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 2026 Stanger Young Artist Competition

By Abigail Karr • May 21, 2026

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to announce that Ella Wimbiscus , cellist, has been named the winner of the 2026 Stanger Young Artist Competition. The announcement was made live at the conclusion of the Rising Stars Concert & Competition concert on Saturday, May 16, 2026, held at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. Wimbuscus earned top honors for her lyrical rendition of Antonín Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B Min., Op. 104, Movement I , performed alongside the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Assistant Conductor Eli Chen. The concert featured three finalist performances by exceptional high school musicians: Ella Wimbiscus , cello — Antonín Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104, 1st Mvt Francesca Gaus Ehning , oboe — Clemence de Grandval’s Oboe Concerto, Op. 7, Mvt III Adrian Gonzalez , piano — Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 Mvt I 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).