PRINCETON — Though it was the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra’s first public concert in Princeton in its 63-season history, it was as if a long-time friend came home for the holidays.

Beginning with a warm welcoming reception from the audience, IVSO’s Dec. 8 holiday concert concluded with a standing ovation from a packed house in the Sally Skinner Council Auditorium at Princeton High School.

After the concert, IVSO Music Director and Conductor Lucia Matos said, “It was a very special concert for us. We felt truly welcomed by the community of Princeton. The audience was warm and appreciative.”