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February 2021 Concert Postponed, Virtual Performance Planned

February 2021 Concert Postponed, Virtual Performance Planned

As Coronavirus Pandemic Continues, Evanston Symphony Orchestra Announces Changes

November 4, 2020, Evanston, IL —With the COVID-19 pandemic in its third wave throughout the US, and case counts setting new records in Illinois, the Evanston Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Lawrence Eckerling have announced more changes to the 2020-2021 season, its 75th anniversary season.

Maestro Eckerling issued the following statement to the orchestra:

“I first want to tell you how much I miss you all and can’t wait until we get to see each other again. The Board and I continue to assess the best and safest ways of getting back together to rehearse and give concerts and we are exploring lots of ideas.

“But realistically we will not be getting back together until spring at the earliest. The February concert is being postponed. We are still hoping to get one or two concerts in between March and the end of August, either indoors or outdoors.

“In the meantime, I am excited to announce we have begun work on creating a virtual performance. We’ll have more details soon.”  

You can still subscribe to the season online or by calling 847.864.8804. General Manager David Ellis can also provide information on subscription options for existing subscribers. Donations can also be made through the website and by phone.

“We are still very anxious to get back to performing,” said Board Chairman Cheryl Haack. “The board and Larry will continue to monitor the situation and get back on stage as soon as it is safe for all involved.”

The annual Holiday Concert has been cancelled. The regular season debut program and the  Feb. 14, 2021 concert have both been postponed. The remaining scheduled program concerts of the ESO’s 75th Anniversary Season will be maintained for now. The orchestra will closely monitor the state of the pandemic and keep our patrons regularly informed.

Board President and orchestra member Cheryl Haack noted, “The ESO is fortunate in that it entered the pandemic in a healthy financial condition, although these extraordinary circumstances require the sustained financial support of the community.”

During the hiatus, the ESO is working to remain connected to its audience and community. It launched a newsletter, “Noteworthy,” that includes newly recorded videos of Maestro Eckerling performing duets with Concertmaster Julia Fischer and Principal Flutist James Donahue. The newsletters also include “Larry’s Recommendations,” music that is sustaining him during the pandemic. These videos can be found at ESO Videos, where past ESO performances, including symphonies by Brahms and Sibelius, can be viewed. “Larry’s Recommendations” can also be found on the website.

One can still subscribe to the season by downloading the form at ESO (evanstonsymphony.org) or by calling general manager David Ellis at 847-864-8804. Donations can also be made through the website and by phone.

“We are anxious to get back to performing,” said Haack. “The board and Larry will continue to monitor the situation and get back on stage as soon as it is safe for all involved.”

Founded in 1945, the Evanston Symphony is the 2017 Illinois Council of Orchestra’s “Orchestra of the Year” and in 2019, was honored by the Council for “Community Relations of the Year” for its significant outreach to the Evanston community The ESO mission is to provide community members of all ages with convenient, affordable opportunities to perform and hear fine classical music from locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists.