ESO offers 'Build Your Own Subscription Packages' giving patrons flexibility, savings
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra, four-time winner of the Illinois Orchestra of the Year, including in 2016, is currently offering Build Your Own Subscription packages, giving patrons flexibility and savings.
By choosing a minimum of three concerts, subscribers will receive a 10-percent ticket discount, free exchanges and priority seating. Visit ElginSymphony.org today to build your own customized subscription package.
The ESO, with ticket prices starting at only $30, may be one of the best kept entertainment secrets in the western suburbs. Now in its 66th season, the ESO has been named Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras an unprecedented four times - in 1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016.
Internationally renowned music director Andrew Grams, named 2015 Conductor of the Year by the ICO, has brought a new vitality to the critically acclaimed orchestra and his technical acumen, charismatic presence and relaxed attitude create encounters with world-class music in a fun and informal setting - a new classical music experience for a new age.
Longtime subscriber Colin Campbell first heard the ESO when friends who couldn't attend a concert gave him their tickets.
"We kind of hoped that it would be a nice, semiprofessional performance featuring some local musicians. We were astounded, blown away, amazed! It was every bit as good as anything that we had seen in our former home, New York. We immediately subscribed and have done so ever since." Mr. Campbell has a long list of what he enjoys about the ESO. "We like everything - the preconcert performers in the lobby, the professionalism and superior quality of the music, the music selections that include a nice balance of old favorites and works that are not familiar, which make concerts interesting and sometimes challenging. And we love the informality of music director Andrew Gram's chats with the audience." Mr. Campbell says he recommends the ESO every chance he gets. "It's really a highlight of our lives."
The ESO works to create an enjoyable entertainment experience that goes beyond the magnificent music performed by some of the best musicians in the region. There is accessible, free parking around the Hemmens Cultural Center and valet service available. Area student musicians often perform in the lobby before concerts and patrons can purchase gifts at the Elgin Symphony League boutique. Preconcert chats are given by Andrew Grams, guest artists and others one hour before most performances and Saturday night patrons are invited after concerts to "Mingle with the Musicians" at the Elgin Public House.
In addition, free Listeners Club lecture/discussions presented by music historian Jim Kendros are offered before ESO concert weekends at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. Listeners Club participants are invited to events including potlucks, backstage tours, a closed dress rehearsal, and more. And if a patron can't make a concert, the ESO offers free exchanges to subscribers and to single ticket buyers for a $5 fee. The ESO is a world-class orchestra providing quality musical explorations that are entertaining, hassle-free and conveniently located close to home in the western suburbs.