From the Archives: ESO Music Director Dale Clevenger
October 28, 2022
Explore the rich history of the Elmhurst Symphony.
Dale Clevenger was the Principal Horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1966 until his retirement in 2013, and Music Director of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra from 1981-1995.
Maestro Clevenger was the longest-serving ESO Music Director at the time, and is the second-longest serving Music Director in the orchestra’s history.
Born on July 2, 1940 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dale was one of the most respected and accomplished orchestral musicians of his generation. He died on January 5, 2022.
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).
Photo Gallery: Rising Stars Concert and Competition
Photo Gallery: The Triple & The Titan