Susan Champagne

Orchestra Member

Instrument

Violin II

Year Joined

1989

Most memorable performance with the ESO

Rhapsody in Blue with Music Director Larry Eckerling soloing on the piano. We performed “conductor-less” while Larry played, and it worked!

Favorite ESO soloist

It’s hard to choose, but I think our performances with violinist Rachel Barton Pine and percussionist Jordan Wirth were my favorites. I loved the fact that Jordan created some of his own percussion instruments.

Why I like playing with the ESO

I really enjoy the camaraderie, professionalism and energy people bring to rehearsals and concerts.

Favorite composer or piece

Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. I remember struggling through it as a freshman at New Trier, but the performance was worth it. The violin solo is so full of passion.

When I’m not playing with the ESO, I’m…

I am an elementary/middle school teacher. My husband, son and I enjoy ski trips and traveling in general. I like to run in local races (as long as it’s not too cold!).

Something most people don’t know about me

Over the last few years, I have enjoyed researching my family’s genealogy. I have connected with a number of distant relatives who have helped me build our family’s story. Also, I have a dear friend in the viola section, Elizabeth Cohen, whom I have known since kindergarten. We have played together in many musical groups over the years.