History
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1950 by Douglas Steensland at Elgin Community College. In 1971, with the appointment of Grammy Award-winning conductor Margaret Hillis as Music Director, the Orchestra’s artistic growth advanced significantly. Conductor/composer Robert Hanson was appointed the ESO’s Associate Conductor in 1974 and Co-Music Director with Hillis in 1983. Hanson became Music Director in 1985 and quickly orchestrated the artistic and service growth of the Orchestra that has been described by the Chicago Tribune as “impressive.” During the same year, the ESO became a fully professional orchestra. In 1988 and again in 1999, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra was named Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras; the award acknowledges the Orchestra’s programming excellence, artistic quality and leadership.
In 1996, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra moved its administrative and box offices from Elgin Community College, the Orchestra’s home for nearly 50 years, to downtown Elgin. Shortly thereafter, the ESO’s Board of Directors committed to becoming Illinois’ highest paid orchestra outside of Chicago. In 1997, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra began broadcasting its Classic Series concerts on WFMT 98.7-FM, Chicago’s Fine Arts Station; performances are available on WFMT’s cable network in 38 states, and throughout the world on the Internet. The combination of such achievements enables the Elgin Symphony Orchestra to engage accomplished musicians and attract audiences from over 100 communities.
