Lancaster Symphony Orchestra

Lancaster's story IS America's story. 🇺🇸

Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith fought tirelessly for justice and equality during one of our nation's most turbulent periods. Their law office and home, right here in Lancaster, was the headquarters for the fight that gave us the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.

This weekend, we honor their legacy with Stevens & Smith—featuring the world premiere of a new orchestral work that brings their story to life.

March 13-15 | Four performances to choose from!

Get your tickets at www.lancastersymphony.org/stevens-smith or by calling 717.291.6440

In Defense of Liberty — The third movement of Michael Wege's Second Founding

3.5 million Americans. Fighting against each other. 600,000 casualties. Brothers against brothers.

The Civil War tested everything Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith believed about freedom, equality, and the possibility of a more perfect union. In this movement, Michael Wege doesn't shy away from the horror and tragedy of that conflict—the erosion of civility, the devastating toll of battle, the weight of a nation tearing itself apart.

But it's in that darkness that their fight for liberty mattered most.

Hear this powerful work next week as part of Stevens & Smith, March 13-15 at the Gardner Theatre.

Tickets: www.lancastersymphony.org or by calling 717.291.6440.

The photos are in from our Gala last month!

What an unforgettable evening of Mardi Gras magic, amazing food, live music, and incredible community spirit. Thank you to everyone who joined us on February 21—your energy and generosity made the night truly special!

A huge thank you to Nick Gould Photography for capturing these memories so beautifully and to Willow Valley Communities for being such an incredible host!

View the full gallery and download/purchase prints of your favorites: https://nickgouldphotography.pixieset.com/lancastersymphonyorchestramardigras2026/

Already missing the celebration? Us too! See you next weekend at Stevens & Smith: A Concert Celebrating Freedom, Equality, and Democracy.