Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra

Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is dedicated to presenting inspiring experiences that welcome all members of the community to discover and cultivate a profound, personal connection with live orchestral music. The organization holds strong workplace values, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect among its employees, board of directors, musicians, staff, audience, and board members. LSO is committed to creating a welcoming environment through various initiatives, including auditions behind a screen, meaningful performances by historically underrepresented artists, a gender-neutral dress code, gender-inclusive language, and providing single-user restrooms and dressing rooms for orchestra members. #### History The inception of Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra dates back to a time of historical significance in the United States. In the late 1920s, while the nation was experiencing the cultural shifts of the Jazz Age and the onset of the Great Depression, seven local musicians in Lincoln, Nebraska, envisioned the creation of a symphony orchestra. This dream materialized with the first concert of the Lincoln Little Symphony Orchestra on March 1, 1927, under the direction of conductor Rudolf Seidl. The event marked the beginning of a musical institution that would become a source of pride for the city of Lincoln. Throughout its history, LSO has demonstrated a commitment to community engagement and education. As early as 1930, the organization included concerts for school children in its plans, fostering an appreciation for music among the youth—a tradition that continues today with LSO's annual Young People’s Concerts. Notable milestones in the orchestra's history include the appointment of Leo L. Kopp as conductor in 1945, the establishment of the Lincoln Symphony Foundation in 1956, and the formation of the Lincoln Symphony Guild by forty-two women in 1957. In 1975, Dr. Robert Anders Emile took on the role of conductor, strengthening the relationship between LSO and the University of Nebraska Symphony Orchestra. Innovation and collaboration have been hallmarks of LSO's evolution. The orchestra has engaged in unique performances, such as the "Romantic Rhapsody" production in 1999, and the "Nebraskaland" concert in 2000, which featured a blend of symphonic music and multimedia storytelling. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, demonstrated the orchestra's resilience and the power of music to heal, as Music Director Edward Polochick made a determined journey to lead a concert just days after the attacks. LSO has continually expanded its offerings, including the family series in 2002, and officially changed its name to Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra in 2005 to reflect its dedication to community ownership. The orchestra has also reached out to larger audiences through free community concerts and by moving to the Lied Center for Performing Arts in 2011. In recent years, LSO has increased its classical series and established a Composer-in-Residence program to affirm its commitment to new music. #### Notable Guest Artists Over the years, LSO has hosted a plethora of distinguished guest artists, including vocalists Tony Bennett and Ray Charles, pianists Van Cliburn and Leon Fleisher, composers Aaron Copland and Henry Mancini, and violinists Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman, among others. These collaborations have enriched the orchestra's repertoire and brought diverse musical experiences to the Lincoln community. Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra continues to be a beacon of musical excellence and cultural enrichment, embodying the aspirations of its founders and the community it serves.