Lancaster Symphony Orchestra Has Begun 80th Season

The orchestra enters its 80th anniversary season while initiating a search for a new music director.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Classical

Screen-print poster illustration featuring a cello scroll and neck, representing the 80th anniversary of a local symphony orchestra. — The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra marks its 80th anniversary season this year while conducting a nationwide search for a new music director. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra has kicked off its 2026-27 season featuring nine programs as it marks its 80th anniversary. The season launch coincides with the resignation of music director Michael Butterman due to personal and family health challenges.

Why it matters

The leadership transition marks a significant moment for the organization, which is now looking to find a successor after Butterman, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2025, stepped down from his role.

The symphony holds nearly 900 season subscribers, a figure that has returned to levels last seen in 2011. Performance tickets for the nine-program season range in price from $25 to $125.

The players

Michael Butterman

He served as the music director of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra starting in the 2022-23 season.

Stephen Gunzenhauser

He is a former music director who led the orchestra for a tenure of 40 years.

Lancaster Symphony Orchestra

This organization is a regional musical institution currently celebrating its 80th year of operations.

The details

To manage the transition, the orchestra will utilize five guest conductors to audition for the music director vacancy throughout the year. Performances will take place across three city venues: the Gardner Theatre, the First Presbyterian Church, and the Lancaster County Convention Center.

The orchestra's subscriber count last hit 900 in 2011.
Michael Butterman began his tenure as music director during the 2022-23 season.
Butterman received a diagnosis of lymphoma in early 2025.
The 2026-27 season features nine programs for the orchestra's 80th anniversary.
A permanent music director is expected to be in place for the 2027-28 season.

Industry Dynamics

The search for a new conductor follows a period of long-term stability established by Stephen Gunzenhauser's 40-year tenure as music director. This transition represents a pivotal leadership shift as the orchestra evaluates candidates to define its artistic future.

Local patrons can attend performances at the Gardner Theatre, the First Presbyterian Church, or the Lancaster County Convention Center. Tickets for these events are currently available for purchase at prices ranging from $25 to $125.

The takeaway

The orchestra is navigating a significant change by auditioning multiple guest conductors throughout the 2026-27 season. Residents interested in the future of local arts can engage with the season's programming as the organization transitions toward its next permanent leadership chapter.