Lima Symphony Orchestra

The Lima Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is a distinguished musical institution based in Lima, Ohio, with a rich history that dates back to the mid-20th century. The orchestra was founded in January 1953 by a committee of passionate individuals, including John LaRotonda, Ben Schultz, Dom Trovarelli, and Fred Mills. They appointed Lawrence Burkhalter as the first conductor, and the LSO made its debut on May 23, 1954, at the Central High School auditorium, where it was met with an enthusiastic reception. Over the years, the Lima Symphony Orchestra has seen a succession of dedicated music directors who have each contributed to the growth and development of the organization. Following Burkhalter's tenure, William Byrd of Cincinnati took the helm for a decade, during which the LSO established a regular subscription series and began annual concerts for school children, in addition to producing an opera or operetta each year. The orchestra experienced significant expansion under the leadership of Joseph Firszt, who served as the Music Director/Conductor for twenty-nine years starting in 1967. Under Firszt's guidance, the LSO grew from 50 volunteer musicians to 75 paid professionals, presenting a full series of six subscription concerts and various community concerts annually. The orchestra also engaged in educational outreach, including school programs, master classes, and the joint sponsorship of the Lima Area Youth Orchestra. Crafton Beck succeeded Firszt in 1996 and continued to develop the orchestra's presence in the West Central region of Ohio. Beck's tenure saw the addition of family concerts, Mozart by Candlelight concerts, and an annual New Year's Eve Pops concert. After 24 years, Beck concluded his tenure as Music Director in 2019. The current Music Director of the Lima Symphony Orchestra is Andrew Crust, who is the fifth person to hold this position in the organization's history. Maestro Crust, known for his versatile international career, has planned an exciting debut season featuring a mix of classical masterworks and popular music. In addition to its main performances, the LSO is affiliated with the Lima Area Youth Orchestra, which is comprised of secondary school students from the surrounding area. The Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Sarah Waters, offers a Holiday and Spring Program and performs for elementary school students. The Youth Orchestra has a history of notable conductors, including Dr. Edwin L. Williams, who served until his passing in 2005. The Lima Symphony Orchestra continues to be a beacon of musical excellence and education in the community, fostering a love for music through its performances and outreach programs.