The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has named Michael Butterman as its next music director following a search that lasted more than two years. The LSO received over 190 applications for the position and, with the help of its search committee, invited four finalists to conduct a week in Lancaster. The orchestra's board voted unanimously to install Butterman in the position, marking the second time in the LSO's 75-year history that it has named a new music director. Butterman began his new role on July 1 and will conduct four of the orchestra's five Masterworks concerts of the 2022-23 season starting in October.

Butterman is perhaps best known for his work as music director of the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. He may also be recognized for his 19-year association with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra as principal conductor for education and community engagement and a 15-year tenure with the Jacksonville Symphony as associate and then as resident conductor. Most recently, Butterman was named music director of the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra, a position he will begin alongside his role in Lancaster.

He has enjoyed national prominence, including an invitation to bring the Boulder Philharmonic to open the Kennedy Center's inaugural SHIFT Festival of American Orchestras in 2017, in recognition of the organization's artistic excellence and innovative approach to audience engagement. As a guest conductor, he has led many of the country's preeminent ensembles, including the Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony, Detroit Symphony, and Houston Symphony.

Through Butterman's appointment, the LSO seeks to help solidify and expand its commitment to inviting and entertaining programming that uplifts the community, innovative educational and engagement programs, and collaborations with Lancaster's other performing arts organizations.

Subscriptions to the LSO's Masterworks season are on sale now. An opportunity for community members to attend a meet-and-greet with Butterman will take place on Saturday, July 16. Tickets and more information about this event and the Masterworks season are available by visiting http://www.lancastersymphony.org or by calling 717-291-6440.