Crown Jewels concert brings new beginnings to central Illinois

The Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra will present a two-city program titled "Crown Jewels: A Celebration of New Beginnings" with performances scheduled for Jan. 16 in Springfield and Jan. 17 in Bloomington. The program pairs contemporary and classical repertoire, featuring works by Chen Yi alongside pieces by Igor Stravinsky and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and emphasizes renewal as communities move into the new year.

The Springfield performance will include the Springfield Choral Society and featured soloists, expanding the concert beyond chamber orchestra forces and creating a more communal musical experience. For Morgan County residents, the concerts offer a nearby cultural outing during a winter weekend, with opportunities for multigenerational attendance and community gathering in the months when social activities tend to wane.

Arts events like these carry public health implications that extend beyond entertainment. Live music can bolster mental well-being, reduce social isolation and provide supportive spaces for grief, celebration and community bonding—benefits that are particularly meaningful in rural and small-town regions where social and cultural resources can be sparse. The collaboration with a local choral society also creates pathways for volunteer participation and local talent exposure, anchoring the program in regional civic life.

Practical details including performance times, ticket prices and how to purchase were provided by the orchestra; tickets are available through the orchestra's box office and official website. Audience accessibility matters for equitable participation—patrons are encouraged to check seating options, discounted or youth pricing if offered, and any accessibility services before attending. Attending with neighbors or arranging shared transportation can reduce cost and make the concert more reachable for older adults and families across Morgan County.

There is an economic ripple as well: concerts draw patrons to downtowns and nearby restaurants, supporting small businesses still rebuilding customer flow after seasonal slowdowns. Local soloists and chorus members gain professional visibility, and partnerships between touring ensembles and community choirs strengthen cultural infrastructure that public health planners and local leaders increasingly recognize as central to community resilience.

Our two cents? Treat this as a chance to reset the winter calendar—buy a ticket, carpool with a neighbor and arrive a little early to chat with other attendees. Live music is one simple, accessible way to invest in community well-being and start the year connected.