Elgin Symphony Orchestra

We're off to a strong start on our $100,000 matching challenge. If you haven't had a chance to give yet, we'd love to have you join in. Every dollar is matched through June 30 at elginsymphony.org/donate.

Don't miss your chance to join us for A Serenade to the Fox Valley, the ESO's 2026 Gala. Celebrate an evening of music, elegance, and community at the beautiful Shed at OTTO. Ticket sales close May 6th.

🎟️ elginsymphony.org/gala

🙌 Please join us in thanking and congratulating ESO Principal Flutist Jean Bishop on her retirement after this weekend’s concerts. 🙌

“The ESO has been my passion for 47 seasons,” Jean, who has not missed playing in an ESO concert any of those years, said. “The opportunity to perform for so many years with my amazing colleagues has been nothing short of spectacular. It's been an honor and a great adventure to play under four of ESO's five Music Directors.”

When asked for her most memorable moments over her ESO career, Jean reflected, “The most memorable concerts for me were the performances of the 10th, 11th, and 12th Symphonies of Shostakovich with Andrew Grams, as well as Mahler's 5th Symphony. In particular, the May 2013 concert of Moussorgsky's Introduction to Khovantschina, Vaughan-Williams' The Lark Ascending, and Shostakovich's 10th Symphony will forever be a career highlight.”

Thank you, Jean, for the music🎶. We wish you the best in your retirement.