The anniversary season will feature seven mainstage performances — including a holiday Messiah concert — all of which will be conducted by music director Stilian Kirov.

IPO concertmaster Azusa Tashiro feels that music is vital as “something to rely on, something that warms [your] heart.”

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), based in south suburban Park Forest, is celebrating its 40th season, and the orchestra welcomes a new face to the podium: conductor Stilian Kirov.