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Lakeland Symphony Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, disability (mental and physical}, military and veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

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

In 1987, the organization changed its name to the Imperial Symphony Orchestra (ISO) with an intent to better reflect its place in Polk County. Throughout its history, the ISO has been blessed with enthusiastic and forward-looking volunteer leaders, hard-working staff, and devoted musicians.

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.