[2] Wilsen developed the orchestra's quality and repertoire, took it on tour to its sister city, Friedrichshafen, Germany, and led the PSO's celebration of its 100th year.

– actually are fun to attend” (Gary Panetta, Peoria Journal Star, 3/31/03).Commanday's leadership of the orchestra concluded at the end of the 2008–2009 season, marking a decade in which the institution had roughly doubled its endowment.

[5] This initiative was called "#PSOAtHome", which offered access to recorded concerts and educational materials.

Featured soloists include: Emanuel Ax, Joshua Bell, Evelyn Glennie, Hilary Hahn, Sharon Isbin, Yo-Yo Ma, and Itzhak Perlman.

[8] The orchestra also performs in classrooms, hospitals, and senior living centers, for audiences who may not otherwise be able to attend.