Named Volunteer of the Year in 2017 by the Illinois Council of Orchestras
Major supporter of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO), the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO), Elgin Master Chorale, Soiree Lyrique, Chamber Music on the Fox, St. Charles Arts Council, St. Charles Cultural Commission, Steel Beam Theater, and more.
Sterling (Stu) Ainsworth lived in the Fox Valley since 1978, first in Elgin and then in St. Charles. He learned to play the piano and clarinet when young, and loved to sing. His passion for the arts and arts education was evident in his 39 years as an arts benefactor in the area.
Stu was a major supporter of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Master Chorale, Soiree Lyrique, Chamber Music on the Fox, St. Charles Arts Council, St. Charles Cultural Commission, Steel Beam Theater and more. He was the lead sponsor of the Art in Public Places project in St. Charles.
The ESO's annual youth programs, Ainsworth Concerts for Youth, were named after him in honor of his commitment to music education for children. Ainsworth was recognized for his contributions to the arts when he was named Volunteer of the Year in 2017 by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.
"There can be no creative acts without benefactors who encourage and support the art," noted David Bearden, ESO CEO. "As a donor, director, board member and leader, Stu Ainsworth has created a model of service for others to follow."