Elgin Symphony Orchestra

Description

Founded in 1950 as an "orchestra for the community," the Elgin Symphony Orchestra is an ensemble of 65 professional musicians, 90% of whom live in Illinois. The ESO's commitment to quality, excellence, and encouragement of highest aspirations is also reflected in the fact that it not only seeks out but also regularly collaborates with, commissions, and employs artists of the highest caliber who perform on stages throughout the world."

Work Sample

Cellist Thomas Mesa, a Sphinx Competition winner, performs the First Movement of the Elgar Cello Concerto with Andrew Grams conducting. This performance was in March 2018. The clip runs 9 minutes and 14 seconds. Mr. Mesa performed again with the ESO in March 2023 with Lee Mills conducting the Dvorak Cello Concerto.

This work sample demonstrates the artistic excellence of the orchestra, the commitment to presenting the finest young up-and-coming artists as soloists, and the ongoing partnership with Sphinx to support young minority artists and collaborate with the Hispanic community throughout the Elgin region.

History

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is one of the preeminent regional orchestras in the United States, with a reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and a deep commitment to the social advocacy and economic development of the diverse communities that it serves. Named "Orchestra of the Year" an unprecedented four times by the Illinois Council of Orchestras (1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016) and winner of a 2010 Elgin Image Award, the ESO is respected for exceptional performance, innovative education programs, and community outreach initiatives. ESO performances reach more than 25,000 residents each year." Believing music and the arts have the power to inspire individuals, support communities, and enrich society, the ESO is committed to engaging people of all ages and backgrounds, presenting performances in schools, hospitals, retirement communities, libraries, and other public locations.

Artistic Vision

The ESO has established itself as one of America's premier regional orchestras, presenting high quality orchestral experiences for audiences and promoting the music and artistry of a diversity of composers, conductors, and performers. The ESO is committed to serving the people of Illinois by showcasing the beauty and power of the various cultures living in it."