Guest violinist Samuel Vargas to perform Tchaikovsky concerto with Elgin Symphony
On April 5-6, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra will feature works by Tchaikovsky and Sibelius on a program that opens with “Fiesta!” by Jimmy López.
The ESO will welcome acclaimed guest violinist Samuel Vargas to perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Vargas has received Sphinx Competition and Yamaha Young Performing Artist awards, and has built worldwide recognition, having performed on tours in 40 countries, where he collaborated with acclaimed artists including Gustavo Dudamel, Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, Claudio Abbado, and Christian Vasquez.
Inspired by remote northern landscapes, Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony takes listeners on a journey through nature. The work was commissioned by the Finnish government to commemorate the composer’s 50th birthday in 1915.
“To me, Sibelius' Fifth Symphony conveys both the beauty and the raw power of nature. One moment the music is calm and peaceful, the next it is wild and unwieldy. At times, it can make you feel like you're lost in those woods. But just as the panic begins to sink in, you find a clearing, looking out at the most-breath taking and glorious view you have ever seen,” said ESO Music Director Chad Goodman.
Goodman will provide a pre-concert talk one hour before each concert. The talk is free to ticket holders. Concerts will be held 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin.
Tickets are available at ElginSymphony.org and through the ESO box office, 20 DuPage Court, or by phone at (847) 888-4000. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
Ticket prices start at $20 for adults. Student tickets are $10, and children age 17 and younger qualify for free tickets when accompanied by a paid adult. Free youth tickets can only be ordered through the ESO box office.
About the Elgin Symphony Orchestra
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra, one of the preeminent regional orchestras in the United States, is celebrating its 75th anniversary season in 2024-25.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is led by Chad Goodman, who was named the ESO’s Music Director — the fifth in the orchestra’s history — in May 2023.
Since its founding in 1950, the organization has developed a reputation for artistic excellence, and innovative programming as demonstrated through its long history of highlighting the works of world-renowned conductors, composers, and musicians, and of promoting the advancement of women in the arts.
The ESO became a professional ensemble in 1985 in good part due to the leadership of the late Margaret Hillis, who served as the ESO’s music director from 1971 to 1985. Hillis was one of the first females to break through the male-dominated world of conducting and is credited with being the impetus behind the creation of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Association, the formation of the ESO’s volunteer core — the Elgin Symphony League, and the start of the ESO’s commitment to music education and enrichment for youth.
Today, the ESO continues to draw its creativity and artistry from the Elgin area and gives back to the community through its Adopt-a-School program that provides supplemental music education and in-school performances to local schools; Musicians Care program that brings live music performances to local hospitals, hospices, and retirement homes; informational Listener’s Club events and other free programs at public libraries; In Harmony Program in places of worship; Ainsworth Concerts for Youth; free tickets for youth under 18; open rehearsals; and free community concerts throughout the region.
The Illinois Council of Orchestras has named the ESO Orchestra of the Year four times (1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016). The ESO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To learn more or to support the ESO, visit www.elginsymphony.org.