Northern Illinois Community Calendar

Journey through the cosmos with the colorful storytelling of Holst’s The Planets. From the fury of Mars to the jolly giant Jupiter, the RSO explores the sounds of the Solar System. The evening also features violin soloist Philippe Quint performing beloved themes from Cinema Paradiso, Schindler’s List, Scent of a Woman, and other cinematic favorites. Join us for a powerful season opener that showcases the connection between classical music and the silver screen.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra opens its 77th Season Classics Series with a program of bold energy, rhythmic drive, and sweeping romanticism under Music Director Chad Goodman. Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from “Rodeo” sets the tone with lively charm and distinctly American spirit, followed by the propulsive intensity and striking contrasts of Igor Stravinsky’s “Symphony in Three Movements”. The program concludes with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by acclaimed pianist Drew Petersen, who brings both power and lyricism to a beloved masterpiece and is making his second appearance with the ESO and its Music Director, Chad Goodman.

Performances take place Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2:30 p.m., at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets start at $20. Visit ElginSymphony.org for more information.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra opens its 77th Season Classics Series with a program of bold energy, rhythmic drive, and sweeping romanticism under Music Director Chad Goodman. Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from “Rodeo” sets the tone with lively charm and distinctly American spirit, followed by the propulsive intensity and striking contrasts of Igor Stravinsky’s “Symphony in Three Movements”. The program concludes with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by acclaimed pianist Drew Petersen, who brings both power and lyricism to a beloved masterpiece and is making his second appearance with the ESO and its Music Director, Chad Goodman.

Performances take place Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2:30 p.m., at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets start at $20. Visit ElginSymphony.org for more information.

Experience the unforgettable music behind some of Hollywood’s most beloved films. From thrilling action and sweeping romance to moments of wonder and discovery, the music of John Williams has shaped the moviegoing experience for generations. Relive the excitement of your iconic favorites in an evening the whole family can enjoy.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra presents a special community concert, Dia de los Muertos, on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, Ill.

ESO Music Director Chad Goodman conducts the program featuring Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2, Manuel Ponce’s “Estrellita,” Jose Moncayo’s Huapango, and more.

Seating is general admission
Adult tickets $25
Student tickets $5
Call and ask about our Free Youth Tickets for children ages 17 and under.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s November concerts pairs solo brilliance with orchestral sophistication in a program that features the virtuosity of ESO Concertmaster Isabella Lippi. Lippi will be featured on Dvořák’s lyrical and flowing “Romance for Violin and Orchestra” and the fiery and masterful “Introduction and Rondo capriccioso” by Saint-Saëns.

Her performance will complement Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Prague” Symphony, a work known for its refined structure, dramatic depth, and luminous orchestration. The concert, led by ESO Music Director Chad Goodman, will also include Jonathan Leshnoff’s “Score”.

Concertmaster with the ESO for 20 years, Lippi, who has been called “A standout, even among virtuosos,” began performing in public at the age of 10 when she made her debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She has since performed has appeared as guest soloist with orchestras in the United States, Mexico, Europe and the Far East.

The ESO concerts featuring Lippi’s solo mastery take place Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2:30 p.m., at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets start at $20. Visit ElginSymphony.org for more information.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s November concerts pairs solo brilliance with orchestral sophistication in a program that features the virtuosity of ESO Concertmaster Isabella Lippi. Lippi will be featured on Dvořák’s lyrical and flowing “Romance for Violin and Orchestra” and the fiery and masterful “Introduction and Rondo capriccioso” by Saint-Saëns.

Her performance will complement Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Prague” Symphony, a work known for its refined structure, dramatic depth, and luminous orchestration. The concert, led by ESO Music Director Chad Goodman, will also include Jonathan Leshnoff’s “Score”.

Concertmaster with the ESO for 20 years, Lippi, who has been called “A standout, even among virtuosos,” began performing in public at the age of 10 when she made her debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She has since performed has appeared as guest soloist with orchestras in the United States, Mexico, Europe and the Far East.

The ESO concerts featuring Lippi’s solo mastery take place Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2:30 p.m., at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets start at $20. Visit ElginSymphony.org for more information.

Experience Mozart's final masterpiece and lasting legacy. Joined by the Nielsen Chamber Choir and four spectacular vocal soloists, the RSO highlights music’s emotional power to blend drama, beauty, loss, and hope. Connect through music in an evening of rich orchestral color, vocal expression, and reflection.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2026 | 8:00 PM

Tickets start at $64, Members save 30%
(All-in pricing includes $4 Box Office Fee. An $8 Order fee will be applied at checkout to the entire order)
Celebrate the season with the award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Chad Goodman, and the Elgin Master Chorale at Raue Center for the Arts! Enjoy festive holiday music, world-class performances, and a family-friendly experience that creates memories to last a lifetime.

Recommended: All Ages

This performance is sponsored by:

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Don’t forget to become a RaueNOW Member to save 30%!

*Prices vary according to zone. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Box Office Fee – A $4 per ticket charge to support the ticketing software.

Order Fee – A $8 per order charge that helps operate and invest back in our historic venue.

Premium Seat Fee – $6 Premium seat fee is based on location/additional leg room and indicated with a light blue color on the seating chart.

Patron Code of Conduct: Be courteous. Inform staff if you feel or observe any harassment. We reserve the right to remove any guest at any time. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

Questions? Contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212; boxoffice@rauecenter.org
Raue Center For The Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Chad Goodman, brings its treasured Holiday Spectacular concerts to the Hemmens Cultural Center on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.

Special guests include the Elgin Master Chorale, Integrity School of Dance, and Santa himself, as the ESO performs holiday favorites.