Longtime Elgin Symphony director retires

ELGIN – After nearly 40 years as music director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Robert Hanson announced his retirement, effective July 1.

The announcement was made at a meeting of the board of directors and trustees during Hanson's monthly report as music director.

"Bob's announcement to retire was a surprise," said Heidi Healy, spokeswoman for the 68-musician orchestra.

In response to an email inquiry, Hanson, 64, formerly of Elgin and now of Highland Park, declined to comment on his decision to retire after 37 years.

"My family and I have decided it is best for the wonderful musicians and the ESO organization if I make no comments to the press," Hanson wrote in an email.

In his resignation letter, Hanson praised the orchestra's most recent performance of Tchaikowsky's "Pathetique" Symphony and Rachmanioff's "Third Piano Concerto" as "one of the greatest and most convincing performances ...  I have ever heard ... Last weekend was the pinnacle of my career because the orchestra set a new standard of performance."

Hanson's letter states that he made his decision to retire while he and his wife still had good health.

His letter also notes that the past several years "have been difficult" in that the "board majority and administration are forging new directions for our organization."

"You know I am not in sync or in agreement with the current direction," Hanson's letter states. "As you move forward with your plans, remember that a professional orchestra is a delicate and vulnerable organism. Be careful to cherish this precious orchestra and protect it ... these incredible musicians ... brought an unprecedented musical experience to our region."

Board president-elect Bert Crossland of West Dundee said no one knows what "new directions" Hanson was referring to.

"I don't know what he's talking about," Crossland said. "I do not know if anybody in organization knows."

"He has not elaborated on it with anybody," Healy said. "What we have is what he wrote."

Healy and Crossland said the orchestra board must begin searching for Hanson's replacement as the ESO begins its 62nd year.

"The process to replace him as music director is still unfolding," Healy said. "We are having those conversations. We have possible guest conductors to line up for the next season."

The ESO was founded in 1950 by Douglas Steensland at Elgin Community College. In recent years, the Illinois legislature deemed it a State Treasure. It was named "Orchestra of the Year" three times by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.

Hanson began as associate conductor in 1974, co‐music director in 1983, then was named  music director in 1985 when the ESO became a fully professional orchestra. Hanson is recognized for promoting the orchestra's intense artistic and organizational growth.

The orchestra performs about 60 concerts a year for more than 50,000 people throughout metropolitan Chicago, Wisconsin and Indiana. Its education initiatives reach some 20,000 children, teachers, families and young musicians each year, Healy said.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra draws musicians and conductors from throughout the Fox Valley, but also from the metropolitan Chicago area and Madison, Healy said.

Its board of directors and trustees also draws from Elgin, Palatine, Inverness and Batavia.

Board member Joyce Dlugopolski of Batavia praised Hanson's talent and drive to succeed, and his commitment to music education for youth, founding the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra.

"An engaging personality combined with talent and just the right know-how to manage a group of professional musicians has enabled Bob to bring the orchestra through unprecedented growth in programming and artistic excellence," Dlogopolski said. "He is at the top of his game."