Founded in 1945, the Alton Symphony Orchestra is one of only a few organizations dedicated to the performance of live symphonic music in the southwestern Illinois region. For over 7 decades, the symphony has provided quality orchestral music to the residents and artists throughout the Riverbend area. ASO has continuously served the region as a cultural force, broadening the awareness and importance of the arts in the community, while making itself easily accessible to persons of all ages and backgrounds.