Hello! My name is Zach and I am a member of the cello section in the Lakeview Orchestra. I am originally from Waukesha, WI and moved to the amazing city of Chicago in June of 2024 to join a research team at Northwestern University focusing on digital health interventions for teenagers. Even though I chose not to pursue a professional career, music and performing has always been a big part of my life. I began studying piano, violin, and cello at various points and still perform on all three instruments to this day. In my youth I was an active musician and student in the String Academy of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Frankly Music Young Artist Chamber Music Program. In college, I was lucky enough to continue studying in a cello studio and perform solo, chamber and orchestral works as a non-major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Today, I perform in many theater productions (see photo above; photo by @annekennycreative on Instagram), chamber music, accompanying gigs, and with orchestras like LVO! I consider myself very fortunate to have these oppurtunities to continue performing while also having a stable and fulfilling career. 

The career oppurtunity with Northwestern was a huge breakthrough for me which I had been working towards for about four years. While I was excited to make this big step towards my personal and professional goals, it was difficult to leave the network of musicians and other performers in Wisconsin I had been building since I was a teenager. Fortunately, I have a friend in the Lakeview Orchestra that encouraged me to audition. LVO has been an amazing oppurtunity to play interesting and challenging repertoire with other talented musicians that have similar life experiences. Growing up studying music seriously but deciding to take a different path can be an isolating experience and it can feel like your best days are behind you. Orchestras like ours allow us to continue the joy and passion we feel for music and connect with other like-minded individuals. It's an incredible resource to have in our community and I hope my story encourages you to support us!

Lakeview Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization celebrating more than a decade of artistic excellence. This spring, the orchestra has a goal to raise at least $25,000 as part of our Our Symphony, Our Future! campaign, which will allow us to continue bringing classical music to the greater Lakeview community. 

Every dollar raised will go directly to helping us achieve our mission and this year’s priorities that include:

• Increasing Accessibility for the Community – This season, we’re offering 250 free student tickets to help young audiences and families experience the magic of live orchestral music without financial barriers.
• Expanding the Guest Conductor Program – We’re welcoming three distinguished guest conductors, each bringing fresh perspectives and elevating our artistic programming. Their expertise will challenge and inspire both our musicians and our audience.
• Enhancing Member Experience – With 88 dedicated musicians, we’re investing in rehearsal space upgrades and new artistic development opportunities to ensure our members continue to refine their talents and deliver exceptional performances.

Donations to Lakeview Orchestra are 100% tax-deductible. Questions? Contact us at info@lakevieworchestra.org.