The award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra offers exceptional live music experiences and brings world-renowned soloists and musicians to Elgin, Illinois. A six-concert classics subscription series and several special event concerts are held yearly at the Hemmens Cultural Center and additional venues throughout the Elgin area. 

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is committed to making live orchestra performances accessible to everyone in the community through:
•	Free community concerts
•	Performances at hospitals, hospices, and senior residences through its Musicians Care program
•	Supplemental music education programs in local elementary schools through the ESO’s Adopt-A-School program and youth concert experiences through the Ainsworth Concerts for Youth
•	Educational Listener’s Club lectures at libraries
•	Free tickets to classics performances for children age 17 and under with a paid adult
•	Affordable concert pricing
•	Free tickets for first-time guests of the ESO 

Founded in 1950 as a community orchestra, the ESO became a professional ensemble in 1985 in good part due to the leadership of the late Margaret Hillis, who served as the ESO’s music director from 1971 to 1985. Hillis was one of the first females to break through the male-dominated world of conducting and is credited with being the impetus behind the creation of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Association, the formation of the ESO’s volunteer core – the Elgin Symphony League, and the start of the ESO’s commitment to music education and enrichment for youth.

Chad Goodman was named Music Director in May 2023. Previous Music Directors included: 
Douglas Steensland (1950-1971)
Margaret Hillis (1971-1985)
Robert Hanson (1985-2011)
Andrew Grams (2013-2021)

The Illinois Council of Orchestras has named the ESO Orchestra of the Year four times (1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016). 

The ESO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

To learn more visit www.elginsymphony.org. 

Performing Arts

Elgin Symphony Orchestra

Marc Thayer

Rebecca Dewane

Chuck Kocal

Eric Gaston - Falk

The Development and Outreach Team at the Elgin Symphony Orchestra is responsible for fostering relationships with donors, securing grants, and developing fundraising strategies to support the organization's mission. This team also focuses on community engagement through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and collaborations, ensuring that the ESO remains accessible and valuable to residents of Elgin and the surrounding areas.

Development and Outreach Team

About

Team members

Other teams at Elgin Symphony Orchestra

Musicians

Administration and Office Support