Supporting Illinois' Arts Sector

Since its founding, the Evanston Symphony Orchestra (ESO) has been a cornerstone of the Evanston community, dedicated to using the power of music to lift the human spirit. With a mission to engage and enrich community life, the ESO offers opportunities for people of all ages to experience classical music through diverse programming and outreach initiatives. The ESO's programming strategy, blending well-known and lesser-known works, continues to engage its audiences. The orchestra has received numerous accolades, including the Illinois Council of Orchestras' "Programming of the Year" award in 2026. Since 2003, ESO's music director, Lawrence Eckerling, has been a driving force in its artistic development along with lending a collaborative approach that brings out the best in his musicians.

This season, the ESO's program, themed "For the Love of Music," promises an exciting lineup to celebrate its 80th anniversary. The opening concert pays homage to Ludwig van Beethoven on the 200th anniversary of his death, featuring his iconic Symphony No. 5. For lovers of Romantic repertoire, ESO Concertmaster Julie Fischer will take center stage in February with the solo violin parts in Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, and Winston Choi performs Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto. Organist Stephen Alltop joins the ESO in April to perform Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony. And the season concludes with a performance of Sir Karl Jenkins’ "The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace," in collaboration with the North Shore Choral Society, offering a reflection on war and hope for peace.

Reflecting on this milestone season, Lawrence Eckerling emphasizes the unique community spirit that has sustained the ESO for eight decades. “This is not your typical community orchestra. We've experienced a steady growth over the years. That can be attributed to a number of factors; the players are a part of that, as is the audience and an extremely committed board. At the core, we love to make music, and I believe a dedicated audience is a testament to that." 

Gabriel Chizzotti Jung, an experienced director of photography, has made a name for himself in visual storytelling over the past decade, working both internationally and throughout the United States. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, his career began in a commercial studio and agency, where he had the chance to work with brands such as Rolex, Nike, and Cuisinart. Gabriel is celebrated for his unique style that blends atmospheric imagery with emotional depth, which shines through in his films, TV shows, and commercials. With a strong background in both fine arts and film, he earned degrees from Columbia College Chicago and Senac University in São Paulo and now calls Chicago home.

The award from the Illinois Arts Council's Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) was a game-changer for Gabriel, as it provided him with the funds to develop a TV show titled The Art of Madness and a music video for the song "Caught Me" by the local Chicago band Billy Joel Jr. The music video is still in post-production and is scheduled to release later this year. "The support from the Illinois Arts Council is transformative," Gabriel shares. "It allowed me to work with top-notch professionals. Collaborating with talented people in Chicago embodies the innovative spirit and shared passion that define our local film community. This grant empowers me to play a meaningful role in the rich storytelling tapestry that makes our cinema so special."