About Us
History
The Lakeview Orchestra was formed in 2013 by founding Artistic Director and conductor Gregory Hughes and has been recognized as “Chicago’s premier non-professional orchestra” (Chicago Classical Review). Since its foundation, the orchestra has presented acclaimed performances that engage, entertain, and educate. The orchestra is home to professionally-trained musicians that revel at opportunities to perform a diverse variety of music — from established masterworks to pieces written expressly for the ensemble.
The orchestra's commitment to artistic excellence has been noted by audiences, critics, and artists alike. In 2016 the Lakeview Orchestra garnered an unprecedented three awards in a single year from the Illinois Council of Orchestras, including the prestigious Orchestra of the Year award.
Following the 2025-26 season, the orchestra introduced Michael Lewanski as the new Artistic Director and conductor of the Orchestra.
Michael is the second Artistic Director in the Orchestra's history, building on the extraordinary legacy and leadership of Founding Artistic Director, Gregory Hughes, who established the ensemble in 2013.
Michael’s appointment follows a 18-month search process led by a search committee, with valuable input from our musicians, audiences, and other community stakeholders.
Mission
The mission of the Lakeview Orchestra is to engage, entertain, and educate audiences through symphonic music, provide an opportunity for Chicago area musicians to develop and perform, and strengthen the appreciation for and understanding of classical music in the Lakeview community and beyond.
Press
- A “distinguished nonprofessional orchestra” (Feb. 2025, Chicago Classical Review)
- “Chicago’s premier nonprofessional orchestra” (Feb. 2024; Oct. 2023; Oct. 2021, Chicago Classical Review)
- Praised for “characteristic steadiness and open ears, evidence of living within the music and extensive preparation” (Feb. 2024, Chicago Classical Review)
- Recognized for “sensitive” performances and the “very high standard” and “hard work” achieved by the musicians (Oct. 2023, Chicago Classical Review)
Awards
- 2026: Illinois Council of Orchestras: Conductor of the Year (Gregory Hughes, Community Orchestra, Lakeview Orchestra)
- 2026: Illinois Council of Orchestras: Musician of the Year (Richard Zili, Lakeview Orchestra)
- 2025: Illinois Council of Orchestras: Community Orchestra of the Year, Lakeview Orchestra
- 2025: Illinois Council of Orchestras: Board President of the Year (Lindsey Brown, Lakeview Orchestra)
- 2024: Illinois Council of Orchestras: Programming of the Year, Lakeview Orchestra
- 2024: Illinois Council of Orchestras: Volunteer of the Year (Alexandra Newman, Lakeview Orchestra)
- 2023: Chicago Classical Review: Honorable Mention – Top Ten Performance of 2023
- 2016: Illinois Council of Orchestras: Community Orchestra of the Year, Lakeview Orchestra
- 2016: Illinois Council of Orchestras: Conductor of the Year, Gregory Hughes, Community Orchestra, Lakeview Orchestra
- 2016: Illinois Council of Orchestras: Volunteer of the Year (Taylor Scott, Lakeview Orchestra)
Watch
Lakeview Orchestra’s 2024-25 Season
Lakeview Orchestra’s 2023-24 Season
Violins of Hope Concert, June 11, 2023
Notes & Noteworthy
