A Brief History

Harold Bauer founded the Lake Forest Symphony in 1957 as a chamber orchestra of volunteer musicians. By 1965 the group had over 60 players, and in 1988 became fully professional. Under the visionary leadership of conductors Victor Aitay, Paul Anthony McRae, and David Itkin, the Symphony firmly established a distinguished reputation.

In 1991 the Symphony was chosen from twelve orchestras in the Midwest to be a featured guest orchestra at the American Symphony Orchestra League’s National Conference in Chicago. In October of the same year pianist Andre Watts performed two benefit concerts with the Symphony to celebrate its 35th anniversary. In 1995 the Illinois Council of Orchestras named the Lake Forest Symphony the Illinois Orchestra of the Year.

Today, Music Director Alan Heatherington continues to build and solidify the orchestra. His thoughtful and innovative programming and conducting is combined with a knack for spotting emerging talent. Because he often features new pieces by living composers, Maestro Heatherington is known as a champion of new works. His high visibility in the musical world and warm rapport with audiences have been major contributors to a significant increase in year-round audiences.


A Brief History Harold Bauer founded the Lake Forest Symphony in 1957 as a chamber orchestra of volunteer musicians. By 1965 the group had over 60 players, and in 1988 became fully professional. Under the visionary leadership of conductors Victor Aitay, Paul Anthony McRae, and David Itkin, the Symphony firmly established a distinguished reputation. In 1991 the Symphony was chosen from twelve orchestras in the Midwest to be a featured guest orchestra at the American Symphony Orchestra League’s National Conference in Chicago. In October of the same year pianist Andre Watts performed two benefit concerts with the Symphony to celebrate its 35th anniversary. In 1995 the Illinois Council of Orchestras named the Lake Forest Symphony the Illinois Orchestra of the Year. Today, Music Director Alan Heatherington continues to build and solidify the orchestra. His thoughtful and innovative programming and conducting is combined with a knack for spotting emerging talent. Because he often features new pieces by living composers, Maestro Heatherington is known as a champion of new works. His high visibility in the musical world and warm rapport with audiences have been major contributors to a significant increase in year-round audiences.	Mission Statement “The Lake Forest Symphony exists to present exciting, outstanding, and diverse musical programs of the highest artistic and professional quality for audiences of all ages. Principal programs center around classical music performed by a professional symphony orchestra. Education programs reach young people, including underprivileged and minority audiences, through school and concert hall performances, providing enrichment and inspiration.”

A Brief History

Mission Statement