ESO Appoints Andrew French and Grace Tucker

September 26, 2024

New Principal Violin 2, Principal Double Bass to join the ESO in January 2025

Grace Tucker Appointed Principal Violin 2

Grace Tucker is a violinist who teaches and performs throughout the Chicagoland area. She earned a Master’s Degree and Performer’s Diploma in Violin Performance at DePaul University, and undergraduate degrees in Violin Performance and Pedagogy from Wheaton College. Her mentors include Ann Setzer, Carolyn Stuart, Paul Zafer, and Doris Preucil. Following her studies, Grace was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago from 2021 to 2023.

In addition to orchestral playing and freelancing, Grace enjoys teaching violin and viola at New Trier schools and in her home studio in Elmhurst. She has also served as a Teaching Artist in various West Chicago, Wheaton, and Chicago Public Schools through DePaul University’s Community Music Division, Wheaton College’s Community School of the Arts, and as a Civic Orchestra Mentor. Additionally, she has taught at Suzuki summer camps in New Zealand and is currently on the faculty of Tutti Chamber Music Camp in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Andrew French appointed Principal Double Bass

Andrew French is a professional musician specializing in the string bass. He began his formal education at DePaul University, where he studied under the guidance of Chicago Symphony Orchestra bassist Rob Kassinger. His pursuit of excellence in music led him to the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he completed his master’s degree studying with the esteemed Derek Zadinsky from The Cleveland Orchestra.

He was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago during their 2021-2022 season and led group lessons through their mentorship program, an experience that enriched his musical journey and broadened his skills as a player and teacher. Currently, Andrew plays with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and serves as the principal bassist of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. In non-classical ventures, he plays in a Jazz trio performing the music of Django Reinhardt, and also plays electric bass in the Jazz-inspired indie band Big Fans.

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ESO Announces Winner of the 2025 Stanger Young Artist Competition

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).