Our Mission
Through inspiring performance and education, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra builds community through the power of music.
History of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra
In 1950 the Elgin Community College board of education voted to establish an orchestra program of the College for the community, and they named it the Elgin Civic Symphony Orchestra. The Board invited Douglas Steensland, director of the Elgin High School Band, to prepare and lead the community orchestra – comprised of local professional and amateur musicians, high school music instructors, and select high school musicians – in its first concert on Tuesday, April 17, 1951. Mr. Steensland remained the orchestra’s music director from 1950 to 1971.
In 1971, the ESO appointed Grammy award-winning conductor Margaret Hillis as its second music director. Renowned for her work with the Chicago Symphony Chorus and others, Ms. Hillis’ tenure would spark a period of institutional vibrancy, including the establishment of the Elgin Symphony League, annual young people’s concerts, and eventually the symphony association in 1981. Conductor Robert Hanson became the ESO’s Associate Conductor in 1974 and Co-Music Director, with Hillis, in 1983. Hanson went on to serve as Music Director from 1985 – 2011. He guided the ESO through a period of great artistic vitality, established the Elgin Area Youth Orchestra, and welcomed collaboration with the Elgin Choral Union.
The ESO became a professional orchestra in 1985 and has since developed a reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and a deep commitment to the social advocacy and economic development of the diverse community it serves. In recognition of programming excellence, artistic quality, and leadership, the Illinois Council of Orchestras awarded the ESO ‘Orchestra of the Year’ honors in 1988, 1999, 2005, and 2016 – the first four-time winner.
From 2013 to 2021, Andrew Grams served as the ESO’s fourth Music Director. Under Grams, the orchestra maintained its commitment to community engagement, artistic excellence, and innovative educational programming. In recognition of his excellence in the field of music performance, the Illinois Council of Orchestras named Grams named ‘Conductor of the Year’ in 2015. The ESO began a Music Director search in the fall of 2021 and anticipates welcoming finalists to the stage during the 2022 – 2023 season.
As a community supporting organization, the ESO remains committed to providing musical experiences that align with the needs of the individuals we serve. Each spring, we present the Ainsworth Concerts for Youth, a symphonic experience specifically designed for youth. For more than a decade, our Musicians’ Care Program has presented healing performances for patients, families, and staff at Advocate Sherman Hospital and area retirement homes and hospices. The ESO is proud to collaborate with our partners at Rotary International, Food for Greater Elgin, Advocate Sherman Hospital, the Downtown Neighborhood Association, the local Chamber of Commerce, and others.