Our History
In 2011, the Lexington Philharmonic celebrates 50 years of bringing quality classical music to the bluegrass! The orchestra now presents over 150 concerts and educational programs annually that are designed to reach a variety of musical tastes and a vast range of ages! The Classics Series features traditional classical music, newer and world premiere pieces, and world-renowned guest artists. Pre-concert lectures (called Inside the Score) designed to introduce patrons to the guest artists, programming, and other topics are free before each concert. The Family Series is a fun way to introduce children (and grown-ups) to classical music. The Philharmonic also offers extensive educational programs, reaching over 25,000 children a year through Discovery Concerts, Ensembles in Schools, Partners in Education, Instrument Petting Zoos, and Peanut Butter & Jelly Concerts.
In April 2009, the Lexington Philharmonic selected Scott Terrell from nearly 300 applicants and 10 finalists as new Music Director and Conductor.
George Zack, Music Director Emeritus and Conductor Laureate
Maestro Zack recently retired in 2009 after 37 years as Music Director and Conductor of the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra. He was recognized as Kentucky Star by the Downtown Lexington Corporation in recognition for his work in music as“one who has made a significant, long term contribution in the area.” He was also named Artist of the Year by the Kentucky Arts Commission and Governor Paul Patton. That award was followed with the prestigious Optimist Cup from the Lexington Chapter. From 2000 to 2003, he conducted the finals of the World Piano Competition in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was also awarded the Communicator of the Year by the National Broadcasters Association, Lexington Chapter. These accomplishments reflect the range of musical achievements and community recognition he has continued to receive as a leader of Lexington’s arts community. Most recently, a plaque with his likeness was installed in the Singletary Center for the Arts by the LPO Guild in permanent recognition of his leadership of the orchestra.
Zack holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory and Composition from Wichita State University (cum laude), a Master of Music degree in Theory and Viola from the University of Michigan and a doctorate from Florida State University in Music Theory and Medieval Art History. He studied conducting under James Robertson, a protege of Pierre Monteux, Dr. Richard Lert of the Berlin State Opera and Gustav Meier at Yale University. He was named Conductor Laureate upon his retirement from the Warren Chamber Orchestra, a post he held for 31 years. He has conducted orchestras throughout the US from east (Bridgeport, CT) to west (Monterey, CA) and north (South Bend, IN) to south (Amarillo, TX). In addition, he conducted the Thessaloniki State Symphony in Greece and in 1979, took the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra to Russia and Romania.
He has worked extensively with young musicians, serving as music director for the All State Orchestra in Ohio, New York and Kentucky. When Toyota Motor Manufacturing created a youth orchestra to celebrate Kentucky’s Bicentennial, Maestro Zack was selected to lead it on a statewide concert tour culminating in a live television broadcast from the Kentucky Center for the Arts in Louisville. In addition to musical duties, Dr. Zack hosted a radio program called Enhancement of Music on WEKU for 37 years. Active in a variety of civic affaris including the National Society of Arts and Letters, The Jazz Foundation, Picnic with the Pops Commission, the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra, the Humanitarium Center for Culture and Diversity, Maestro Zack also found time to be on the vestry of Good Shepherd Church and co-chaired the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ). He was awarded the Spirit of Caring Award by the Volunteers of America, the Hellenic Award given in recognition of a life that exemplifies Greek ideals and was voted into the Hall of Fame of the Mountain Laurel Festival where he served many years as Master of Ceremonies. He is an Honorary Donovan Scholar and received the prestigious NCCJ Laren Weinberg Humanitarian Award in 1997.
Zack is a native of Arkansas, born of Greek parents, and is married to Kerry Sheehan Zack, recently retired from the Prichard Committee as Manager of the Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership. They have two daughters. Katherine Bender is an A.M.I. accredited Montessori teacher in Indianapolis, IN, married to Andrew Bender. They have two children, Zackary, age 9, and Thomas, age 5. Melissa Sheehan Johnston is Chief Operating Officer of the Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington, D.C., married to Mark Johnston. They have one child, Chloe, and another expected in May 2012.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Lexington Philharmonic is to foster excellence and innovation in the performance and presentation of great music; to enrich the lives of our diverse citizenry; to educate current and future audiences and to bring distinction to our community through the orchestra’s presence and standing.