Tickets for concerts in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s 77th season –- which begins the weekend of Oct. 10 and 11 -- go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m. Tickets start at $20 and will be available online at ElginSymphony.org, or by phone at 847-888-4000 or in person at the ESO Office, 20 DuPage Court in Elgin. The box office is open Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Under the baton of Music Director Chad Goodman, the ESO’s 77th season features major works by Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Dvořák, Berlioz, Shostakovich, and Gershwin, showcases pieces by both treasured and current American composers in a nod to the country’s semi-quincentennial, highlights world-class guest artists, and offers family favorite programming in its “Día de los Muertos”, “Holiday Spectacular”, and “Hooray for Hollywood” programs.

Among the guest soloists will be the ESO’s own Isabella Lippi, concertmaster with the Symphony for two decades. Lippi will perform Dvorak's “Romance” and Saint-Saëns's “Introduction and Rondo capriccioso” in November. Other featured artists include pianist Drew Peterson, who previously performed with the ESO in 2023 and returns to perform Tchaikovsky's monumental First Piano Concerto; violinist Kerson Leong, making his ESO debut with Bruch's “Scottish Fantasy”; and pianist Tony Siqi Yun, performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3.

Of additional note, the ESO has co-commissioned a piece by Juan Pablo Contreras, “MyGreat Dream”, which will receive its regional premiere at the ESO’s May 2027 concerts.

Concerts take place at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra has been recognized for its excellence five times by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, most recently receiving the Professional Orchestra of the Year and Professional Conductor of the Year distinctions in 2025.

While single tickets will be available starting Sept. 2, subscription packages are now on sale, offering patrons savings when selecting packages of three, four, or six concerts. Subscribers also have first access to tickets for the popular “Holiday Spectacular” and “Hooray for Hollywood” performances.

For more information, visit www.ElginSymphony.org.

Learning how to be a resource for youth struggling with mental health challenges through our free QPR Training.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR): A suicide prevention gatekeeper training that teaches adults how to recognize warning signs, offer hope, and refer youth to life-saving professional care

Workshops are scheduled once enough attendees have submitted for them. The workshops are 8 hours long split in a single session or 2-day sessions of 4 hours each.

For more information, email: Ymhfirstaid@niu.edu

A display of paintings created by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford depicting "Buildings". These paintings were created on location. Many of the buildings depicted are in the Rockford area

Objects of Affection Still Life Art Exhibit
Awards Reception, August 7, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Judge Glenn Bodish

Glenn was born and raised in the Allentown area of Pennsylvania. He holds an MFA in painting from the University of Montana, a BFA in painting from Southern Oregon University and an Associate’s degree in Commercial Art from Luzerne County College in Pennsylvania. Currently Glenn resides and operates an art studio in Dixon, Illinois.

During the past 35 years Glenn has worked in the art field as an illustrator, photographer and a community arts organizer as well as maintaining a commitment to the development of his work as a fine artist.
Glenn has also worked in art museums since 1992 and held the position as the Executive Director for the Butte Silver Bow Arts Foundation from 1997 through 2011. Glenn has been teaching art in community arts programs, colleges and universities since 1985. Currently he is an Associate Professor of Art and the Gallery Director at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois
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Music by Al & Jeannie Brown
Jeannie and Al Brown have been making music together for over 30 years.
Covering nearly every musical style through the years, their piano and upright bass duo favors jazz standards.
“Jazz covers a lot of musical territory,” says the pair. “There’s literally something for everyone.” It’s their favorite format, though they are quick to add, “There are so many good songs, so much good music in the world. We won’t pass up a chance to play an old favorite just because it’s not considered a jazz tune. We just put our personal spin on it!” They also hope they are helping to preserve some of the best music ever. “Good music will last without our help,” they say, “but each time a great song is heard it freshens it for both listener and performer. We’re happy to help keep it alive!”
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The Coliseum Museum is honored to host a special collection of China by members of the Pickard Collectors Club. The club was founded in 1992 by Joy Luke of Bloomington, Illinois, who along with a small group of Pickard enthusiasts thought it was time to bring together collectors of Pickard porcelain and glass.

Wilder A. Pickard (1857-1939) started the company in 1894 by offering his customers hand-painted giftware, artware, and eventually dinnerware of the highest quality.

Today, Pickard, Inc., remains a family-owned business proudly producing high quality, hand-crafted china. Each Pickard generation carries on the tradition of producing Ivory and White porcelain for individuals as well as for government and corporate organizations, both domestic and international. For more information visit their website at https://pickardcollectorsclub.org

Les Allen
Taft Gallery, August 1 – September 30

Les Allen, an award-winning photographer based in Dixon, IL, specializes in Fine Art Traditional Black and White Photography. Using a large format camera, Les captures the surreal and abstract elements of the world around him.

In the world of analog photography, Les is a master printer, creating luminous and mesmerizing images that challenge perception and invite viewers into a dreamlike realm. His photographs, a manifestation of his deep connection with nature, convey his instinctual understanding of light, shadow, and composition. Evoking emotions, provoking thought, and inspiring viewers to explore their own intuitive connections with the world.