Accomplishments of the Evanston Symphony Orchestra 2006-07

Mission Statement

The ESO is an Illinois not-for-profit community orchestra that provides quality, diverse, enjoyable and accessible classical musical entertainment that enriches the audience, orchestra and community.

Achievements:

1. We provided local, convenient and affordable opportunities for community members of all ages to hear fine classical music from locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists.
- Four season concerts and one benefit concert performed with diverse programming, good soloists, accessible location and quality performance.
- Total audience exceeded 4,000 for the year.
- Ticket prices were kept reasonable compared to other arts performances in the area.
We provided an outlet for the musical talents of people who reside in Evanston and surrounding communities.
We provided programs specifically for youth and older adults to attend and enjoy our concerts.
- ‘Kidnotes’ – special program notes for younger audience members.
- Play Me a Picture, Paint Me a Tune! – a collaborative school-based program for local middle school and home schooled students to create artistic interpretations of classical music in line with state and local standards.
- Provision of transportation assistance to older adults and persons with disabilities to enable them to attend concerts and special programs.
- Pre-concert lectures, Musical Insights, and recitals. We provided four free pre-concert lectures, averaging 70 people per lecture.
- 'Music in Your World' — a year long program introducing singing and music-making for underserved students in the District 65's Head Start program
We achieved financial strength through effective marketing, public relations and fundraising efforts and ended the year in the black.