The Evanston Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is one of the city’s musical treasures. The orchestra was founded in 1945 as an offshoot of the Northwestern Symphony Orchestra to provide returning soldiers from World War II and other community members with an opportunity to develop their musical talents.
In 1962, the ESO was able to recruit Frank Miller, principal cellist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as conductor of the community orchestra. Miller formed an outstanding ensemble out of the amateur musicians, which has remained so to this day.
ESO is still a gathering place for Evanston’s talented amateur musicians. Musicians must audition to be accepted, but they volunteer their time. ESO’s level of musicianship far exceeds expectations for a volunteer community orchestra, and its excellence has been recognized. In June, the Illinois Council of Orchestras named ESO the 2024 Orchestra of the Year in the community orchestra category. The Council recognized ESO’s high performance standards, adventurous programming, and extensive outreach in Evanston and other North Shore communities.
In the summer, ESO players shed their evening wear and head to the Wallace Bowl in Gillson Park in Wilmette for an outdoor concert. Visitors can bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets for the fourth annual outdoor pop concert, which begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 15. The ESO will present a selection of lighter pieces, from Sousa’s Semper Fidelis (the official march of the United States Marine Corps) to John Williams’ Raiders March from the Raiders of the Lost Ark Bouquet’ On the beautiful Blue Danube Waltz and the theme from Mission Impossible are also on the program.
This is a family-friendly event with activities for children before and after the concert provided by the Baker Demonstration School.
