The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra (LSO) kicks off its 75th Anniversary Season with The Star City, a multimedia concert experience on Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Under the baton of Maestro Kellen Gray, the performance celebrates the City of Lafayette’s bicentennial through music, history, and community connection.
The evening’s centerpiece is the premiere of Star City Overture, a new work commissioned by the LSO and composed by Edward Hart in honor of Lafayette’s 200th anniversary. The program also features Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, performed by Christina Martin, the LSO’s principal clarinetist, and Copland’s iconic Appalachian Spring, presented with historical imagery of Lafayette curated with help from the Tippecanoe County Historical Association and live narration by Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski.
“This concert embodies what makes our orchestra and our community so special—creativity, collaboration, and pride in place,” said Maestro Gray. “We’re thrilled to mark both our 75th season and Lafayette’s 200th anniversary in one unforgettable evening.”
Festivities begin before the concert in St. John’s Pavilion, where audiences can enjoy music by Purdue University’s Sandra Yover Haas String Quartet.
After the performance, the celebration continues downtown at the Star City Social, held at The Lobby by Greyhouse (526 Main St.). Guests can unwind with a signature “Star City Latté” or “LSO 75” drink while local historian Sean Lutes shares fascinating “lesser-known” stories from Lafayette’s past during a 30-minute presentation. The Star City Social is free and open to the public.
Throughout concert week, ticket holders can also receive 10% off any food or non-alcoholic beverage at The Lobby by Greyhouse, courtesy of our community partner.
The LSO gratefully acknowledges the City of Lafayette and the Lafayette Civic Theatre as event sponsors, and The Lobby by Greyhouse as a community partner for this evening of music.
Kellen Gray, Conductor and Artistic Director of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, was born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina. His life has taken him on a diverse path ranging from orchestral violinist to beekeeper before turning his full-time attention to conducting. In addition to his LSO appointment, he serves as Associate Artist of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and is a frequent guest conductor across the country, recently appearing with the National Symphony Orchestra (Washington, D.C.) and Seattle Opera.
For information about upcoming events or to purchase tickets, visit lafayettesymphony.org or call 765-742-6463
Event Details:
· Date: Saturday, Nov 8, 2025
· Time: 7:30 PM
· Venue: Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N 6th St, Lafayette, IN 47901
About the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra
Launched in 1951 as a non-profit organization, the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra enriches the cultural life of the Greater Lafayette community and 14 surrounding counties through musical excellence and education. Approximately 80 percent of its patrons come from Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County, with the remainder hailing from surrounding counties including Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Howard, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Pulaski, Tipton, Warren, and White.