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Evanston Symphony Orchestra

Lawrence Eckerling, Music Director

Announcing Our 2026–2027 Season

For The Love of Music

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Celebrating Beethoven’s Brilliance
Great Romantics
Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony
A Mass for Peace

Musical Insights

Free Pre-Concert Preview Series!

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Enhance your concert experience with a sneak preview — Composers come alive and their passions take center stage when ESO Maestro Lawrence Eckerling takes you on an insider’s tour of the history and highlights behind the music.

Merion’s Crystal Ballroom

529 Davis St, Evanston.
FREE and open to the public.

Please RSVP to 847-570-7815.

Light refreshments will be served and casual tours of apartments will be available after the program.

Latest News

Seeking timpanist

The Evanston Symphony Orchestra, now in its 80th season is auditioning for a new timpanist to join this award-winning orchestra.

2026 Programming of the Year Award recipient

We are honored to announce that we have received the 2026 Programming of the Year Award from the Illinois Council of Orchestras. The award covers programming for the 2024–2025 season.

Peter Schmeiser
The view from the back of the stage

Jennifer and Peter Schmeiser moved to Evanston from Florida in 2017 for better jobs, better weather, and, as it turns out, a better orchestra!

Not Associated With Any Emperor

Ludwig van Beethoven’s (1770-1827) fifth and final piano concerto was commissioned by Archduke Rudolf, his friend and student. Beethoven began writing the piece in 1809, but the Napoleonic Wars made this difficult as Napoleon’s armies invaded Vienna.

Wagner
From Rivals to Lovers

Overcome by despair for his forbidden love and betrayal of his uncle, King Marke, Tristan casts his sword to the ground and allows himself to be impaled by his former friend’s sword.

Special Inclusive Holiday Performance

The ESO is proud to announce a new Very Special concert. Like the regular Evanston Symphony Holiday concert, this also takes place on December 14th at Evanston Township High School. This 45-minute concert welcomes those who vocalize, move, and have diverse ways of experiencing music.