Chad Goodman Renews Contract With Elgin Symphony Orchestra
By Afton Markay(Photo Credit: Tommy Ly)
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra has announced that the three-year contract extension for Music Director Chad Goodman was approved unanimously.
Goodman is the fifth music director in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s 76-year history. He joined the Symphony in May 2023 and has led premieres of more than a dozen works, and has worked to increase community engagement. Under his direction, the Symphony presented its first ever “Día de los Muertos” concert which united the symphony with folkloric dance and vocals in a city-wide cultural celebration. In July 2025, the Illinois Council of Orchestra honored Goodman with its Professional Conductor of the Year Award and awarded the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Professional Orchestra of the Year.
“We are thrilled to extend Chad Goodman’s position as Music Director for another three years so that we can continue to build on the terrific work that he has done on stage and in the community, creating synergy between our audience and musicians, and growing our lists of subscribers and donors each year,” said Marc Thayer, CEO of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in a press release.
Goodman has guest conducted orchestras including the Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, and Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de Puebla (OSEP), among others.
“Since beginning my tenure as Music Director of the ESO in 2023, I have been inspired by the remarkable artistry that our orchestra brings to every performance and by the boundless enthusiasm, trust, and love of our community. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am honored to continue serving this extraordinary organization and community,” said Goodman.
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