At the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, we create powerful musical experiences that connect our community and enrich our lives. Join us. Find your connection.
Cultivating a Love of the Musical Arts
The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra grew from humble beginnings. We were once only 30 musicians with an audience consisting of family members and a few friends. Our financial base consisted of a large glass jar, marked “donations,” which stood at the concert hall door. But thanks to our amazing community, we’ve grown into an organization that cultivates a love of the musical arts, where everyone is welcome.
1965
In 1965 a group of musicians, led by Florida Southern College professor Dr. Ken Anderson and Lakeland businessman Jay Erwin, who would serve as conductor, decided to organize an orchestra to provide classical music for their community.
1987
1994
In 1994, Governor Lawton Chiles publicly saluted this commitment when he presented the ISO with the prestigious Governor’s Award for Voluntarism in the Arts, recognizing its contribution of more than 22,500 volunteer hours in one year alone.
2021
In 2021, the organization was reimagined as the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra (LSO) and underwent a rebrand to align its look, feel, and message with its purpose and commitment to inclusion.
Community Partners
