
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce our new Summer lineup of Listeners Club and Mingle in Place with Andrew Grams events. These will hosted LIVE on our Facebook page.
Below is the full listing – feel free to RSVP to the events for any notifications. Don’t forget to invite your friends!
Listeners Club: Beer & Beethoven 9
Monday, May 25th, 2020 7:00 PM
For our first virtual Listeners Club, join ESO pre-concert lecturer Jim Kendros for an exploration of Beethoven’s monumental 9th Symphony, which will open the 20/21 season!
Enhance your experience and support local business: Elgin Public House will supply ESO patrons with a four pack of local beers and some special virtual tasting notes for only $12.00.
Supplies are limited. Sign up by emailing e.malmquist@elginsymphony.org
The Beethoven 9 concert celebrates the ESO’s Opening Weekend for the 2020/2021 Season on September 12th and 13th.
Mingle In Place: Drinks with Andrew / ESO Freshmen
Thursday, May 28th, 2020 7:00 PM
Join Maestro Andrew Grams as he sits down with the three newest members of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, violist Rebecca Swan, bassist Greg Heinz and principal oboe Erik Andrusiak. From auditioning for an orchestra, to maintaining good relationships with your stand partner, to non-musical hobbies, no topic is off limits.
Listeners Club: West Side Story
Monday, June 1st, 2020 7:00 PM
Jim Kendros returns for a discussion of Leonard Bernstein’s timeless musical West Side Story and how the composer adapted the best-loved melodies into a suite that you will hear on our October Classics program, An American in Paris.
Mingle In Place: Drinks with Andrew / Low Brass
Thursday, June 4th, 2020 7:00 PM
“Drinks with Andrew” take two! This time, the maestro is joined by the low brass section of Reed Capshaw, Adam Moen, Mark Fry and Charlie Schuchat.
Listeners Club: Movie Night!
Monday, June 8th, 2020 7:00 PM
The music of John Williams has become synonymous with big budget blockbusters: Harry Potter, Star Wars, Jaws, Indiana Jones and so many more. But how did he find a compositional style that worked so perfectly with the big screen? Jim Kendros explores this question and gives you a great preview of the music to be heard on ESO’s first pops concert of the 20/21 season!
Enhance your experience and support local business: Receive a four pack of popcorn from Mama Lee’s Popcorn in downtown Elgin — the perfect edible companion to a night at the movies! Only $22.00. Supplies are limited. Sign up by emailing e.malmquist@elginsymphony.org
From Hedwig to Han Solo: The Music of John WIlliams debuts the weekend of November 19, 2020.
Mingle In Place: Drinks with Andrew / String Principals
Thursday, June 11th, 2020 7:00 PM
The five string principals, Isabella Lippi, Daniella Folker, Amanda Grimm, Matt Agnew and Tim Schaffer collectively shape the string sound of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Hear what these key musicians have to say when the stage lights off and with a drink in their hand, as they share a fun evening with their conductor!
Listeners Club: White Russians & Tchaikovsky 6
Monday, June 15th, 2020 7:00 PM
So much mystery surrounds Tchaikovsky’s final symphony. He died just days after it’s premier and the cause of his death remains hotly debated. What is without question is this great symphony’s place in the repertoire. Hear Jim Kendros delve into these mysteries and share the beauty of Tchaikovsky’s final work.
Enhance your experience and support local business: Elgin Public House will supply cocktail kits to make a White Russian! Only $9.00 per cocktail mix. Supplies are limited. Sign up by emailing e.malmquist@elginsymphony.org
All Tchaikovsky debuts the weekend of November 7, 2020.
Mingle In Place: Drinks with Andrew & Flutes!
Thursday, June 18th, 2020 7:00 PM
They are the kings and queens of the woodwind section; their sound sits atop the orchestral texture, their solos are legendary. Maestro Andrew Grams takes the pressure off of the demanding job of “ESO Flute Player,” pours a drink and has a wide-ranging conversation with three of his four favorite flutists.