Elgin Symphony Orchestra, music director earn top honors from Illinois Council of Orchestras

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra and music director Chad Goodman were honored recently with a pair of prestigious awards by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.

ESO was chosen as Professional Orchestra of the Year, and Goodman was named Conductor of the Year. It is the first time in its history that ESO has received both awards in the same year.

“It’s an incredible honor to have these two awards presented in the same year as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary,” Marc Thayer, ESO’s chief executive officer, said in a news release. “This award is a result of the dedication, passion, and professionalism of our music director Chad Goodman, and the staff, board of directors, volunteers, and patrons that have been with us for so many years.”

A formal presentation of the awards will be made at a to-be-determined concert in the ESO’s upcoming season.

Goodman is embarking on his third season with the ESO.

“I’m deeply honored for this recognition, and even more proud to share it with my incredible fellow musicians of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra,” he said in the release. “These honors reflect the extraordinary talent and dedication of every musician, as well as the tireless support of our board and staff. Most of all, they speak to the inspiring way our community has embraced and collaborated with us.”

It is the fifth time the symphony has received the Orchestra of the Year honor (1988, 1999, 2005, and 2016), and the fourth time an ESO conductor has received recognition. Robert Hanson received the award in 2001, and 2009 and Andrew Grams was recognized in 2015.

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra earned the Community Relations of the Year award from the ICO.

The ESO launches its 76th season on Oct. 11 and 12 with performances of Gershwin’s “Concerto in F,” featuring guest pianist Orion Weiss.

Subscriptions for the symphony’s six-concert classics series are now available at elginsymphony.org. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 21.