State of the Symphony 'melodic and harmonious'

Since we've heard the State of the City, the State of the University and the State of the Chamber of Commerce, it's time to hear about the State of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra (ESO).

The Independent caught up with ESO executive director Gregory Hughes recently to see what new developments may be on the horizon for the rest of the season.

The best news Hughes shared is that attendance numbers have been record-setting. "Our ticket sales are way up," he said. "We had a record-setting November. It was the second highest [number of tickets sold] since Covid and the fourth highest in 10 years."

The ESO recently changed from open seating to assigned seats in the sanctuary of the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church (ECRC), where the symphony performs.

Asked why the switch and what are the advantages, Hughes had this to say: "Most people - especially subscribers - find they like preferential seating, they can choose their own preferred side to sit on, the left or the right. Assigned seating also encourages people to subscribe early to get their preference. So far, it has proven to be a very good system."

Donors offer match funds

Funding for the symphony remains strong, according to Hughes, thanks in part to a special program some of the donors arranged. "In the fall, some of our donors came together and offered a 'matching gift challenge'," he said. "If we were able to raise at least $25,000 before Jan. 30, 2024, that amount would be matched, increasing the total to $50,000. I'm proud to say, we reached the $25,000 goal in December, well ahead of schedule."

In January, the ESO board adopted the Strategic Plan, a 36-page document projecting and forecasting the next six to ten years. Hughes said, in the past, the ESO has often operated with a budget deficit.

"We've tightened our belts and sought new revenue sources," he said. "We're trying to attract people who are skeptical about going [to the symphony]." Hughes said they were trying to offer "something for everyone," and may be planning concerts in the future that appeal to young people, even considering youth subscriptions.

Upcoming concert includes special honors

The symphony's next concert will be Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m., when the Elmhurst Symphony Association presents La Mer at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church (ECRC) at 149 W. Brush Hill Road in Elmhurst.

Audiences are invited to attend a pre-concert lecture by assistant conductor Eli Chen, beginning at 5:45 in the Upper Gathering Area of the ECRC.

The concert will include two pieces by Claude Debussy, as well as the Cello Concert No. 1 in A minor by Camille Saint-Saens, when cellist Alexander Hersh joins Dr. Stephen Alltop and the ESO.

ESO Silver Measure awards

At the May 4 concert, the Elmhurst Symphony Association (ESA) will also present three of its four Silver Measure Awards to Board member and treasure Carl Amrhein, and long-time musicians Ken Bohl and Gail Vandon.

At a previous concert, past Board president David J. Novotny was honored. The Silver Measure Award is the ESA's highest recognition, created to recognize outstanding volunteer service to the ESO. (See separate story about the recipients elsewhere in this issue.)

For more information about the Elmhurst Symphony or for tickets to the upcoming concert, visit elmhurstsymphony.org.