Elgin Symphony Orchestra's annual gala goes virtual

For its 70th anniversary, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra had adopted the theme of “Honor the Past, Embrace the Future.”

Of course, at the time, the future didn't include a global pandemic that would throw a wrench into all the planned events.

But since the show must go on, the ESO has responded to having to postpone its annual fundraising gala that was scheduled for April and is embracing the future by holding a “Virtual Fundraising Gala” online Sunday, Aug. 30.

While it's not ideal, the event will be more accessible, said Ashley Schoen, senior director of marketing for ESO.

“It's normally held at a country club and it's definitely a dressy event with food and a host and auctioneer, and it would be a $100 ticket to the gala with only so many tickets available to attend,” Schoen said. “Now, anybody can bid for any of the items in the auction over several days, you can wear whatever you want, it's completely open.”

Last year's gala raised just under $50,000. Of the ESO's annual budget, 65% comes from individual giving, corporate sponsors and fundraising events, according to Schoen. The annual gala makes up about 5% of that amount.

Items up for bid this year will include several experiences provided by ESO musicians, including a backyard BBQ with food and music by one of their musicians, and a traveling ensemble to play at the winning bidder's event.

“If you win, they'll play at your wedding or a holiday party or you can have them perform at your kid's school. You can pick and choose where to have that performance,” Schoen said.

There will also be the standard gift certificates, gift baskets other auction items. Items should be available to view and bid on the gala website Aug. 27 at https://e.givesmart.com/events/gSL/.

The live portion of the auction and gala will start at noon Sunday, Aug. 30, on Zoom and Facebook Live.

The event will be hosted by Music Director Andrew Grams and will showcase conversations with a few favorite guest artists from the past 70 seasons. If enough money is raised during the live portion, Grams will perform on violin with his partner, Cleveland Orchestra flutist Saeran St. Christopher.

As for the upcoming season, Schoen said ESO has a pair of live September concerts that will include very limited live audiences, but will be professionally filmed and recorded and available to stream online afterward for a small fee of around $15. The performances are Sept. 11 at Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard in Pingree Grove and Sept 12 at The Haight event space in Elgin.

“We're just ready to have live music back. We're ready to perform, we're ready to have our audience back,” Schoen said. “But we want to do it in a way where everyone is safe.”

“It's going to be interesting, but at least we'll have live music.”