Suzuki School of Elgin students to perform before ESO concert Jan. 27

Suzuki School of Elgin students will perform in the Hemmens lobby before the Elgin Symphony Orchestra's concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27.

The Suzuki School of Elgin, founded by Lamar Blum, has performed extensively throughout the Fox Valley, in Chicago, Williamsburg, Virginia, and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The group has played benefit and fundraising concerts, and has appeared with the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.

ESO Music Director Andrew Grams takes to the podium Jan. 27-28 to conduct "John Williams Scores for Spielberg Movies," featuring music from "E.T.," "Close Encounters," "Jurassic Park," "Jaws," "Hook" and more.

Saturday concertgoers are invited after the performance to "Mingle with the Musicians" at Bennigan's Elgin. Concert tickets start at $30. Student tickets are $12. Valet service or free parking. For more information, visit ElginSymphony.org or call (847) 888-4000. There is accessible, free parking around the Hemmens Cultural Center and valet service available.

Suzuki method was in its infancy in 1975. The concept of children younger than fifth grade playing violin was not considered a viable option among most music educators. Lamar Blum, director of Suzuki School of Elgin, was introduced to the method in Missoula, Montana, by Eugene Andrie - a forward-thinking violin professor who was already teaching young children. Upon moving to Elgin in 1975, Blum began teaching young children violin, starting with only two students. The demand was great as parents saw the benefits and opportunities afforded students of Suzuki Method. It didn't take long to see the need for another teacher as the number of students increased. In the early 1980s, there was enough interest in cello to add a teacher for that instrument. Interest in flute and double bass followed in the 1990s, further expanding the offerings of the school.

Suzuki students have weekly private and group lessons. The school follows the basic premises of the method to begin as early as possible, to learn through listening, to respect the triangle of parent, student and teacher in the learning process, to have group as well as private lessons and to learn with joy. For more information, visit suzukischoolofelgin.com.

Now in its 67th season, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra offers programming unmatched for an entertaining, informative and relaxing cultural experience. The ESO has won Illinois Professional Orchestra of the Year an unprecedented four times - in 1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016. The ESO strives to create an enjoyable entertainment experience that goes beyond the magnificent music performed by some of the best musicians in the region.

Before concerts, area musicians often perform in the lobby, and patrons can buy drinks at the bar and purchase gifts at the Elgin Symphony League Boutique. Preconcert chats are given by Music Director 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 area restaurants. In addition, free Listeners Club discussions presented by music historian Jim Kendros are offered in Geneva and Elgin on Wednesdays before ESO Classics Series concert weekends.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is a world-class orchestra providing quality musical explorations that are entertaining, hassle-free and conveniently located close to home in the western suburbs.