Philharmonic Society of Belleville

The Philharmonic Society of Belleville is one of the most historically significant orchestral organizations in the United States. Founded on November 19, 1866, by a group of German immigrant musicians, businessmen, and civic leaders, the organization held its inaugural concert on January 26, 1867, and has maintained an unbroken concert schedule ever since. This makes the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra the nation's second oldest symphony orchestra in continuous operation, surpassed only by the New York Philharmonic.

The Society began as — and remains — a community-driven organization of talented volunteer musicians who contribute meaningfully to civic and cultural life across a broad range of professions. It has grown from a single orchestra into a multi-ensemble organization serving youth, adults, and families throughout the greater Belleville and Metro East region. Since transitioning to a majority free concert model, the Belleville Philharmonic sustains itself primarily on grants and donations. The variety of expenses that we take on to keep the organization thriving for 160 years are diverse from maintenance costs of our 100+ year old facility to instruments and royalties.