Maestro Stilian Kirov, Gibb Music Director of Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, has been named 2026 Conductor of the Year (Professional) by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.
Kirov has been the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s (IPO) Gibb Music Director since the orchestra’s 2017–2018 season.
“I am deeply honored to be named Conductor of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras,” Kirov said. “This recognition truly belongs to the extraordinary musicians, staff and supporters of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, whose passion, commitment and artistry inspire me every day.”
“The Illinois Council of Orchestras’ recognition of Maestro Stilian Kirov as Conductor of the Year powerfully affirms his visionary artistic leadership and unwavering commitment to expanding access to orchestral music throughout the Chicago Southland, said IPO Executive Director Christina Salerno. “We are extraordinarily fortunate to have a music director whose creativity, energy and collaborative spirit continue to elevate every aspect of our work across a wide spectrum of partnerships, both on and off the podium. Stilian consistently leads IPO to new heights, and we are proud to have him as an integral part of our artistic community.”
Kirov is a graduate of The Juilliard School’s orchestral conducting program. He’s received numerous Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Awards (2016–2019), and debuted at the Berlin Philharmonie in 2017.
He is a first prize winner of the “Debut Berlin” concert competition and a prizewinner at Denmark’s 2015 Malko Competition and the 2010 Mitropoulos Competition. Kirov has received numerous Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Awards (2016–2019), and debuted at the Berlin Philharmonie in 2017.
“I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a dedicated and vibrant musical community, and I look forward to continuing our shared journey of bringing meaningful music to our audiences,” he said.
This is the first such award for Kirov and only the second time an IPO maestro has won the title. Former IPO maestro Carmon DeLeone won the conductor’s honor when the award was first given in 1985.
Each year, the Illinois Council of Orchestras recognizes excellence in the field of music performance and for support of musical organizations. An awards panel including judges from the Illinois Council of Orchestras Board of Directors and from independent arts organizations reviews nominations representing orchestras, youth orchestras, and chamber ensembles throughout Illinois.
The Illinois Council of Orchestras has previously honored the IPO as the Professional Orchestra of the Year in 1991, 2010 and 2020. IPO’s Christina Salerno received the Executive Director of the Year award in 2022. Mary Moutvic received an honorable mention in 2021 in the Volunteer of the Year category. Friends of the IPO was named Guild of the Year in 2016.
