Elgin Symphony, Gail Borden to offer 'Passport to Russia' during 2016-17 season

Privet! Learn how to say "hello" in Russian, experience a Russian tea party, enjoy the music of Russian composers, and more during "Passport to Russia," with fun and informative programs exploring Russian culture presented by Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin History Museum and others. It is all designed to enhance your enjoyment of Elgin Symphony Orchestra concerts during their 2016-17 season.

The ESO is presenting a Russian composer at each of their Classic Series concerts, which include works by Mussorgsky, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky and more. Program participants must note their attendance at a class/event on a "Passport" available online at gailborden.info/Russia, and at Elgin Symphony Orchestra concerts. Anyone who attends six programs, which may include two ESO concerts, will be invited to a reception, backstage tour and open rehearsal at the Hemmens Cultural Center on Friday, May 5, 2017. One grand prize winner and guest will have a special lunch with ESO Music Director Andrew Grams. For information, visit ElginSymphony.org or gailborden.info/Russia.

The Gail Borden Public Library has received 20 awards, including recipient of the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Services and recipient of the 2010 Elgin Hispanic Network Organization of the Year. The main library opened in October 2003 and is the third largest public library building in Illinois, after Chicago and Schaumburg. The library, which serves 144,597 residents in Elgin, South Elgin and portions of Hoffman Estates, Streamwood and Bartlett, has over 1 million visitors. It is the largest library district in the state of Illinois for population served. For information, visit www.gailborden.info.

Now in its 66th season, the ESO 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 works to create an enjoyable entertainment experience that goes beyond the world-class magnificent music performed by some of the best musicians in the region. There is accessible, free parking around the Hemmens Cultural Center and valet service available.

Local student musicians often perform in the lobby before concerts and patrons can purchase gifts at the Elgin Symphony League Boutique. Preconcert chats are given by 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 the Elgin Public House.

In addition, free Listeners Club lecture/discussions presented by music historian Jim Kendros are offered before concert weekends at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin.

Flex passes are available for purchase so that you can choose your concerts at a later date based on your own schedule. And if a patron can't make a concert, the ESO offers free exchanges to subscribers and to single ticket buyers for a $5 fee. The ESO is a world-class orchestra providing quality musical explorations that are entertaining, hassle-free and conveniently located close to home in the western suburbs. Visit ElginSymphony.org.