ESO Appoints Andrew French and Grace Tucker
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.
