Alexis Eyler

Orchestra Member

Instrument

Violin I

Year Joined

2008

 

Most memorable performance with the ESO

 

Our February 2009 concert. Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is such an enchanting piece of music and I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of Mark O’Connor’s Fiddle Concerto.

 

Favorite ESO soloist

 

I loved playing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with Larry.

 

Why I like playing with the ESO

 

In high school, a friend and I would play duets at a local restaurant and people would always come up and tell us about how they studied violin or piano growing up and they regretted that they could no longer play. I took their words to heart, promising myself that I would never stop playing. And then my violin spent 13 years tucked in the back of my closet until my son asked about it one day, telling me he wanted to learn to play. So, wanting to set a good example for my kids as they embarked on their musical journey, I dusted off my violin, called up my old teacher and told him that I wanted to play with the Evanston Symphony. And what a rewarding, challenging and wonderful experience it has been!

 

Favorite composer or piece

 

Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique has always been a favorite.

 

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

 

I am the owner of lollie, a children’s boutique that has been in Evanston for 12 years. When I’m not at the shop, I’m managing my three children, and caring for more dogs and chickens than I care to count. As a family, we travel frequently, cook meals together, go cycling, and foster rescue dogs.

 

Something most people don’t know about me

 

My husband of 17 years asked me to Homecoming our senior year in high school.