Lancaster Symphony Orchestra

10/09/2026

Our 80th Anniversary Masterworks Season begins tonight with Festivals & Folklore!

Hear Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Jon Nakamatsu perform Grieg’s beloved Piano Concerto, with guest conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson leading a program that also features Anna Clyne’s PIVOT and Stravinsky’s Petrushka.

Still making plans for tonight? We’d love to have you join us.
Tonight at 7:30 PM

At the Gardner Theatre within Lancaster Country Day School

Can’t make it tonight? Choose Saturday at 2:30 or 7:30 PM, or Sunday at 2:30 PM.

Get tickets at www.lancastersymphony.org/tickets/?eid=191876

10/07/2026

She's back! You might remember Jeri Lynne Johnson who joined us last spring to conduct The Planets. We're excited to welcome her back this weekend to conduct Festivals & Folklore.

In 2005, Jeri became the first African American woman to win an international conducting prize. She has since led orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, and Philadelphia Orchestra, and founded Philadelphia’s Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra.

Her work brings together musical excellence, curiosity, and a commitment to connecting people through performance.

Come meet an extraordinary artist—and hear what happens when she leads your orchestra.
📅 October 9–11 | Gardner Theatre
🎹 Featuring pianist Jon Nakamatsu
🎟️ Join us: www.lancastersymphony.org/tickets/?eid=191876

10/05/2026

Your next great night out comes with a grand piano.

Join us for Festivals & Folklore , featuring Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Jon Nakamatsu performing Grieg’s beloved Piano Concerto.

From its dramatic opening to its sweeping melodies and spirited finale, this is music made to be experienced live.

The program also takes you into the Scottish folk-inspired world of Anna Clyne’s PIVOT and the bustling Russian streets of Stravinsky’s Petrushka, all led by guest conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson.

Make it a date night, an afternoon/evening with friends, or the concert that finally gets you back to the symphony. We’d love to welcome you.

Four performances. One vibrant program. Tickets from $25.
• Friday, October 9 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, October 10 at 2:30 & 7:30 PM
• Sunday, October 11 at 2:30 PM

📍 Gardner Theatre within Lancaster Country Day School
🎟️ Choose your performance: www.lancastersymphony.org/tickets/?eid=191876

10/03/2026

Eight decades of music. Nine unforgettable concerts.

Lancaster Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its milestone anniversary season with performances ranging from The Music of Queen to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

We sat down with Guy McIntosh, Executive Director of Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, to talk about the orchestra's 80th anniversary, what it takes to prepare for a season of this scale, and the performances audiences won't want to miss.

Listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

10/02/2026

From school teacher to world famous concert pianist.

Jon Nakamatsu was a high school German teacher who had spent years studying piano privately—not following the usual conservatory path.

Then, in 1997, he won the Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, becoming the first American in 16 years to earn that distinction.

It’s a remarkable story of dedication. And this October, you can hear the artistry behind it right here in Lancaster.

Jon joins the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra for Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor—music filled with tenderness, drama, and moments of breathtaking brilliance.

For anyone who has ever practiced a difficult passage, encouraged a young musician, or held onto a dream: this is a concert to put on your calendar.

📅 Festivals & Folklore | October 9–11
📍 Gardner Theatre within Lancaster Country Day School
🎟️ Learn more about Jon: www.lancastersymphony.org/jon-nakamatsu

09/24/2026

Lancaster, are you ready to rock!?!? The Music Of Queen is finally here! Last-minute tickets are still available on our website or at the door tonight. Doors and Box Office open at 6:00 with the concert starting at 7:00. Don’t miss this incredible concert!

09/23/2026

We can’t wait to kick off our 80th Anniversary tomorrow! Thank you LNP + LancasterOnline for the great feature. It’s going to be an incredible season!

The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra has been part of Lancaster County's arts tapestry for 80 years, but its programming is far from dated.

09/22/2026

🎸 TWO ICONS. ONE INCREDIBLE YEAR. TWO JACKETS UP FOR BID!

We’re kicking off the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra’s 80th Anniversary Season and celebrating what would have been Freddie Mercury’s 80th birthday with a little rock ’n’ roll flair!

Our Freddie Mercury 80th Anniversary Jacket Auction features two replica leather 1982 Hot Space Tour Arrow Jackets—one men’s and one women’s. Bring home a Freddie-inspired statement piece, surprise your favorite Queen fan, or add some rock-star style to your next night out.

The jackets make a statement. Your support makes a difference.

Ticket sales cover less than half the cost of an LSO concert. Your generosity helps keep live music thriving in Lancaster while supporting our mission to connect our community through performances and make music education accessible to all.

Not bidding? You can still join the celebration with a donation. It takes an entire community to keep the music playing—and together, we make sure The Show Must Go On.

👉 View the jackets, place your bid, or make a gift: lancastersymphony.betterworld.org/auctions/80th-anniversary-jacket-auction
⏰ Bidding closes: Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM

03/06/2026

Of Far Away Lands — The second movement of Michael Wege's Second Founding

Lydia Hamilton Smith's story is one of remarkable strength and quiet power. Born to African and Irish parents, she became Thaddeus Stevens' confidante and business partner—a partnership that helped drive some of the most important legislation in American history.

In this movement, Michael Wege celebrates Smith's rich heritage and her extraordinary impact, weaving themes that express the energy, traditions, and creativity of the millions of immigrants whose dreams and perseverance shaped America.

This is her story. Her legacy. Finally being told.

Experience the world premiere of Second Founding as part of Stevens & Smith, March 13-15.

Tickets: www.lancastersymphony.org or by calling 717.291.6440.