Elgin Symphony Orchestra

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra, four-time winner of Orchestra of the Year!

ESO in the News

Meet the Musician: Michael Folker, Percussion

Michael Folker, Percussion

Instrument/Section

Percussion

When did you begin to play your instrument?

I started with piano as early as I can remember (my mother was the local piano teacher and I had no choice).  But I discovered the drums when I was 10 and was forever bitten by the drumming bug”.

Where did you study your main instrument; with whom?

I did my Bachelor’s Degree at Millikin University and then my Master’s in Percussion Performance from DePaul University.  I studied with Tom Akins, Timpanist of the Indianapolis Symphony; Al Payson, Percussionist with Chicago Symphony and Mike Green, Lyric Opera of Chicago.  I also studied with a number of other Chicago Symphony members during my early years in Chicago.

When did you join ESO?

I think it was in 1990….give or take a year.

What other orchestras have you played with/do you play with now?

I am also a member of the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra.  I’ve performed numerous times with the Milwaukee Symphony…including a tour with them to Cuba in 1999, Chicago Symphony, Grant Park Symphony, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater, and various other groups and orchestras in the area.

What was your most memorable ESO performance?

I honestly have a hard time answering that as there are many concerts that have been standouts.  To be honest, I love playing with the ESO.  Daniela and I met in the ESO so there’s something very special about it … additionally, I love my colleagues that I work with.  They’re family to us and thus, every concert in many ways seems like a family reunion.  But truly one special concert of note was actually a family concert we did a few years ago which featured the show I wrote titled “The Magic of Rhythm”.  It featured Daniela, our son Christopher and myself.  You can’t get more magical than that.

What are some of your interests, and how are you passing the time?

I’ve been teaching private percussion lessons several days a week via on-line lessons.  I love the opportunity to work with students especially during this challenging time. I try to create a positive and empowering situation for students to help encourage them since many are cooped up and struggling with a loss of routine, etc.

I’ve been working on various “world percussion” instruments which I love for their unique sounds and rhythms.

My personal interests and hobbies are vintage cars and watching vintage auto racing….(actually any kind of auto racing). I love spending time with our son, Christopher and tinkering on and driving our 1958 MGA sports car and our 1965 Bentley S III (affectionately called ‘Duchess”).  I love cruising around on my Vespa motor scooter as well.   My son and I are also working on restoring a 1961 Triumph TR3 sports car which I’ve owned since I was 18 years old.  It’s long overdue for a restoration.

I also like spending time practicing magic tricks, card & coin tricks and illusions….wishing I could make Covid “disappear”. 

Lastly, I love grilling out.  I’m outside every evening firing up the grill and trying new recipes.

  • ESO-Michael-Folker
    Michael, Daniela, and Christopher with “Duchess,” our 1965 Bentley S-III
  • ESO-Michael-Folker
    A mini cymbal lesson to lighten things up during Covid
  • ESO-Michael-Folker-
    Michael with his pet bearded dragon named “Stripey”
  • ESO-Michael-Folker
    Doing what he loves…cooking breakfast and camping at Road America for the vintage auto races
ESO-Michael-Folker
Daniela and Michael

Meet the Musician: Scott Metlicka, Flute

Scott Metlicka, Flute

When did you begin to play your instrument?

I started playing piano in first grade and began playing flute when the band program kicked in, in fifth grade.

Where did you study your main instrument; with whom?

Mary Louise Poor was my first flute teacher in Aurora, IL. I did my undergraduate at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and studied with Peter Middleton. Walfrid Kujala was my teacher at Northwestern University, where I did my Master’s degree. I also studied with Mary Stolper in my twenties.

When did you join ESO?

In 1998.

What other orchestras have you played with/do you play with now?

In addition to Elgin, I have contracts with three other orchestras: Principal Flute – Rockford Symphony and Wisconsin Philharmonic; Piccolo – South Bend Symphony. I also play with Chicago Opera Theater and sub with the Grant Park Symphony.

What was your most memorable ESO performance?

Debbie Reynolds sang a Pops concert with us in 2003 on short notice when Doc Severinson cancelled on short notice.

What are some of your interests, and how are you passing the time?

My great-grandparents bought a cabin in Crandon, WI in 1938 and I became half-owner with my Dad in 2018.  As I write this, I’m up at the cabin doing some work.  I removed the old carpeting to reveal beautiful hardwood floors!  In late August I began a new job as the flute professor at Northern Illinois University.  I am very grateful to have this position at my alma mater.

Meet the Musician: Mike Brozick, Trumpet

ESO, Mike Brozick, trumpet

Mike Brozick, Trumpet

Instrument/Section

Trumpet

When did you begin to play your instrument?

I chose the trumpet in 4th grade after growing up hearing movie soundtracks where the trumpet always accompanied the hero, like Indiana Jones. I thought with only three “buttons” it looked easier than the other instruments – little did I know! I’m still trying to master everything about it.

Where did you study your main instrument; with whom?

I had many great teachers from Jack McKie and Roger Sherman from the Pittsburgh Symphony, who sharpened my fundamentals, to Max Sommerhalder and Armando Ghitalla, who inspired me to play with style and become a musician and artist. I was actually supposed to be visiting Max this very month at his home in the paradise of Switzerland but we had to postpone our trip.

When did you join ESO?

In 2013. My audition was Andrew Grams’ third day on the job.

What other orchestras have you played with/do you play with now?

I’m also a member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic, and Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. I have performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Milwaukee Symphony, Grant Park Orchestra and Music of the Baroque.

What was your most memorable ESO performance?

Playing Gustav Mahler’s “Totenfeier” and his orchestration of Beethoven‘s 9th Symphony. Playing two of my favorite composers in rare concert versions of these familiar works was thrilling.

What are some of your interests, and how are you passing the time?

I have been enjoying spending lots of time with my pug, Arthur. It’s kind of nice to spend time with “analog” things in quarantine like drawing, reading magazines and writing on my 1947 Smith-Corona Clipper typewriter.

Meet the Musician: Renée-Paule Gauthier, Violin

ESO- Renee-Paule Gauthier, violin

Renée-Paule Gauthier, Violin

Instrument/Section

Violin

When did you begin to play your instrument?

When I was seven. Both my parents were music teachers, so I guess you can say there wasn’t much of a choice! 

Do you play any other instruments?

Unfortunately, no. I dream of picking up the viola one day (I truly love that instrument!), and I’m hoping to learn some piano as I help my two kids practice for their piano lessons.

Where did you study your main instrument; with whom?

I studied at the Quebec Conservatoire, the University of Montreal and the Eastman School of Music; I earned my Doctorate degree from Northwestern University. My main teachers were Jean-Francois Rivest, Zvi Zeitlin, Phil Setzer, Gene Drucker and Gerardo Ribeiro.

When did you join ESO?

 I joined the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in 2016.

What other orchestras have you played with/do you play with now?

In Canada I played with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Calgary Philharmonic. Now that I’ve settled in Chicago, I frequently appear with the Lyric Opera Orchestra, the Chicago Philharmonic, the Joffrey Ballet Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in addition to being a member of the Elgin Symphony.

What was your most memorable ESO performance?

One of my favorite ESO moments is actually one during which I was not playing! The orchestra played Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” a couple of seasons ago and, because of the reduced number of string players required by the score, I was not onstage for this piece. Instead, I got to sit in the hall and listen to my colleagues play it brilliantly – with such finesse and brio! It was a real treat to hear them, and it’s a great honor to play among them!

What are some of your interests, and how are you passing the time?

As time goes by, I seem to be returning to my roots and combining interests I’ve always had into hobbies.  My mother always said that, as a child, I loved to tell stories to whomever wanted to listen. I also dreamed of being a journalist, and I loved to get together with my friends and “geek out” about music. Therefore, it makes complete sense that my biggest hobby of the past two years has involved producing a podcast about classical music -The Mind Over Finger Podcast – during which I sit with classical musicians and discuss mindful music-making. It has been tremendously inspiring for me and I’ve loved every minute of it. Lately, with no performances nor much driving around, I’ve been able to indulge in another love of mine: long walks.

ESO- Renée-Paule Gauthier, violin

Meet the Musician: Sara Sitzer, Cello

Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Sara Sitzer, cello

Sara Sitzer, Cello

Instrument/section:

Cello

When did you begin to play your instrument?

I started on piano when I was about five years old and, two years into my piano studies, my parents enrolled me in the week-long Chicago Suzuki Institute. At the end of every day, after lessons and classes that were usually one-on-one in a small room with a piano teacher, I’d head back to my dorm, passing through a room chock full of 30 or so cellists having a grand time making music together as a cello ensemble. Not only did they all get to play together, but the sound was unlike anything I had ever heard before, and they looked like they were having the time of their life! Needless to say, I switched instruments immediately…and the rest is history.

Do you play any other instruments?

Nope, I’m a one trick pony!

Where did you study your main instrument; with whom?

I received my Bachelor of Music degree in Cello Performance from Boston University as a student of Andres Diaz and Michael Reynolds, then earned a Master of Music from the University of Wisconsin – Madison while studying with Uri Vardi. After that, I spent three years in Miami Beach, Florida, as a fellow with the New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas.

When did you join ESO?

I joined ESO in 2011.

What other orchestras have you played with/do you play with now?

Besides playing with the ESO, I freelance all around the area, performing somewhat regularly with Chicago Opera Theater, the Milwaukee Symphony, and various other area orchestras and ensembles. Throughout its 3-year run on Broadway in Chicago, I was one of the regular subs that got to play in the pit for Hamilton, which was a blast. In addition to playing, I’m also one of the founding Artistic Directors of Chamber Music on the Fox (along with ESO bass trombonist Mark Fry), and I am the founding Artistic Director of the Gesher Music Festival, which takes place every August in my hometown of St. Louis.

What was your most memorable ESO performance?

Several seasons ago, the ESO was lucky enough to feature the famed cellist Lynn Harrell as soloist with the orchestra. In the music world, Harrell had always been looked up to as kind of a cello God, known for looking like he is exerting absolutely zero effort while playing any number of insanely difficult passages. Despite the fact that his fingers were about the size of large Italian sausages, he nevertheless played so delicately and beautifully that you were tempted to do a double take. So, not only was it a treat performing behind him as soloist, but then, being the absolute dear that he was, he also joined us from the back of the cello section in the Brahms 1st Symphony on the program’s second half. Afterwards, I ended up chatting with him until 1:00 am over beers at the Elgin Public House. Lynn Harrell passed away a few weeks ago and, besides the magnificent legacy he leaves behind, I will never forget his kind and wonderful spirit that week we got to spend with him in Elgin.

What are some of your interests, and how are you passing the time?

Since this recent pandemic has put the kibosh on public performances and I’ve got a lot more time on my hands, I thought I’d share what I’ve been up to with my quirky, delightful, entertaining three-year-old daughter. She’s got quite an imagination and plenty of curiosity, and with the recent nicer weather, we’ve spent a lot of time roaming around our neighborhood. So, first things first on our walks: we must pick dandelions to feed to the grotesques. Because…we are now experts on gargoyles vs. grotesques, and the lawn ornaments that you may think are gargoyles are not — if they don’t have a water spout, they are actually grotesques. And, according to 3-year-old Talia, grotesques feed on dandelions. Who knew? Additionally, I never before realized how many houses have frog lawn ornaments! Now, however, we visit each and every one of them daily. We typically transform into the “Old Dark Frog” (from the good old “Days with Frog and Toad” book), which I’m sure really puts our neighbors at ease. Did I mention she’s quirky? Quarantine is definitely not boring around here!

  • Sara’s daughter hunting for dandelions
  • Sara Sitzer, cello

Meet the Musician: Mark Fry, Bass Trombone

ESO-Mark Fry, Bass Trombone

Mark Fry, Bass Trombone

When did you begin to play your instrument?

I started on the trumpet in 6th grade and then switched to the bass trombone my sophomore year in high school. I also started to seriously study euphonium my freshman year in college. I was surrounded by musicians in my family growing up, both professional and amateur. My mother used to be a fine pianist and accompanied all of my recitals until my last couple years of college. My father was a huge classical music fan and I still have most of his vinyl records in my current collection. 

Where did you study your main instrument; with whom?

My trombone teachers in high school were Aubrey Tucker (my uncle and fabulous jazz trombonist and composer) and David Waters (former bass trombonist of the Houston Symphony and Rice University professor). Unfortunately, both of these wonderful gentlemen passed away recently. At the University of Houston, I studied with Allen Barnhill (principal trombone, Houston Symphony) and John McCroskey (Houston Symphony, retired).  Post College — principal trombone Jay Friedman, Chicago Symphony.

When did you join ESO?

I joined the ESO officially in 2002 but subbed for three years before that. I’m currently on a leave of absence and am the acting bass trombonist of Lyric Opera of Chicago.  

What other orchestras have you played with/do you play with now?

Other orchestras that I have performed with: Chicago Symphony Orchestra (frequent sub since 1998, including tours), Houston Symphony Orchestra (frequent sub since 1992, including several recordings and tours), Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Colorado Symphony, Charleston Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Chicago Philharmonic (member since 2000), Chicago Sinfonietta, Kalamazoo Symphony and Spoleto Festival, Italy. 

What was your most memorable ESO performance?

My most memorable performance with the ESO was getting to perform Carl Nielsen’s Flute Concerto with Amy Porter as our flute soloist and Jose Luis Gomez, conducting. This is a work for a smaller chamber orchestra with only three brass players, two horns and bass trombone. The bass trombonist has several solos throughout the work that are a dialogue with the flute soloist.  It’s a great piece by one of my favorite composers!

What are some of your interests, and how are you passing the time?

I’m having no problem keeping busy these days! I’ve been working on a lot of solo literature for my instrument and plan on doing a bunch of recitals once this thing is over. I just bought a house last summer and have been working on it…gardening, painting and other minor repairs and upgrades. I have a small yet bountiful vegetable garden. I’m a vegan and it has been coming in handy! I love to cook and have been experimenting with a ton of new recipes. I’m also brewing beer a bit more and just started kegging it. I have a two tap kegerator.  

Since I’m home more these days, I took in a foster cat. Riley is an adorable tortoise-shell cat. She’s tiny but with a huge personality. I’m still looking for a great home for her. My other two cats, Josephine and Buddy, get along with her okay but they’ll be happier when they have the house back to themselves. I also started volunteering at Illinois Equine Humane Center twice a week. It’s a wonderful horse rescue in Maple Park. It’s a tremendous joy to be helping out these magnificent animals! 

  • Mark and Buddy
  • Josephine
  • Foster Cat, Riley
  • Illinois Equine Humane Center