Lancaster Festival

The Lancaster Festival, based in Lancaster, Ohio, is an annual 10-day celebration of art, music, and community that has evolved significantly since its inception. Established in 1980 as Cameo Concerts, it aimed to enrich the cultural climate of the community through artistic events. By 1985, under the artistic direction of Maestro Christian Badea, the festival expanded to include a wide range of performances, including symphony orchestra concerts, chamber music, and community arts events. Over the years, the festival has grown in both duration and diversity of programming, extending to 10 days in 1986 with the inclusion of drama and dance, and further expanding to a 12-day schedule in 1990. The festival's programming has featured a mix of classical and popular artists, including notable performers such as Christopher Reeve, Ben Vereen, Judy Collins, and Aretha Franklin, alongside the Lancaster Festival Orchestra, which was formed in 1988. The orchestra, comprising 65 professional musicians from across the nation, has become a cornerstone of the festival's classical music programming. The festival has also been dedicated to arts education, community artist support, and economic development in Lancaster. Despite challenges, including weather-related cancellations and adjustments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival has continued to adapt and thrive. It returned to a full 10-day schedule in 2022, featuring a wide array of performances, from classical music to contemporary artists, and reinstating its full range of children’s and family events, ArtWalk, and free orchestra ensemble concerts. The Lancaster Festival remains a vibrant signature event for the community, celebrating artistic creativity and fostering a sense of family and homecoming among participants and attendees alike.