Our History
What began in 1973 as a small ensemble of musicians loyal to Milton Preves has grown into a full symphony orchestra of over 60 talented people from all walks of life—united not by profession or background, but by a shared love of orchestral music. Our journey has been marked by dedication, resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, even through pandemic and uncertainty.
Looking Forward
Today, LSSO is one of Chicago’s premier community orchestras—60+ musicians from across the city who choose to spend Wednesday nights and weekend concerts doing what they love most. We perform diverse repertoire from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, always with excellence and always together.
Conductor of the Year
Illinois Council of Orchestras honored Russell Vinick for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the orchestra.
50th Anniversary
Celebrated 50 years of musical excellence with Mahler’s 5th Symphony and a world premiere by Russell Vinick.
Return to Full Programming
Moved rehearsals from Northside College Prep to Ebenezer Lutheran Church and resumed normal operations.
Pandemic
When the world stopped, we refused to let the music die. Through virtual rehearsals, innovative small-ensemble programming, and sheer determination, our musicians stayed connected and kept performing—proving that community matters as much as the music itself.
Orchestra of the Year
Illinois Council of Orchestras named LSSO ‘Orchestra of the Year’ for its exceptional programming and community engagement.
Programming of the Year
Illinois Council of Orchestras honored the LSSO and Music Russell Vinick for exceptional programming.
Conductor of the Year
Illinois Council of Orchestras honored Russell Vinick for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the orchestra.
Orchestra of the Year
Illinois Council of Orchestras named LSSO ‘Orchestra of the Year’ for its exceptional programming and community engagement.
Programming of the Year
Illinois Council of Orchestras honored the LSSO and Music Russell Vinick for exceptional programming.
Conductor of the Year
Illinois Council of Orchestras honored Russell Vinick for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the orchestra.
Young People's Concert
Lake Shore Symphony presented a Young People’s Concert to over 1000 students
Russell Vinick appointed Music Director
Russell Vinick launched a new era of growth and artistic excellence.
Philip Simmons appointed Music Director
Philip Simmons went on to found the Orchestra of the Hawaiian Islands
John Christie appointed Music Director
Phillip Baumann appointed Music Director
Phillip Baumann went on to become the Music Director of the South Holland Master Choir
Steven Larsen appointed Music Director
Steven Larsen went on to conduct the Rockford Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra Founded
Lake Shore Symphony Orchestra was founded in the fall by a group of musicians from the former North Side Symphony who were loyal to Milton Preves, longtime principal violist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and first music director of the Lake Shore Symphony Orchestra.