Elgin Symphony Orchestra Welcomes Marc Thayer as Executive Director

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra welcomed Marc Thayer as executive director on July 1. He was selected following a nationwide search involving dozens of candidates. 

Thayer comes from the Symphony New Hampshire where he has led the organization since  2016. An accomplished violinist, he has performed and taught around the world in his previous roles with the Association of American Voices, the American Music Abroad Program for the United States Department of State, and the Whim Estate Historical Society Concerts in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. He has held leadership roles with the St. Louis Symphony and with  Miami’s New World Symphony. Marc received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Violin  Performance from the Eastman School of Music where he studied with William Preucil and Zvi  Zeitlin.  

“Marc brings to the ESO the experience, professionalism and industry knowledge we were  looking for,” said ESO Board Chair Andre Fiebig. “Marc exhibits a great deal of thoughtfulness  and enthusiasm that excites our musicians and will fit well with our loyal community. We are  extremely fortunate to have been able to convince Marc to join us in Elgin to take over the  leadership of this highly successful institution that plays a critical role in Elgin and the  surrounding communities.” 

Thayer replaces Erik Malmquist, who is leaving in August to oversee casting at Munich’s Bayerische Staatsoper.