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Archive for the ‘Elgin Symphony Orchestra’ Category

Elgin Symphony Orchestra celebrates the holidays with six concerts

Posted in Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on November 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Submitted by Donna Lake

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is ushering in the holiday season with six holiday themed concerts. Tickets for all performances are available at ElginSymphony.org or by calling the ESO’s box office at (847) 888-4000. The box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Brass & Percussion

The ESO’s Brass and Percussion sections will present concerts in St. Charles, Schaumburg, and Barrington that feature favorite holiday melodies, including arrangements of “The Nutcracker,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Silent Night,” and more.

Nicholas Koos will conduct the concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road in St. Charles. Tickets are $25 or $5 for students.

ESO Music Director Chad Goodman will conduct the concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Worship Center, 930 W. Higgins Road in Schaumburg. Tickets are $25 or $5 for students.

A free Brass & Percussion concert led by ESO Music Director Chad Goodman will take place at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 Ela Street, Barrington, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. RSVPs are requested at ElginSymphony.org.

Holiday Spectacular

A treasured tradition, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s festive “Holiday Spectacular” concerts will feature favorite carols with the voices of the Elgin Master Chorale, selections from “The Nutcracker” with performances by students from Integrity School of Dance, and an appearance by Santa Claus.

ESO Music Director Chad Goodman conducts the concerts, which will take place at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin. Tickets start at $20 and are available at ElginSymphony.org.

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Free summer concerts to feature Elgin Symphony Orchestra musicians

Posted in Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on June 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Elgin Symphany Orchestra’s Patriot Brass and Percussion concert last year at Citizens Park in Barrington. This year’s concert will be Wednesday, July 2nd. | Courtesy Elgin Symphany Orchestra

By Donna Lake

The award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra continues to bring live music experiences to Elgin and surrounding communities this summer through free outdoor concerts in Elgin, Barrington, and Hoffman Estates.

“We are excited to bring the incredible talent of our ESO musicians to community parks throughout the summer,” said Marc Thayer, Chief Executive Officer of the ESO. “We’re always excited to share our enthusiasm for great music with others and these outdoor summer venues offer the perfect opportunity to engage with our community.”

This summer, residents can enjoy free ESO performances:

  • Thursday, June 19: The ESO Brass Quintet will perform, along with local Gospel church choirs, at the Gail Borden Public Library’s Juneteenth Celebration at 6 p.m. on the main library’s outdoor stage. Blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic dinners are welcomed.
  • Thursday, June 26: Join the Elgin Symphony Brass Quintet at Lords Park for an evening of music under the summer sky! Presented as part of the City of Elgin’s Concerts in the Park series, this outdoor performance at 7 p.m. offers a lively and engaging mix of brass music — perfect for a fun and relaxing night out.
  • Wednesday, July 2: Celebrate the holiday at the ESO’s free Patriotic Brass & Percussion concert at 6:30 p.m. Bring a picnic and lawn chairs to enjoy this family-friendly event at the Robert G. Soule Amphitheater at Citizens Park in Barrington. This concert is made possible through the generous support of the Barrington Area Community Foundation.
  • Thursday, Aug. 7: Experience an evening with the ESO String Quartet at 7 p.m. at the Village Green Amphitheater in Hoffman Estates. Coolers, food, drinks, chairs, blankets, and small tables are allowed at this outdoor venue. Seating is first come, first serve.

The ESO begins its 76th subscription season in October. The six-concert series includes Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” Brahms’ Symphony No. 3, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, and the Fauré Requiem, and showcases several celebrated guest artists. For more information about the ESO, visit www.ElginSymphony.org.

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Hemmens Cultural Center unveils $14.4 million expansion with May 18 celebration

Posted in Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Entertainment, Organizations, Press Release, Topics Of Interest on May 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »

After a $14.4 billion renovation, Elgin’s Hemmens Cultural Center unveils expanded space with a public open house on May 18 featuring entertainment, arts groups, and circus performers 360 ALLSTARS | Courtesy of Hemmens Cultural Center

By Tony Lentino, Hemmens Cultural Center

After years of planning, community input and a recently completed three-year construction project, the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin will officially open its doors to the public on Sunday, May 18, to unveil a $14.4 million expansion.

The celebration begins at 2:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by an afternoon of live entertainment, immersive experiences and a thrilling headline performance that promises to captivate audiences of all ages.

“It’s beyond exciting to have finally brought the vision and dedication of so many to fruition,” said Amanda Harris, director of Cultural Arts & Special Events. “Having a beautifully renovated space that serves the community and stands as a cultural icon in our region — right here in our own backyard — is such a privilege. We intend to make the most of it by showcasing some amazing talent while also elevating the audience experience.”

Guests are invited to explore the newly renovated space, enjoy complimentary refreshments and engage with local arts organizations, highlighting Elgin’s vibrant arts and culture scene.

The 360 ALLSTARS performance, on their 10th Anniversary World Tour, will be performing at the May 18 celebration at the Hemmens in Elgin. | Courtesy of 360 ALLSTARS

Attendees will also get an exclusive preview of the upcoming 2025-26 performance season and discover what makes the Hemmens Cultural Center a cornerstone of the arts in the Fox Valley.

The celebration continues at 4 p.m. with a high-energy performance by 360 ALLSTARS, the internationally acclaimed urban circus phenomenon. Featuring BMX stunts, breakdancing, acrobatics, basketball, drumming and more, the show fuses street culture with elite athleticism in a spectacle that has captivated audiences on Broadway, the Sydney Opera House and around the world.

As part of their 10th Anniversary World Tour, 360 ALLSTARS brings their globally recognized talents to Elgin for one day only. Backed by award-winning musicians and cutting-edge visuals, this performance offers an unforgettable experience for families, arts lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Tickets are just $5. For tickets, go to hemmens.org.

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Elgin Symphony Orchestra to present ‘Holiday Brass’ concert Dec. 3 in Schaumburg

Posted in Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Entertainment on November 27, 2024| Leave a Comment »

By Elgin Symphony Orchestra

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra will bring its brass and percussion sections to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Schaumburg for a festive holiday concert. The concert will be at 7 p.m. in the church’s worship center at 930 W. Higgins Road.

“We are excited to bring this special concert to Schaumburg as part of our ESO Presents series,” said Marc Thayer, CEO of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. “The holiday season provides a unique opportunity to showcase our brass and percussion musicians as much of the fanfare of traditional holiday music is demonstrated through these instruments. This concert is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.”

Led by ESO Music Director Chad Goodman, the 80-minute concert will feature Christmas favorites, including “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” “Sleigh Ride,” and holiday traditions such as “O Tannenbaum,” selections from “The Nutcracker,” and “Carol of the Bells,” among others.

General admission seating is $20 or $5 for students and youth. Tickets are available online at ElginSymphony.org or through the ESO box office, open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., at (847) 888-4000. Tickets also will be available at the door.

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ESO presents a free Holiday Brass and Percussion concert in Barrington on Sunday, Dec. 3

Posted in Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Entertainment, Press Release, St. Anne Catholic Community on November 16, 2023| Leave a Comment »

HOLIDAY-BRASS-1-1024x576

Members of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s brass and percussion sections will present a free concert at St. Anne Catholic Community, 120 Ela Street, Barrington, on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m.

ESO Music Director Chad Goodman will conduct this family-friendly program featuring festive holiday music, which is sponsored by the Francis J. & Patricia A. Houlihan Foundation and Motor Werks.

No tickets are required. RSVPs are optional at www.elginsymphony.org.

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