Step into a world where imagination takes flight! "Fire and Fantasy" opens the Lawrence Community Orchestra season with music that sparkles, shimmers, and blazes with color. From the magical overture to Mozart’s The Magic Flute to the mysterious world of Glazunov’s The Enchanted Castle, audiences will be swept into stories of enchantment and wonder. The concert features Dr. Daniel Ketter, the University of Kansas’ new professor of cello, performing Mirage, a deeply expressive concerto by acclaimed composer and cellist Andrea Casarrubios. The concert concludes with Stravinsky’s electrifying Firebird Suite; a breathtaking journey of magic, triumph, and some of the most exhilarating orchestral music ever written. Whether you’re a lifelong concertgoer or discovering the power of live orchestral music for the first time, "Fire and Fantasy" promises an unforgettable evening that will ignite the imagination.

Bring the kids at 2 p.m. to participate in activities including learning to conduct a concert and creating Firebird masks and crowns.

Tickets available here or at the door.

Movies, Operas, and Musicals, oh my! Join the LCO this Mother's Day as we celebrate MOMs! This free concert at the South Park Gazebo will delight all who join in the fun. The concert will feature music by John Williams, ABBA, and Mozart and will include special movement activities for younger audience members. Don't miss this fun and festive event celebrating mom

This Valentine's Day the LCO invites you to celebrate the love of music, dance, and community with a special concert entitled, Shall We Dance. Featuring dances written for the string orchestra, this interactive concert will include collaborations with local dancers and dance instructors. The program will include the world premiere of The Hills We Climb, a commisioned piece composed by Kansas State University Associate Professor Oboe and Music Theory Alyssa Morris. Audience members can take dance lessons prior to the concert so they may join the LCO in dance during the concert. Held at 7:30 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in the Lied Center Pavillion, the concert will be preceded by dance lessons at 6:00. Don't delay ordering your tickets as this concert promises to be the ultimate Valentines Day gift for music lovers of all ages.

Tickets— $25 for the concert only; $40 for the concert + dance lesson. Dance lesson tickets must be purchased in advance. Concert tickets are available at the door.

Celebrate the season of ghouls and goblins with a Spooky Carnival! Join the LCO for this family-friendly performance beginning at 4 p.m. featuring famous works including Carnival of the Animals and Danse Macabre by Saint-Saëns, Roman Carnival Overture by Berlioz, and film music from Harry Potter.  Make sure to join us before the concert for a carnival filled with fun activities for kids of all ages, including a costume contest!

Join us on Friday, August 8th for an evening of culinary and musical sweet delights. Begin the evening at 7:00 with dessert and drinks in the beautiful Arterra event space. At 8:00, members of the LCO will feature string octets by Mendelssohn and Shostakovich, topping off the evening with a performance of "The Still, Small Voice" by Kenji Bunch. Celebrate the Lawrence community through the magic of chamber music.  Two ticket options are available: With dessert or performance only.

This rousing concert (rescheduled from January 11) will feature contemporary works for the string orchestra, including pieces by Astor Piazzolla, Jessie Montgomery, and John Rutter. We will conclude the evening with a scrumptious dessert reception.

Join us as we celebrate women composers and artists, with Symphony No. 1 in E Minor by Florence Price, as well as compositions by Kansas composers Dr. Ingrid Stölzel and Dr. Alyssa Morris. Our featured guest artist will be singer/songwriter Heidi Gluck.

Co-Music Director Matt Smith and guest conductor and KU Director of Orchestral Activities Creston Herron lead the orchestra in Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 in G minor and Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 “Unfinished.”

This year’s Baroque By Candlelight program will continue the LCO’s rich tradition of baroque music performances, featuring Italian composers.

Film Scores Live! showcases the stunning scores and songs from several films, featuring Blanchard’s ensemble, The E-Collective, with special guest vocalists—and, for this engagement, members of the Lawrence Community Orchestra.

Tickets are available Online through the Lied Center or at the Lied Center Box Office.