Mission and Core Values: Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra will present inspiring experiences that welcome all
members of our community to discover and cultivate a profound, personal connection with live symphonic music.
– Excellence: Be recognized as a cultural leader, a community asset, and vital to Lincoln’s quality of life.
– Engagement: Create powerful connections between and among performers and audiences through music.
– Community: Cultivate a collaborative, respectful environment that promotes positive working relationships
and meaningful cultural and social interactions.
– Generosity: Inspire audience and community members to support LSO’s commitment to accessibility.
Programs and Services: LSO reaches more than 12,000 patrons annually through six classical and two pops
concerts at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, and two family concerts at Nebraska Wesleyan University’s
O’Donnell Auditorium. These concerts present symphonic repertoire played by LSO’s professional musicians
alongside world-renowned soloists and in collaboration with local arts organizations. In an effort to be accessible
to all segments of our community, LSO’s affordable ticket prices are $15 and $35 with discounts for students,
young professionals, and music teachers. LSO’s community engagement programs reach an additional 10,000
people per year, including performances at local hospitals and rehabilitation centers, Young People’s Concerts
at the Lied Center, and visits to over 90 schools and libraries throughout Lincoln and surrounding communities.
Budget: LSO has an operating budget of $1M, of which roughly 70% is contributed (individual and corporate
giving, major gifts, grants and government funding). The remainder is funded through ticket sales and endowment
earnings from the LSO Foundation, which is a separate 501c(3). Artistic expenses comprise 50% of expenses,
administrative personnel 25%, and the remainder is production, marketing, development and other expenses.
Board of Directors: LSO’s board includes 21-35 individuals who contribute their wisdom and experience to
LSO’s governance, both at the board and committee levels. The board meets approximately 6 times per year,
and each committee meets quarterly. Committees include: Executive, Artistic Advisory, Audience Development,
Community Impact, Finance & Audit, Fundraising, Governance, and Ad-Hoc Task Force.
Administrative Team: LSO employs four full-time employees (Executive Director, Audience Services Manager,
Orchestra Manager, and Community Partnerships Manager) and a handful of part-time employees (Library
Assistant and Box Office Assistants). Full-time employees work an average of 40 hours per week; regular office
hours are Monday-Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm and Friday 9:00am-1:00pm, but nights and weekends are required
during concert weeks.
Artistic Team: LSO’s Music Director creates the artistic plan and conducts 9 concerts per year, and works with
the board and executive director for community engagement and fundraising activities. Although Maestro
Polochick does not live in Lincoln, he maintains an active presence in the community. LSO operates under a
Collective Bargaining Agreement (negotiated every three years) with the Lincoln Musicians’ Association Local
No. 463, which stipulates salaries, minimum service guarantees, and working conditions for orchestra musicians.