Lakeview Orchestra’s 2025–26 season celebrates a transformative era as founding Artistic Director Gregory Hughes concludes his remarkable 13-year tenure. Named Community Orchestra of the Year and honoring our immediate past Board President, Lindsay Brown, as President of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, we look ahead with pride and promise. Greg leads two powerful farewell concerts, while three Artistic Director finalists—Nicholas Koo, Silas Huff, and Michael Lewanski—bring bold, distinct visions to the podium. Join us for a season that honors our legacy, champions artistic excellence, and invites you to help shape the future of Chicago’s premier volunteer orchestra.
Events
Koo Conducts Barber – Guest Conductor Series
October 12, 2025
Artistic Director finalist Nicholas Koo showcases his lyrical precision in a program spanning Puccini’s tender Intermezzo and Schumann’s expressive Cello Concerto (with Haddon Kay), culminating in Barber’s intense Symphony No. 1 and the majesty of Sibelius’s Seventh Symphony.
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker
December 21, 2025
Celebrate the season with Tchaikovsky’s sparkling Nutcracker Suite—from the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy to the vibrant Trepak—an unforgettable holiday tradition for all ages.
Huff Conducts Nielsen – Guest Conductor Series
February 22, 2026
Artistic Director finalist Silas Huff leads a journey from Coleridge-Taylor’s vivid Hiawatha Overture to Elena Specht’s uplifting We Will Soar. Dylana Jenson performs Sibelius’s haunting Violin Concerto, before Nielsen’s dramatic Symphony No. 5 brings the evening to a triumphant close.
Lewanski Conducts Shostakovich – Guest Conductor Series
April 12, 2026
Artistic Director finalist Michael Lewanski presents a vibrant program: Chávez’s rhythmic Sinfonia India, Montgomery’s radiant Hymn for Everyone, Corigliano’s cinematic Red Violin Chaconne (with MingHuan Xu), and Shostakovich’s brilliant Symphony No. 1.
Hughes Conducts Beethoven
June 7, 2026
In his farewell concert, Gregory Hughes pairs Shostakovich’s witty Symphony No. 9 with Beethoven’s revolutionary Eroica, a masterpiece of heroic power and enduring influence.
Create Your Season & Save
We are proud to offer flexible season subscriptions for those joining us for two or more performances this year. The more you attend, the more you save:
2 concerts – 10% off your total
3 concerts – 15% off
4 concerts – 20% off
All 5 concerts – 25% off
Special Guest Conductor Package
Experience the excitement of our Artistic Director search with all 3 guest conductor concerts and enjoy a 20% discount.
Secure your subscription today and be part of a landmark season that honors our legacy, celebrates our community, and invites you to help shape Lakeview Orchestra’s future.
