Lancaster Symphony Orchestra
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The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra is a local orchestra nestled in the heart of Amish Country in the All-America city of Lancaster, PA. They perform year-round at the city's historical Fulton Opera House and is consisted of many highly talented musicians from around the area. It is a member of the American Symphony Orchestra League and is a class 5 orchestra with a budget that exceeds $1 million per year.
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[edit] History
The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra made its official debut on May 1, 1947, at McCaskey High School Auditorium (Lancaster, PA) under the baton of Conductor Louis Vyner. Ticket prices ranged from $1.20 to $2.40 per person. The concert earned several standing ovations and the entire affair earned a profit of $236.
Prior efforts to create a hometown orchestra were derailed by two world wars and one national economic depression. After the end of World War II, however, the community felt ready to support a local symphony. Efforts to establish the Lancaster Symphony were spearheaded by several community leaders. Chief among them was Armstrong World Industries executive Kenneth O. Bates, who became the first Board president.
During his board service, Bates and fellow board member Cameron Hawley (who later claimed fame as a noted author) developed the idea of the Composer’s Award. The idea captured national attention, and remains a Lancaster Symphony feature bringing outstanding contemporary American composers to Lancaster annually. Past award recipients have included Leroy Anderson, Morton Gould, and Russell Peck.
Now in it’s 59th season, the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra has played for over two decades under the direction of Maestro Stephen Gunzenhauser. The symphony has evolved from a community orchestra playing a few concerts per year into an organization of professional musicians presenting 24 yearly subscription concerts, a New Years Eve Celebration concert, an Audience Requests Concert series, and a free Patriotic Concert for the July 4th holiday. The concerts feature international guest artists and conductors, and pre-concert lectures. Opening Night Friday audiences are also treated to a post-concert reception where they can interact with the Symphony’s musicians and guest artists.
[edit] Sound Discovery Music Education Programs
[edit] Open Rehearsals with Lido
At the Symphony's interactive open rehearsals, Lido, an animated conductor's baton, is projected on two screens adjacent to the orchestra. Lido leads attendees through the rehearsal (as the music is being played) by means of a PowerPoint presentation. At times Lido will lend his personal opinion about the music as well. Lido serves as an effective means to make the rehearsal fun and enjoyable for children and adults alike.
[edit] Upcoming Performances
Upcoming Performances: "Four Seasons, Four Concertmasters" -- February 16-18, 2007; "Masterworks from East & West" -- March 2-4, 2007; "Audience Requests" -- April 14-15, 2007; "Violin Virtuoso & Beethoven's 5th" -- May 18-20, 2007
[edit] Notable Guest Artists
Christopher Pfund, Gwynne Geyer, Laszlo Fenyo, Veri & Jamanis, Igor Yuzefovich, Odin Rathman, Michael Jamanis, Mauricio Gonzalas, Rick Staherski, Janine Thomas, Jonathan Carney
[edit] Sources
Official website [[1]]
