Elmhurst Symphony Wows A Record Crowd at The Four Seasons Concert

Elmhurst, IL – The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra (ESO) continued its 2024/2025 season with a record-setting performance of The Four Seasons on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The concert was the third-best attended and second best-selling Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra concert on record.

The program, which featured Antonio Vivaldi's iconic The Four Seasons and Astor Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, delighted both long-time patrons and first-time concertgoers alike. Guest violinist Cynthia Freivogel soloed with the orchestra for the Vivaldi, and longtime ESO concertmaster Rika Seko stepped into the soloist spotlight for the Piazzolla.

Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One first-time attendee, Adolphe Zielinski, was "absolutely blown away by the musicianship,” and went on to call it a “top-notch performance."

An Ideal Venue for Music Lovers

The symphony’s performance took place in the acoustically rich, modern auditorium of the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, a venue well-regarded for its superior sound quality, comfortable seating, and convenient parking. One concertgoer shared, "Great location, free parking, lovely facility, amazing music—what more could I ask for?" Patrons continue to express gratitude for having such an outstanding cultural venue in their community. Another attendee, Barbara Mough, remarked, “being able to attend the performance in Elmhurst was a real treat. So glad to have found your organization.”

Elevating Elmhurst with World-Class Music

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra draws from the talents of both professional musicians from the Chicago area and local community members to deliver exceptional performances. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Dr. Stephen Alltop, who has led the orchestra since 1995, the symphony consistently attracts world-class soloists and offers performances that are both entertaining and enriching. Dr. Alltop’s unique ability to share musical insights and stories adds depth and dimension to every concert.

For first-time concertgoer Cinthia Hengst, attending the performance with her 14-year-old violinist daughter, the experience was unforgettable. "This was such an enjoyable family experience," Hengst said. "It was fascinating to watch and hear Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and the [Piazzolla] was a unique and engaging twist.” Another patron, Fred Montero, noted, “It was Vivaldi’s Four Seasons that drew us in, but when the first half of the concert concluded, we thought the best was over. Needless to say, we were surprised and elated with the version out of Buenos Aires.”

Pre-Concert Discussions Enhance the Experience

Patrons praised Assistant Conductor Eli Chen’s popular pre-concert discussion, noting the informative and entertaining talk added significantly to their enjoyment of the performance. Concertgoer Sharon Kuta described the talk as "a highlight. Really enhanced the concert like salt on an egg!"

Looking Ahead to March: A Grand Tour

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra continues its 2024/2025 season with A Grand Tour, on March 16, 2025, at 3:00pm. The program will showcase music influenced by American, French, Spanish, and Italian traditions and feature Chicago Symphony Orchestra Principal Flutist Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson as soloist. Tickets for this highly anticipated concert are on sale now and can be purchased online at ElmhurstSymphony.org or by phone at (630) 941-0202.

Photo Gallery

Photos by Elliot Mandel Photography