Due to continuing COVID-19 concerns, the Evanston Symphony Orchestra announced it has postponed the scheduled Feb. 13 subscription concert. The new date is June 19.
The program will feature Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 with soloist Hyejin Joo and Beethoven’s Egmont Overture. The rescheduled concert will be held at the Evanston Township High School Auditorium. All tickets will be honored. The Auditorium features open seating and will open at 2 p.m. for a 2:30 performance.
William Grant Still’s Festive Overture, originally scheduled for February, will now be included on the April 10 program with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. The program for May 22 will remain as scheduled. Both the April and May concerts will be held at Pick-Staiger Hall on the Northwestern campus, as originally planned. For details on the full programs, see the ESO website.
All subscription and single tickets will be honored at the rescheduled concert. The orchestra will closely monitor the state of the pandemic and keep its patrons informed.
“We are profoundly disappointed in having to make this decision,” said ESO Music Director Lawrence Eckerling, “but recognize that the safety of our audience and orchestra members is paramount. I am thrilled that we have been able to reschedule the concert for this June, so those who wanted to hear Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony will only have to wait a few extra months.”
During the hiatus the ESO will revive its special newsletter Noteworthy. This will include updates on developments and plans as well as access to new videos and special features about the ESO.
“While all of us are saddened at having to make this difficult choice,” said ESO Board Chair Margaret Gergen, “we appreciate the need to do so for the overall health of our organization. Once again, we are grateful for the resilience of our musicians and Maestro Eckerling in meeting the challenges posed by the pandemic and adapting to the situation with grace and creativity.”
One can still subscribe to the season at evanstonsymphony.org or by calling General Manger David Ellis at 847-864-8804. Donations can also be made through the website and by phone.
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.