Elgin Symphony Orchestra ends season on joyful note

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra's season finale features Maestro Andrew Grams, the musicians of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and singers from the Elgin Master Chorale and Heartland Voices for Beethoven's famous Ninth Symphony with the familiar "Ode to Joy" melody throughout.

Soloists include soprano Katie Van Kooten, mezzo-soprano Beth Lytwynec, tenor Benjamin Butterfield, and bass-baritone Kevin Deas.

The concert begins with Gustav Mahler's Totenfeier, translated as Funeral Rite. The power of Mahler's "larger than life" music is undeniable.

After intermission, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony arranged by Mahler will be presented. The Hemmens Cultural Center stage will be filled to the maximum with artists. The sound produced by the ESO on this concert will range from delicate to majestic.

An audience favorite and graduate of the Julliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, Andrew Grams is one of America's most promising and talented young conductors and has already appeared with many of the great orchestras of the world. Maestro Grams was recently named 2015 Conductor of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra patrons can enjoy a drink, time with friends and even shopping in the lobby of the Hemmens Cultural Center. After Saturday night performances, the audience is invited to "Mingle with the Musicians" at the local restaurant Elgin Public House.

The ESO's Season Finale: Full Sound … Full Joy will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, 45 Symphony Way. Preconcert talks with Maestro Grams begin one hour before the concert begins. Ticket prices start at $25 and can be purchased through the ESO Box Office by calling (847) 888-4000 or by visiting www.elginsymphony.org.