Hi everyone! This month, as a part of our Spring Fundraising Challenge, "United in Music", I'd like to share something that's past of my life for more than a decade – the Lakeview Orchestra here in Chicago. From the very beginning, when we first started this musical journey, to now, where I have the honor of serving on the board of directors, this orchestra has grown and shines as the premier volunteer orchestra in the city.

Being a founding member, I've seen firsthand how our music has touched the lives of so many. It's not just about the performances (though those are pretty awesome!), but it's about the connections we make and the joy we share through music. Your donations mean we can keep doing what we love – sharing the gift of music with others, week in and week out. It's about expanding our reach, bringing more people into our musical family, and creating unforgettable experiences together. So, if you can spare a little something to help us continue this journey, I'd be incredibly grateful. 

Love,

Allie

Lakeview Orchestra, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Chicago, making orchestral music accessible to all by providing affordable and high-quality performances to our community.

Over eleven seasons, the Lakeview Orchestra has established itself as “Chicago's premier non-professional orchestra” (Chicago Classical Review), serving as a hub of musical excellence and community engagement. Our annual five-concert season at the historic Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture has consistently garnered critical acclaim and enthusiastic audience response. And, we have persevered through challenges from startup to sustainability, including weathering the devastating impact of the pandemic shutdown, and emerged stronger than ever.

The 2023-24 season is a pivotal juncture in our organizational maturity. This season, philanthropic support is impacting these three pillars:

• New guest conductor program. In the 2023-24 season, through a competitive process, we inaugurated our guest conductor program. We retained two professional conductors to lead the orchestra in concerts they have programmed in partnership with the orchestra’s artistic director. 

• Expanding our visibility. We are working to increase our presence in the community, attracting new patrons and supporters. Your generosity supports enhancing our marketing efforts, reaching a broader audience, and promoting our programs more effectively.

• Professionalizing our operations. We are committed to elevating our operations to the highest standards. This season we have hired a new general manager with decades of experience in non-profit arts management.

   

Join the Campaign
Your generosity not only sustains our organization but also nurtures the artistic talents of our members, providing them with a platform for beautiful music-making. Your contribution ensures that our musicians have the resources they need to flourish creatively, fostering a collaborative environment where they can share their gifts with the world. Joining our campaign enriches the lives of both our musicians and our audiences, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where artistic excellence thrives.

Donations to the orchestra are 100% tax-deductible and will directly fund the Orchestra’s operations.