Sign up now for free open rehearsal with ESO Jan. 25

The community is invited to attend a free open rehearsal of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Andrew Grams, at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25.

Attendees must register online at www.ElginSymphony.org. Registration is online only. No phone calls and no registration on-site. Limit is four reservations. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Grams and the orchestra will be rehearsing the Jan. 28 "Williams Scores for Spielberg Movies" program, which includes familiar favorites from "Close Encounters," "E.T.," "Hook," "Jaws" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark," and lesser-known works from "Saving Private Ryan" and "Schindler's List."

The concerts will be 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin. For tickets to the Jan. 27-28 concerts, visit www.ElginSymphony.org.

Grams received a degree in conducting from the Curtis Institute in 2003 and since then, in addition to leading the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, he has traveled the world to critical acclaim for his superb technique, charismatic conducting and ability to connect with musicians and audiences alike.

Now in its 67th season, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra 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 strives to create an enjoyable entertainment experience that goes beyond the magnificent music performed by some of the best musicians in the region.

Before concerts, area musicians often perform in the lobby, and patrons can buy drinks at the bar and purchase gifts at the Elgin Symphony League Boutique.

Preconcert chats are given by Music Director 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 area restaurants.

In addition, free Listeners Club discussions presented by music historian Jim Kendros are offered in Geneva and Elgin on Wednesdays before ESO Classics Series concert weekends. 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 small fee. There is accessible, free parking around the Hemmens Cultural Center and valet service available.