YOUTH PROGRAMS

The ESO brings music to life for students throughout Chicagoland. In-school, interactive demonstrations, competitions and opportunities for students to perform with the orchestra expand the students’ musical horizons and help to foster a lifelong appreciation for diverse types of music.

Robert Stanger Young Artist Competition

The Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst and the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra present the Robert Stanger Young Artist Competition each winter to provide a forum for outstanding, Chicago-area high school instrumentalists to compete for the opportunity to perform a concerto movement with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra.


The Competition is sponsored in part by the Elmhurst Kiwanis Club and the Auxiliary of the Elmhurst Symphony Association in memory of Dr. Robert Stanger, a Kiwanian and President of the Board of Directors of the Elmhurst Symphony from 1968-1972.


2024 Competition

The 2023-2024 Stanger Competition will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2024.

View Competition Rules and Details

Past Results

By Penney Stergios 27 Feb, 2024
Sjostrom Wins, Four Musicians Stand Out in Annual Concerto Competition 
By Penney Stergios 20 Feb, 2023
O'Malley Wins, Five Chicago-Area Musicians Stand Out In Annual Concerto Competition
21 Feb, 2022
Violinist Elinor Detmer wins 2022 Competition

School Outreach

The ESO is committed to outreach and educational programs to help audiences of tomorrow come to a better understanding and appreciation of music of all types. The Elmhurst Symphony has scheduled professional musicians to perform in the elementary schools for more than 30 years. Our program runs in a five year cycle, each year highlighting an orchestra instrument family.


School Outreach visits are made possible in part by the 100+ Women Who Care of Elmhurst.


To inquire about having ESO musicians visit your school, please contact us.


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