State of the Symphony 'melodic and harmonious'

Dee Longfellow for the Elmhurst Independent • April 4, 2024

Strategic Plan forecasts bright future; Silver Measure to be awarded

Originally published by the Elmhurst Independent newspaper April 04, 2024

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.

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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).