ESO Offers Free Tickets To Govt. Employees Affected By Shutdown

ELGIN, IL -- The Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is expanding its offer of free concert tickets to include all federal government workers affected by the government shutdown. While supplies last, the ESO will provide one free ticket and up to three guest tickets to each federal government employee on furlough or working without pay that presents a valid government ID for two upcoming shows of A Night In Old Vienna. The free showings will be at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the Hemmens Cultural Center.

"We hope this program of lively and exuberant music, performed by the world-class ESO, will transport concertgoers beyond everyday worries to a place of calm and relaxation. Music is a powerful healer,” said Diane Hander, director of marketing.

While supplies last, tickets will be offered to walk-up patrons only, starting at 6:30 p.m. for the Saturday, Jan. 26 concert, and starting at 1:30 p.m. for the Sunday, Jan. 27 concert at Hemmens Cultural Center. A valid government ID must be presented to receive the tickets, according to a news release.

Music Director Andrew Grams and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra will present A Night In Old Vienna at the Hemmens Cultural Center. Concerts feature the light-hearted and lively waltzes and polkas of Johann Strauss II, including the Overture to Die Fledermaus, Tritsch-Tratsch, Pizzicato and “Thunder and Lightning” polkas and On the Beautiful Blue Danube, according to a ESO news release.

With a unique combination of intensity, enthusiasm and technical clarity, American conductor Andrew Grams has steadily built a reputation for his dynamic concerts, ability to connect with audiences, and long-term orchestra building.

He’s the winner of 2015 Conductor of the Year from the Illinois Council of Orchestras and has led orchestras throughout the United States including the Chicago Symphony, Detroit Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, and the Houston Symphony.

Grams became music director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra after an international search. His charismatic conducting and easy accessibility have made him a favorite of Elgin Symphony audiences. He has extended his contract with the ESO through 2021.

UPCOMING ORCHESTRA CLINIC

Grams will conduct an orchestra clinic at Bartlett High School on Thursday, January 24 and the ESO is offering a free open rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. that evening. Registration is required at ElginSymphony.Org. Saturday concertgoers are invited after the performance to Mingle with the Musicians at Bennigan’s Elgin.Concert and season sponsor is John B. Sanfilippo and Son, Inc. Otto Engineering, Inc. is also a season sponsor Tickets start at $30. Student tickets are $11. Valet or free parking. For more information, visit ElginSymphony.Org or 847-888-4000.