Elgin Symphony Names Erik Malmquist Executive Director
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra has named Erik Malmquist to the post of executive director effective May 15th. Erik has been the ESO’s director of artistic planning and operations since January 2020. Prior to joining the ESO, he spent six years as artist manager and director of operations at Zemsky Green Artists Management in New York City, managing a roster of some of today’s most prominent operatic talents, and general manager of Bach Vespers at Holy Trinity on New York’s Upper West Side.
“As a native of the Fox Valley, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra was a larger than life presence in my musical upbringing. I am both excited and humbled to return and be a part of its future.” Erik began his musical studies at the age of three with Lamar Blum in Elgin. He received his bachelor’s degree in music from Luther College in Decorah Iowa and his master’s degree in violin performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Says board chairman Andre Fiebig, “After recently celebrating our 70th Anniversary, the ESO is excited to be entering into a new era with an energized team of leaders. The appointment of Erik as Executive Director will ensure the continued success of this cultural institution in Elgin and the surrounding communities. We are fortunate that Erik has agreed to assume the leadership.”
Over the course of 70 years, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra has built a reputation as one of America’s preeminent regional orchestras, bringing world class music and informative and inclusive cultural experiences to Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs and beyond. The ESO has won Illinois Council of Orchestra’s Professional Orchestra of the Year an unprecedented four times – in 1988, 1999, 2005, and 2016 – a recognition fueled by not only superior music making, but also a deep commitment to the social advocacy and economic development of the communities it serves. Visit elginsymphony.org to learn more about the ESO’s many activities in the community, read program notes, see the full season line up, make a donation and find out how to sponsor a program or series.
