Elmhurst Symphony Opens Season October 12 with Celestial Visions

Be prepared for a season of spectacular music-making when the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Stephen Alltop, opens its 59th season of exhilarating musical adventures on Saturday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. "Celestial Visions" features Emmy-nominated astronomer and photographic artist José Salgado, whose compelling films will be set to John Estacio’s Aurora Triptych. Also on the program are Symphony No. 3 in C Major by Jean Sibelius, Johann Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz, and 2019 Stanger Young Artist Audition winner, pianist Justin Chang, playing the first movement of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. Join us for this not-to-be-missed event for all ages to kick off a season of music that will touch your heart and stir your soul.

This concert is underwritten by a generous gift from Ray and Sally Allen. The performance of the Sibelius symphony is sponsored by Sally Nutini in memory of Peter Nutini, and the performance of Blue Danube Waltz is sponsored by Marvin and Phyllis Wolterstorff.

In keeping with its tradition of contributing to the community, the ESO will be accepting donations of non-food items for the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry at the concert. Concertgoers are invited to bring paper and cleaning products and personal care items for all ages of pantry clients.

Concert tickets, which can be purchased on the ESO web site (www.elmhurstsymphony.org) or by calling the Box Office at 630-941-0202, are $35 for adults, $32 for seniors, and $12 for students. Group and family rates are also available. Save on ticket costs by purchasing a three, four or five-concert 2019-20 season subscription, available on the ESO website, by calling the Box Office, or at the October 12 concert. Subscriber benefits include purchase of additional single tickets for $25, free exchange of tickets (conditions apply), and subscriber-only special gatherings. For more information call the Box Office.

Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church is located at 149 W. Brush Hill Rd. in Elmhurst. The church has accessible parking and facilities; parking is free. The concert experience at ECRC is enhanced by the informative and lively discussion, Behind the Music Stand, led by audience favorite Dr. Ted Hatmaker, which takes place at 5:45 p.m. prior to the concert.

The 59th season of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra is made possible in part by grants from the City of Elmhurst, the Illinois Arts Council (a state agency), the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, and 90.9FM WDCB, Chicago’s Home for Jazz.