EYSO’s 47th Season: Design
Artists and influencers know the power of design: that small details have an outsized impact on how we move through the world. By building clear objectives and well-crafted blueprints, employing layers of meaning both conscious and subconscious, and utilizing a steady hand to guide the process, innovators can shape the world around them. In EYSO’s 47th season, explore how sound comes together through design to make music—and how music can change the world.
I. Blueprints (November 13, 2022)
II. 99% Invisible (March 12, 2023)
III. Fundamentals (April 1, 2023)
IV. Impact (May 14, 2023)
Download a PDF of EYSO’s 2022-23 Season Calendar:
Download a PDF of EYSO’s 2021-22 Season Handbook, which includes important information regarding EYSO policies and procedures. By participating in EYSO activities, you agree to abide by the most recent version of this Handbook:
The Calendar and Handbook are subject to change, so check back regularly for updated versions and watch your weekly eNews for the most current information.

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July 2019
Summer Chamber Music Camp
Challenge yourself in a chamber music setting while discovering a deeper approach to learning music. Work directly with an internationally acclaimed string quartet. Meet new people and learn something about yourself. EYSO's week-long program will divide string players into trios, quartets and quintets based on their age and ability. Each group will work with a regular coach and spend 3-4 hours together each day. The camp will also include chamber…
Find out more »August 2019
October 2019
Annual College Q&A
The college application process can seem overwhelming, and trying to navigate the audition experience can make it even more challenging. Have you had questions like… How do I choose the right school? What are colleges looking for? How does the audition and application process work? What about double majors? Can I still do music without majoring in it? Join us at one of the Q&A sessions Sunday, October 6 to…
Find out more »Young Artists Concerto Competition
Youth Symphony and Philharmonia students are eligible to audition for this year's Young Artist Concerto Competition. Auditions take place Saturday, October 12, and the winners will perform with their respective ensembles on the March and May concerts. If you're planning on playing but haven't gotten your conductor's approval for your piece, please do so ASAP. After your piece has been approved and you've secured your accompanist (click here for a…
Find out more »February 2020
Masterclass Opportunities: Matthew Agnew, cello (Elgin Symphony Orchestra)
Masterclass with ESO Principal Cellist Matthew Agnew Where: Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy, Barrington Date: February 15, 2020 Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Matthew Agnew studied Suzuki cello from age four with Marilyn Kesler in Okemos, Michigan. In high school, he had the benefit of orchestra instruction and guidance from Shirley Mullins, a Janos Starker student, and cello instruction from Jane Katsuyama of the Dayton Philharmonic. He…
Find out more »EYSO Open House 3:30-7:00pm
JOIN US SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD EYSO OPEN HOUSE 3:30-7:00pm Students and families can visit rehearsals, meet current students and staff and explore the many possibilities available through participation in an EYSO ensemble. Current students interested in auditioning for the next level orchestra, please take advantage of this opportunity to check out other EYSO ensembles for yourself! Regular Sunday Rehearsal Schedule: Sinfonia, 3:15-5:15pm (Room H122) Philharmonia, 3:30-5:30pm (Room H123) Primo, 4:00-5:00pm…
Find out more »October 2020
Virtual College Q&A Session
Virtual College Q&A October 3 Don't miss our Annual College Q&A on Saturday, October 3 at 10:00am! Our panelists this year come from three distinct schools, each offering unique programs and opportunities for both music majors and non-majors: Dr. Angela Tammen, Admissions Director, University of Illinois School of Music Kate Bittner, Director of Conservatory Admissions, Lawrence University Dr. Mary Lynn Doherty, Assistant Director, Northern Illinois University School of Music They'll…
Find out more »20-21 Young Artists Concerto Competition
Youth Symphony and Philharmonia students: the 2020-21 Young Artists Concerto Competition takes place Saturday, October 10. Use the links at the bottom of your Member Page (under Members Home—the first page you see when you log in) to view the complete rules and submit your application with $35 fee by September 20 at 5pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Find out more »January 2021
Tenth Annual Faculty Recital
More details to follow.
Find out more »NOTES 2021 Campaign Kick-Off
More details to follow.
Find out more »February 2021
2020-21 EYSO February Open House
This is a VIRTUAL Open House. From 3:30-7:00pm on Sunday, February 21, anyone who's interested can drop in via Zoom (click for invitation) to take a virtual tour of rehearsals and ask questions about all things EYSO. We have also scheduled a series of "Conversation Episodes" to accompany the virtual open house dates. These 30-minute chats offer an opportunity to interact with the EYSO team outside of Sunday rehearsals for…
Find out more »Conversation Episode 1
In addition to our two Virtual Open Houses (February 21 & April 18), we are excited to host a series of three “Conversation Episodes” with EYSO staff this spring. These 30-minute chats offer an opportunity to interact with the EYSO team outside of Sunday rehearsals for a different kind of behind-the-scenes experience. This week we begin with Artistic Director Matthew Sheppard, Primo conductor Tracy Dullea, Development Director Kari Christensen, and…
Find out more »April 2021
2020-21 April CMI Concert Day
The livestreamed concerts can be viewed here on April 18: https://www.eyso.org/cmiconcert Times to be shared soon.
Find out more »2020-21 April EYSO Open House
This is a VIRTUAL Open House. From 3:30-7:00pm on Sunday, April 18, drop in via Zoom (click for invitation) to take a LIVE virtual tour of rehearsals and ask questions about all things EYSO. We can't wait to meet you! Please mark your calendar and tell your friends!
Find out more »May 2021
20-21 EYSO May Concerts – Heroes: 2:00pm, 4:30pm, 7:00pm
More details to follow.
Find out more »AUDITIONS 2021/22 SEASON – MAY 27 TO MAY 30
AUDITION APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN 2021/22 SEASON Tell your friends! EYSO.ORG/JOIN-EYSO
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