ESO to bring composers, Lincoln to life

Maestro Robert Hanson will conduct the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in an evening of Schubert and Liszt, two very different but equally innovative composers of the 19th century, on Nov. 7-8, including Schubert's most popular work, the "Unfinished Symphony," and Liszt powerfully poetic style "Les Preludes."

The program also includes the Midwest premiere of American composer Michael Daugherty's "Letters from Lincoln." Hailed as the "next Lincoln Portrait," "Letters from Lincoln," featuring baritone Robert Orth, takes you into the life of President Abraham Lincoln by way of childhood poems, wartime letters and the Gettysburg Address.

Tickets to this event start at $15 for all concerts. Performance times 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin.

For information, call the ESO Box Office at (847) 888-4000 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit www.ElginSymphony.org. To stay up-to-date on all ESO events, visit www.facebook.com/ElginSymphonyOrchestra. Groups of 10 or more qualify for discounted tickets. Speak to a box office representative for details.