As Area Experiences Omicron Covid Variant Surge, Evanston Symphony Orchestra Postpones Feb. 13 Concert

Evanston, IL —With the COVID-19 Omicron variant affecting all of Northern Illinois and the US, the Evanston Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Lawrence Eckerling have decided to postpone the scheduled Feb. 13 subscription concert. The new date is June 19 and will feature Tchaikovsky’s 4th 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.

William Grant Still’s Festive Overture, originally scheduled for February, will now be included on the Apr. 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, as originally planned. For details on the full programs, see below or visit our 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 our patrons regularly informed.

"We are profoundly disappointed in having to make this decision,” said Maestro 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 4th Symphony will only have to wait a few extra months."

During the hiatus the ESO will revive its special newsletter Noteworthy. This will include not only updates on developments and plans, but also access to new videos as well as special features about the ESO.

“While all of us are saddened at having to make this difficult choice,” added ESO Chair of the Board 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 ESO (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.