The Elmhurst Symphony welcomes you to be a part of our musical adventures that hopefully will “capture your heart and touch your soul”. It is our wish that you will enjoy each concert and look forward to feeling the sensual power and emotional impact of wonderful symphonic music at each and every concert.

History
The Elmhurst community has a long and proud tradition of coming together to enjoy well-performed symphonic music by its volunteer community musicians. The generosity of encouragement and financial support of the community has allowed the symphony to provide quality symphonic music programs affordable to everyone. In addition, the army of passionate volunteers who have performed a myriad of tasks each year have enhanced the funding and support of the orchestra.

The origin of our community’s organized musical activity can be traced back to the 1940’s as the Elmhurst Community Theatre Orchestra provided music between sets of the summer plays of the Elmhurst Community Theatre. They also performed in schools, churches, park concerts and other civic functions. The orchestra has evolved with the desire of its volunteer musicians to continually improve their skills. From 1959 to 1961 the the Elmhurst Community Orchestra transitioned into the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra led by its first Music Director John Lazich. The first performance of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra was November 19, 1961.

Over the years the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra has been blessed with the help and encouragement of Elmhurst College where rehearsals and performances took place. In its formative years, Dr. Robert Stanger who was the President of the college, also served as Board President of the Elmhurst Symphony from 1968-1972.

The last thirty years has seen more diverse and complex musical challenges that the Elmhurst Symphony has successfully accomplished and more and more talented professional musicians have been invited to be a part of our rich symphonic traditions.

We are especially proud of the contributions of Dale Clevenger (1981-1995) as Music Director to the growth of the ESO. The growing reputation of superior quality performances of the Elmhurst Symphony has expanded enormously with the nationally renowned leadership of Dr. Stephen Alltop who has been the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director since 1995.

2013-14 Season Preview
Music Among Friends

Saturday, October 19, 2013 - Among Friends

Featuring:
Jennifer Cha: Stanger Young Artist Winner
Kate Hatmaker: Violin
Jean Hatmaker: Cello

Dramatic works of the late romantic era with pieces by Sibelius, Brahms, and Dvořák

Sunday, November 17, 2013 - Surround Sound 2!

Featuring: 
Spirito Women's Chorus, Molly Lindberg, Director
Agape Ringers, David Weck, Director

Back by popular demand! This performance will be a thrilling array of sonic experiences.

Sunday, January 26, 2014 - The Soldier's Tale

In collaboration with the First Folio Theater 

Pieces by Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky 

Sunday, March 2, 2014  
Apollo Chorus: Mozart's Great Mass in C

Featuring:
Apollo Chorus of Chicago

Performance of: Mozart's Mass in c minor and Dvořák's Te Deum

Saturday, May 10, 2014 
Fantasia Salute: Rite of Spring 101

Featuring
York High School String Orchestra

Multi-media salute to the 101 year-
old Rite of Spring by Stravinsky, along with performances of Night on Bald Mountain and Nutcracker Suite no. 1