Eli Chen is a conductor whose work has been praised for musical clarity, thoughtful pacing, and deep collaboration with musicians. He has led orchestras, chamber ensembles, and youth orchestras across the United States, cultivating performances that are musically cohesive and…

Klaus Simon is a German conductor, pianist, and arranger whose work focuses on 19th- and 20th-century repertoire. He has become known for his chamber arrangements of orchestral works, making large-scale symphonic music accessible to smaller ensembles without losing the essence…

Sepehr Pirasteh is an Iranian-born composer currently based in Philadelphia, where he has completed both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in composition. His music often blends contemporary Western techniques with influences from Persian musical traditions, resulting in a sound…

Michael-Thomas Foumai is a composer, pianist, and educator whose work bridges contemporary orchestral music with a clear understanding of instrumental color and technique. He serves as Director of Artistic Engagement and is the first Composer in Residence for the Hawai‘i…

On Friday, May 8, 2026, the Lake County Symphony Orchestra returns to the James Lumber Center in Grayslake for Roots & Resonance, a concert featuring a carefully curated program of chamber orchestral works under the direction of guest conductor…

On Saturday, March 28, the Lake County Symphony Orchestra presents Piano Bar Classics at The Barn at Hawthorn Woods — a lively and intimate evening featuring pianist and vocalist Alyse Merry.

But who is the artist behind the piano?

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Looking for live music in Hawthorn Woods this March?

The Lake County Symphony Orchestra is bringing something completely different to The Barn at Hawthorn Woods on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM: Piano Bar Classics, an intimate evening…

Why This Music Still Matters

Here in Lake County, winter often invites reflection. The pace slows, evenings grow longer, and many of us find ourselves thinking more deeply about resilience—what it means to hold fast to our values while navigating…

Rising pianist Hannah Zhang represents the next generation of classical musicians—artists who combine technical brilliance with expressive depth.

Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music at Northwestern University, Hannah studies under Dr. Christopher Guzman and is a recipient of the prestigious…

A great conductor does more than keep time—they shape meaning, guide emotional pacing, and help an orchestra tell a story.

For Triumph and Tragedy, the Lake County Symphony Orchestra is honored to welcome Donald Schleicher, Director of Orchestras…

Mark your calendars and join the Lake County Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of music that explores the full range of the human spirit.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7:30 PM, we return to the James Lumber…

A festive tradition with brilliant brass, audience favorites, and a cozy holiday atmosphere.

The LCSO’s Holiday Brass concert returns to The Barn at Hawthorn Woods on Saturday, December 13 at 3:30 PM — and it’s the perfect way to celebrate…

A celebrated composer and conductor returns to Lake County with a program full of heart, humor, and holiday joy.

Composer-conductor Jim Stephenson is known for writing music that is vibrant, heartfelt, and full of personality — and this December, he…

The groundbreaking Marine Band vocalist joins the LCSO for a special holiday performance on December 12.

On Friday, December 12, the Lake County Symphony Orchestra is honored to welcome Sara Sheffield, an acclaimed vocalist whose career has already earned…

Last night, the Lake County Symphony Orchestra filled the hall with sound for our final rehearsal before tonight’s season opener, Curtain Up! The musicians were energized, Maestro Tim Semanik was at the podium with confident leadership, and the music truly…

The Lake County Symphony Orchestra opens its new season with Curtain Up! – a celebration of music written for the stage and screen.

Audiences will hear Rossini’s comedic brilliance in the Barber of Seville Overture, Bizet’s unforgettable melodies from Carmen…

For the first time in its history, the Lake County Symphony Orchestra welcomes a guest conductor to open the season. Dr. Timothy Semanik, an acclaimed conductor with a broad career in symphonic and operatic music, will lead Curtain Up!…

The LCSO is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Moldenhauer as our Interim Executive Director, effective August 12, 2025.

Lauren has been part of the LCSO family since 2017 as Principal Flute, Website and Online Systems Manager, and a…

The Lake County Symphony Orchestra is beginning a new chapter in its journey. After years of service and dedication, Ron Arden has stepped away from his roles as Executive Director, Artistic Director, and Conductor. We are grateful for his many…