ESO Presents “A Grand Tour” - March 16th

February 17, 2025

An Afternoon of Musical Masterpieces Featuring Music from Around The World

Elmhurst, IL – The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to present A Grand Tour, an afternoon of musical masterpieces, on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. This concert promises a captivating exploration of American, French, Spanish, and Italian music, conducted by Music Director Stephen Alltop.


Pre-Concert Talk
A Pre-Concert Talk will begin at 1:45 PM for those interested in learning more about the featured pieces and composers before the performance.


Program Highlights


The concert will feature a diverse and engaging program:

Florence Price: Concert Overture No. 1

Antonín Dvořák: Romance

Camille Saint-Saëns: Odelette

François Borne: Fantasy on Themes from Bizet’s Carmen

Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 (“Italian”)


The afternoon will showcase the talents of renowned flutist Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson, Principal Flutist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, making his solo debut with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. Höskuldsson will perform Camille Saint-Saëns' Odelette—a delightful French piece that blends virtuosity with charm. Also featured will be Bea Sjostrom, the winner of the 2024 Stanger Young Artist Competition, performing Dvořák’s Romance for Violin and Orchestra—a masterwork full of grace and elegance.

A Celebration of Diversity in Music


The program is filled with colorful influences. From Florence Price’s groundbreaking American music, which marked the first composition by a woman performed by a major American orchestra, to the passionate Italian energy of Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony, this concert will offer something for every music lover.

Tickets and More Information
Tickets are available now, and a First-Timer’s Guide and FAQs are offered to ensure a smooth and enjoyable concert experience.


Date & Time: Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM
Pre-Concert Talk
: 1:45 PM
Location
: Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, Elmhurst, IL

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit ElmhurstSymphony.org or call the Elmhurst Symphony office at 630-941-0202, M-F 10 AM- 3 PM.


About Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra
The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra is a community-based and professional ensemble dedicated to providing world-class performances to the greater Elmhurst area. Under the baton of nationally renowned Dr. Stephen Alltop, the orchestra continues to be a vital part of the local cultural landscape.




May 12, 2025
The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to announce that Tong-Bai Deng , pianist, has been named the winner of the 2025 Stanger Young Artist Competition. The announcement was made live at the conclusion of the Rising Stars of Stanger concert on Saturday, May 10, 2025, held at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. Deng earned top honors for his electrifying performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Movement IV , captivating both the audience and judges with his technical command and passionate artistry.  The concert featured three finalist performances by exceptional high school musicians: Tong-Bai Deng , piano — Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (Mvt. IV) Sarah Gomez , Sam Deverman , Elyse Schlesinger , and Julian Kolthammer , horns — Robert Schumann’s Konzertstück for Four Horns and Orchestra Neal Eisfeldt , violin — Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto (Mvt. I) The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Assistant Conductor Eli Chen , also performed Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, Movement I , rounding out a dynamic and celebratory afternoon of music. A panel of esteemed judges— Andrea Lafranzo , Michael Lewanski , and Peter Lipari —was embedded in the audience to evaluate each finalist on musicianship, interpretation, and stage presence before announcing the winner live from the stage. “This competition is one of the most inspiring events we host all year,” said Michael Surratt, Coordinator of the Stanger Young Artist Competition. “We are so proud of all the finalists and extend our warmest congratulations to Tong-Bai Deng for his extraordinary performance.” The Stanger Young Artist Competition is an annual tradition that supports and celebrates the next generation of classical musicians by offering high school performers the opportunity to appear as soloists with a professional orchestra. It is in part sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst , whose generous and ongoing support is gratefully acknowledged. For more information on the competition or upcoming performances, please visit ElmhurstSymphony.org or contact the ESO office at 630-941-0202 (Monday-Friday 10AM-3PM).
May 12, 2025
Gallery Photos by Elliot Mandel Photography.
May 5, 2025
Gallery Photos by Ryan Bennett for Elliot Mandel Photography.
Show More