Alastair Willis conducting the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Photo submitted by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra Springfield Scene Magazine Tenth Anniversary Issue/Nov/Dec 2014 The Springfield Ballet Company Production of The Nuckcracker (2012). Photo by Donna Lounsberry scene to present a diverse selection of plays and musicals. Venues for concerts and bands continue to thrive with the additions of Boondocks, Donnie’s Homespun, the new Bank of Springfield Plaza at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, and the Kitchen Sink Series at Sangamon Auditorium.   The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is thriving under the direction of Alastair Willis, and the Springfield Ballet Company continues to present first-rate dance programs that produce young talent, many of whom go on to perform professionally. The Pharmacy has joined the Prairie Art Alliance, The Springfield Art Association and the Sangamon Watercolor Society to provide new high-profile opportunities for professional and amateur artists in the area.   It seems we have many more options on how to spend our entertainment dollars these days, and the city is certainly never at a loss for something to do. So much has changed in the last 10 years, and it will be exciting to see what our local artists, performers and entrepreneurs have in store for the Springfield “arts scene” over the next 10 years!   Congratulations to Bill and Miriam Stokes, the Hickman family, and the great Springfield Scene staff for 10 years of highlighting some of the best aspects of our city. ~SSM~ Tiffany Riech in “Rockballet (2013).” Photo by Donna Lounsberry/Springfield Ballet Company Prairie Art Alliance H.D. Smith Gallery. Submitted photo. 62