Some [Bette Midler] say[s], love, it is a river, that drowns the tender reed. What do I, Kelsey Hanson, say is love? Lakeview Orchestra. My life has fundamentally changed for the better because of LO. You, my friends and family, know better than anyone that playing viola with my colleagues has given me not only meaning and structure in my adult life, but also an ongoing support system and true sense of community gathering.

I'm raising money because your donations go directly towards wonderful community-based initiatives throughout the year. Just a few highlights: collaborating with organizations like Violins of Hope, sponsoring young solo artists, and playing at the beautiful Athenaeum Center for a reasonable ticket price.

There is truly no amount too small. I appreciate your support so much. Did I ever tell you you're my hero? ...'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

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.