in a program highlighted by a new piece commissioned for orchestra and carillon. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, a food truck will be on-site to satisfy food cravings. Click below for more details.
Sponsors attending the luncheon: (L to R) Lorraine Bassett, Maryann Langenfeld, Judy Degenhardt of Jackman's Fabrics, Sandy Beguelin, Viki Oliver Loomis, Paulette Pahnke, Dr. Lyle Pahnke, and Julianne Boltz. Not able to attend: Rebecca Carpenter Timmermann, Dr. Seth Hahs, and Leslie Hahs as well as representatives from Midland States Bank and Peoples National Bank.
Orchestra Hosts Luncheon for 2022-2023 Sponsors
This summer, the Orchestra hosted a Sponsor Luncheon to thank those who supported the 2022-2023 season. The afternoon included a welcoming and recap of the just finished season by Board Representative Leila Crain and President Mike Loomis as well as a look at the new season with Conductor Mat Webster. Entertainment was provided by Cynthia Spencer, harpist and oboist with the Orchestra.
The Sacred Music Concert featured the Orchestra and Choral Society along with the Kaskaskia College Community Chorale and Kaskaskia College Concert Choir as guests.
Orchestra Season 62 Wrap-Up
The Centralia Philharmonic Orchestra had a highly successful 2022-2023 season including reaching 94% of its attendance goal for the four concerts. The effort to reach youth through the family-focused concerts was launched with youth, age 12 and under, comprising 22% of the audience in October and 33% in May. Twelve sponsors supported the season including Maryann Langenfeld as a Season and Event Sponsor. Additional sponsors were: Lorraine Bassett, Sandy Beguelin, Julianne Boltz, Dr. Seth and Leslie Hahs, Jackman’s Fabrics, Viki Oliver Loomis, Lucille McLaughlin, Midland States Bank, Dr. Lyle and Paulette Pahnke, Peoples National Bank, and Rebecca Carpenter Timmermann.
It's About Time: The World of Percussion Concert was the final event of the season. Among the percussionists featured was Caleb Martin. The Orchestra presented an "Encore Performance" of the concert for students from Iuka Grade School.
