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…