A message from Our Music Director

Dear Friends,

What a thrill it has been to experience the energy of the large, enthusiastic audiences that greeted us throughout our inaugural season at the Gardner Theater. Building on that success, the 24-25 season promises to be our best yet, with great music, brilliant guests, and more than a surprise or two in store. You won’t want to miss a moment!

All-time favorites abound, from Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Mozart’s Requiem, and Bach’s Third Brandenburg to epic symphonies like Tchaikovsky’s Fifth and Brahms’s First.

But we have plenty of discoveries in store, as well! We open with the amazing Marcus Roberts Trio offering a totally fresh and innovative approach to Gershwin—replacing the solo piano with a freewheeling jazz trio in his celebrated Concerto in F. We’ll hear Philadelphia Orchestra Associate Concertmaster Juliette Kang play a hypnotically beautiful concerto written just for her. Composer (and soloist) Richard Scofano uses the evocative strains of the Argentinian bandoneon to infuse his La Tierra Sin Mal with both nostalgia and surreal tranquility. And we’ll hear a rarity—a serene lament of otherworldly beauty by Renaissance composer John Dowland.

Over the holidays, we’re proud to present our ever-popular Messiah performances at First Presbyterian and to ring in the new year, a sequel of sorts—‘A Night at the Oscars’— celebrating the incredible range of memorable film scores from Bernard Hermann and Henry Mancini to Hans Zimmer and John Williams. And you won’t want to miss April when the stunning performers of Cirque de la Symphonie join us for a truly spectacular show at the Convention Center (going on sale soon).

Of course, our subscription concerts and specials are just the tip of the iceberg, as the LSO’s comprehensive Sound Discovery programs and our concerts in the parks continue to bring the magic of orchestral music to thousands of people from all walks of life in south-central Pennsylvania. The LSO is a true cultural gem, and it is my great honor to conduct such a talented and dedicated group of musicians and share music with such a generous community.

So reserve your spot today! Come catch the excitement of your Lancaster Symphony Orchestra.

I’ll see you at the Gardner!

—Michael Butterman—
Music Director of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra