Since its postwar beginnings in 1947, the Lancaster Symphony has sought to provide the vibrant arts community in Lancaster with outstanding performances, unique repertoire, and educational services rooted in a belief that music is fundamental to human industry and well-being. The community was quick to embrace its new orchestra at the start. Today, the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra celebrates over 75 years and looks to the future under the leadership of its third Music Director, Michael Butterman.

Curtis Institute of Music Professor Louis Vyner led the first performance of the LSO on May 1st, 1947, at JP McCaskey High School. The earliest iteration of the LSO was a community orchestra comprised of local musicians from the legal and medical field, local houses of worship, and the many corporations headquartered in the region. [Current LSO Board of Directors member Thomas Godfrey recalls seeing performances in the 1960s where the local proctologist played the viola, and the former district attorney played the bassoon!] Vyner, a graduate himself of the Curtis Institute, was able to bring many musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra to perform with the young LSO, raising the quality of the musicianship. Eventually, the LSO would move into its home at the refurbished Fulton Opera House, elevating its reputation and profile in the city.

From its inception, the Lancaster Symphony had a grand vision of its role and relevance in the community. The founding Board Chair, Kenneth Bates, Senior Vice President of Armstrong Cork, conceived of an annual Composer's Award that would bring the audiences of Lancaster face to face with the greatest works of modern music and living composers. He brought many giants of the musical world to Lancaster. Kenneth's wife, Maude Bates, helped found the Women's Symphony Association, which continues to support young musicians in Lancaster through concerto competitions, scholarships, and other educational activities. By bringing together the musicians of Lancaster in unique performances of ambitious repertoire, the LSO and Vyner forged a bond with the region that helped create the thriving arts scene we enjoy today. The businesses of the community eagerly supported the new effort.

During his long career, Vyner, a beloved figure, conducted throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, including tenures with the Reading Symphony Orchestra, Wissahickon Symphony Orchestra, Pennsylvania Grand Opera Company, York Symphony, and the National Youth Orchestra. His career was devoted to nurturing and developing the talent of young artists such as renowned soloist Andre Watts, who made his concerto debut at the age of 9 under Maestro Vyner's baton. Watts made his LSO debut just one year later, in 1957, and later returned to the LSO to help celebrate its 25th season anniversary.

Vyner's wife, Mary Bainbridge Vyner, launched the Lancaster Conservatory of Music in 1958, an institution that taught many fine young musicians until its shuttering in 2020. The Vyner legacy in Lancaster continues today with a Concerto Competition at Millersville University.

Upon Vyner's retirement in 1979, Stephen Gunzenhauser became the Second Music Director of the Symphony. Vyner's 32-year tenure set a precedent of long relationships between the LSO and its chief conductors, with Maestro Gunzenhauser leading the ensemble for 40 seasons! Gunzenhauser, who also served as the Music Director of the Delaware Symphony, set about raising the level of performance of the Lancaster Symphony and expanding its repertory.

He professionalized the ranks of LSO musicians and used his unique link to another regional symphony to create a roster of players that often rehearsed and performed together. Gunzenhauser put a unique stamp on his tenure with the LSO, programming new, unheard works in Lancaster, emphasizing American composers and numerous original voices with his "Only In Lancaster" repertory.

In addition to its yearly Masterworks subscription series, the Lancaster Symphony continus to bolster its outreach into the community. The LSO formed Sound Discovery in 2005, which has grown to a nationally recognized suite of 8 education & outreach initiatives that serve nearly 10,000 Lancastrians of all ages each season. Sound Discovery's comprehensive and inclusive approach to enriching and enhancing the local community continues to expand each year. The last two seasons alone have seen the launch of four new initiatives, including the LSO Neighborhood Series, StandPartners, Instrument Test Drive, and a collaboration with Carnegie Hall to bring Link Up to Lancaster.

Today’s Lancaster Symphony, led by its new Music Director, Michael Butterman, is a highly accomplished professional ensemble of conservatory-trained musicians. The organization is led by representatives from the orchestra in collaboration with its professional staff. Board Chair Sara Male also serves as Acting Principal Cello, Executive Director Guy McIntosh is a member of the Trumpet section, and Vice-Chair Brent Edmondson is its Principal Bass. With an enthusiastic and dedicated Board of Directors drawn from the community with the wind in its sails, the LSO is more determined than ever to enrich the lives of Lancastrians new and old through its excellent performances, community service, and deep bonds with those who value great music in the region.