About Us
The Polish-American Symphony Orchestra made its debut in October 1995 at the George Washington Public Library Auditorium with a program featuring works by Moniuszko and Copland. The concert was received with notable enthusiasm by a diverse audience, marking the beginning of the orchestra’s engagement with Chicago’s multicultural community.
In 1999, the orchestra was named in honor of Ignacy Jan Paderewski—one of the most distinguished figures in Polish and international cultural history. A renowned pianist, composer, diplomat, and the first Prime Minister of a reborn Poland in 1919, Paderewski’s legacy continues to inform the artistic vision and mission of the organization.
Since that time, the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra has evolved from a chamber ensemble into a multifaceted cultural institution serving the Polish-American community and the broader public. Supported by a dedicated staff, more than 40 volunteers, a resident choir, and an Academy of Music for children and youth, PaSO is capable of producing large-scale events involving over 250 artists. Its performances have been presented in leading Chicago venues, including Symphony Center, the Rosemont Theatre, the Harris Theater, and Millennium Park.
To date, the orchestra has presented more than 240 symphonic and chamber concerts to audiences exceeding 500,000. Its annual programming consists of 6–9 productions spanning a wide range of repertoire, from chamber works to full symphonic performances, encompassing classical and contemporary music, as well as Polish, American, and international compositions. In addition to responding to audience expectations, the organization places a strong emphasis on artistic development and cultural education through ambitious projects such as Tu Es Petrus and Songs of Freedom.
The continued growth and success of PaSO reflect the sustained support of its community. The organization acknowledges with gratitude the contributions of its volunteers, donors, and audiences, whose engagement has been essential to its development. As it moves forward, the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra remains committed to advancing its mission, strengthening its institutional capacity, and expanding its cultural impact within Chicago and beyond.
