New music director leads ESO in season opener

On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6, Maestro Andrew Grams will make his debut appearance as the new Elgin Symphony Orchestra music director and lead the ESO through a powerful opening weekend of music.

“Opening Night: Gershwin and Mahler” performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets are $25-$60. Black tie attire optional.

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. A native of Maryland, Grams received a bachelor of music degree in 1999 in violin performance from the Juilliard School. In 2003 he received a conducting degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, where he worked with Otto-Werner Mueller. He accepted the position of music director of the ESO in June.

The first half of the concert will highlight two Gershwin pieces, “Second Rhapsody” and “I Got Rhythm Variations” with guest artist, Terrence Wilson. Pianist Wilson has established a reputation as one of today’s most gifted instrumentalists. He has received numerous awards and prizes, including the SONY ES Award for Musical Excellence, an Avery Fisher Career Grant, and the Juilliard Petschek Award. In December, 2010, Wilson was nominated for a Grammy Award for his recording of Michael Daugherty’s “Deus ex Machina” for piano and orchestra with the Nashville Symphony conducted by Giancarlo Guerrero. Terrence Wilson is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where he studied with Yoheved Kaplinsky.

The crisp refreshing rhythms Gershwin is famous for will contrast with the second half of the concert featuringthe powerful “Titan” Symphony No. 1 composed by Mahler. This orchestral tour de force will highlight thegreat virtuosity and strength of the ESO musicians and their new music director.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra experience offers a fun, relaxing, cultural experience. 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 a local restaurant, Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago St.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased through the ESO box office at (847) 888-4000 or by visiting www.elginsymphony.org.