ESO Presents - An Opera Afternoon with Jim Cornelison

Abigail Karr • August 25, 2025

An Opera Afternoon with Jim Cornelison on September 28th

Elmhurst, IL - The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra will open its 2025/2026 season with an exciting performance on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. Known as ‘The Anthem Singer’, Chicago’s own Jim Cornelison steps off the ice for a performance of classic opera selections conducted by Music Director Stephen Alltop.

The afternoon will begin with a Pre-Concert Talk at 1:45 PM to offer insight into the music and enhance the concert experience for attendees.

Program Highlights:

The program will feature a selection of familiar operatic favorites including:

GIOACHINO ROSSINI Largo al factotum from The Barber of Seville
GIOACHINO ROSSINI Overture to William Tell
LEONARD BERNSTEIN Maria from West Side Story
CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHӦNBERG Bring Him Home from Les Misérables

And more!

Who’s Performing:

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra
Stephen Alltop, Music Director and Conductor
Jim Cornelison, Vocalist

What’s Interesting:

Jim Cornelison, best known as the resident National Anthem Singer for the Chicago Blackhawks and Bears, steps off the ice and joins Maestro Stephen Alltop and the Elmhurst Symphony for the 2025/2026 home opener!

Ticket Information:
For tickets, first-time visitor guides, FAQs, and further concert details, please visit www.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.

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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).