Elgin Symphony Orchestra CEO Mark Thayer and Geneva Greenfields resident Jeanne Sigman. Courtesy of ESO
When two treasured parts of our community join forces, great things can happen.
The same goes for Greenfields, a community for seniors in Geneva, and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
Both parties are working together towards a mutually beneficial partnership. This program brings joy, music, and great interaction with professional musicians to the senior community. On the other side of the partnership, ESO musicians can do what they love and do best: perform and educate for captivated audiences. The result is a lively cultural exchange.
ESO is a professional orchestra located outside of Elgin, Illinois, with an exemplary reputation for outstanding artistry and innovative programming.
GreenFields resident Jeanne Sigman has been instrumental in building a relationship with ESO. Sigman, who is passionate about music, explained: Music is truly my first love. It gives me joy, relaxes me and allows for good companionship and learning. It’s something everyone should have in their life. ” Strengthening our partnership with ESO is one way to ensure that music actually becomes part of the lives of all our compatriots.
Boasting an extensive calendar of activities, GreenFields plans bus trips to ESO concerts for its residents. Some residents have season tickets. Some people buy tickets to concerts they want to go to. This trip lets you experience the thrill of live orchestral music with friends and neighbors.
This partnership is made even more special by the fact that members of the orchestra regularly visit Greenfields to perform with soloists and small ensembles.
This commitment goes beyond just performance. ESO musicians also engage with residents through educational programs, sharing knowledge, answering questions, giving demonstrations, and even encouraging residents to try out their own instruments. These sessions provide residents with a rare glimpse into the world of professional music.
Mark Thayer, CEO of ESO, explained: “Our musicians love performing in front of people in an intimate setting. They can talk and interact with the audience. Being in the same room with acoustic instruments such as cellos has never been easier. Some people don’t. People are curious and interested in talking about them and answering questions about how they work, how old they are, and where they were made. I love it. It’s important to us that people in the community can see and get to know the musicians. It makes them more excited to go to the concert.”
For those who already love ESO, the fact that the musicians are coming to their home base of GreenFields is amazing. Even if you have never been to a symphony orchestra before, why not take this opportunity to enjoy this symphony? “We value the fact that our residents love to listen to great music. The beauty of music and culture should always be in their lives. That’s important to us.” said Thayer.
“In addition to providing pure enjoyment, music has so many great benefits and we are proud to be able to offer this great initiative to our residents, especially when musicians come here. This is a real blessing for everyone involved,” said Elijah Heyboer, executive director of Greenfields in Geneva.
Geneva Greenfields
Greenfields of Geneva is a premier senior living community offering a vibrant retirement lifestyle in an ideal location. GreenFields provides independent living as well as assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing care. Greenfields of Geneva is owned by Lifespace Communities, a nonprofit organization with more than 45 years of experience in senior living. For more information, call (630) 578-7969 or visit www.GreenFieldsGeneva.org.
