ESO offers furloughed government workers free tickets to Jan 12-13 concerts
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is offering free tickets to furloughed federal government workers to attend their 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 or 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 concerts, "Haydn's Surprise Symphony," at Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin. While supplies last, the ESO will provide one free ticket and up to three guest tickets to each furloughed employee affected by the government shutdown that presents a valid government ID.
"Sharing musical experiences is a great way to connect with family and friends. The music provides an escape and can transport us to other worlds. It's proven to help relax and relieve stress. And the nationally-renowned ESO makes some beautiful music-join us," said Diane Handler, Marketing Director.
While supplies last, tickets will be offered to walk-up patrons only, starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 at Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. A valid government ID must be presented to receive one ticket and up to three guest tickets for Haydn's "Surprise Symphony" concerts. Tickets start at $30. Valet or free parking. For more information, visit ElginSymphony.org or call (847) 888-4000.
Isabella Lippi, Elgin Symphony Orchestra concertmaster, who made her debut at the age of 10 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will perform the Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1. Hailed for her musicianship, and "unfettered personality," the Los Angeles Times raved, "Ms. Lippi exhibits flawless bow control, dazzling listeners with her technical polish and her clean, articulate playing." She'll be performing the lyrical and technically-demanding Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, which goes to the extremes of the violin's range, from a rich depth to pitches almost beyond human hearing. The exquisite and achingly-beautiful 2nd movement has been called an aria for violin.
Resident Conductor Stephen Squires will lead the concerts, which also feature Haydn's famous "Surprise" Symphony, No. 94, and Kodaly's Peacock Variations, which use a melody with Hungarian and possibly Mari roots dating back over 1,500 years.
Saturday concertgoers are invited after the performance to "Mingle with the Musicians" at Dream Hall, 51 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. The concerts are sponsored by Snodgrass Family Fund, Florence B. & Cornelia A. Palmer Foundation and the Haight. Season sponsors are Otto Engineering and John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) offers programming unmatched for an entertaining, informative and relaxing cultural experience. The ESO's won Illinois Professional Orchestra of the Year a record-setting four times - in 1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016 from the Illinois Council of Orchestras. The ESO strives to create an enjoyable entertainment experience that goes beyond the magnificent music performed by some of the best musicians in the country. There is accessible, free parking around the Hemmens Cultural Center and valet service available. The event often features musicians performing in the lobby before concerts, and patrons can purchase unique, music-themed gifts at the Elgin Symphony League Boutique. Pre-concert chats are given by music director Andrew Grams, guest artists and others one hour before most performances. Saturday night patrons are invited after concerts to meet Andrew Grams, guest artists and ESO musicians at Mingle with the Musicians, held at area restaurants. Music historian Jim Kendros offers free Listeners Club discussions the Wednesday before ESO Classics Series concert weekends at Greenfields of Geneva and the Gail Borden Public Library. Flex passes are available for choosing concerts at a later date, and if a patron can't make a concert, the ESO offers free exchanges to subscribers and to single ticket buyers for a small fee. The ESO is a world-class orchestra presenting quality musical explorations of some of the greatest music ever written, conveniently located close to home in the western suburbs.