More Performing Arts
The performing arts thrive in Lincoln—live theatre, classical music, jazz, dance, comedy—keep growing in Lincoln.
by Rayna Collins
The Lincoln Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1927, Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra presents inspiring programs that encourage the Lincoln community to discover and cultivate a deep personal connection with live symphonic music. LSO offers more than 10 concerts each season—family concerts, two pops concerts (one of which is a holiday concert) and six classical concerts.
The 2023-24 season features guest artists, Brahms, Mahler, Vivaldi, spirituals, Star Wars and much more. LSO is also committed to the community. They perform chamber music at local health care facilities, plus concerts at local schools and a young artist competition. For more information call 402-476-2211 or visit lincolnsymphony.com.
Nebraska Chamber Players
Formed in 1997, the Nebraska Chamber Players is made up of professional musicians dedicated to playing a unique brand of chamber music. Known for creative programming, the group has premiered commissioned works from composers across the country. The spirit of chamber music, performed in an intimate atmosphere, comes alive through each of the Nebraska Chamber
Players’ gifted musicians at their four concerts. For more information call
402-429-8227 or visit nebraskachamberplayers.org.
Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music
Since 1964, Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music has presented chamber music concerts, lectures, and master classes to introduce the public to live chamber music. Nationally known and exceptionally talented musicians perform new works by living composers as well as a standard classical repertoire. Enjoy an evening with friends at their four in-person concerts this fall season. For more information visit www.lfcm.us.
The Lincoln Civic Orchestra
The Lincoln Civic Orchestra is a symphonic orchestra comprised of musicians from around the Lincoln area. Formed in 1977 on the campus of Union College, the Lincoln Civic Orchestra became the resident orchestra at Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1987. The 70-piece ensemble regularly performs on the Nebraska Wesleyan campus with performances in the fall, winter and spring, and travels to other communities with concert presentations. LCO aims to provide a quality symphonic experience for musicians and the community at large through collaborative musical performances and education. Visit sites.google.com/lincolncivicorchestra.org/home/home for more information.
Nebraska Jazz Orchestra
One of the region’s premiere big bands, the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra presents at least four concerts annually featuring the genre’s best musicians. The NJO features traditional big band classics from masters like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, as well as new compositions and arrangements from local talent. The NJO is committed to educating future musicians through sponsorship of the Young Artist Jazz Composition, the Young Lions All-Star Big Band, and the annual Nebraska Jazz Camp. They have performed with Paul Shaffer, Doc Severinsen, and Maroon 5 guitarist Lincoln’s own James Valentine. The NJO has released eight recordings, including their recent CD celebrating the ensemble’s 40th Anniversary entitled NJO 40. For more information call 402-477-8446 and visit www.artsincorporated.org/njo/.
Lincoln Municipal Band
Begun in 1911, the Lincoln Municipal Band is both Nebraska’s oldest professional music organization and its only professional wind ensemble. The band annually presents a series of free outdoor concerts at 7 p.m. on Sundays during July and August. Held in the John Shildneck Memorial Bandshell in Antelope Park, these popular free concerts draw regular crowds of more than 1,500 and feature some of the capital city’s best instrumentalists and vocalists. The organization also holds the annual John Schildneck Young Artist Competition. For more information call 402-477-7899 or visit artsincorporated.org/lmb.
Nebraska Repertory Theatre
The Nebraska Repertory Theatre provides professional acting and production experience to University of Nebraska-Lincoln students and faculty in collaboration with professional artists-in-residence. And since 1988 they have had a relationship with the Actors’ Equity Association, the professional actors’ union. For more information visit nebraskarep.org or for tickets call 402-472-2072. For much more local and summer theatre, see page 101.
Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company
For 34 years the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company has been presenting its annual staging of the holiday season classic, The Nutcracker, at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. Dance students from Southeast Nebraska star in the performances that also feature a live orchestra and nationally known guest artists. In conjunction with performances, the company hosts Backstage at the Ballet, an artist-in-residency program at Lincoln elementary schools. For more information call 402.441.0739 or visit www.lincolnmidwestballet.org.
The Capital Jazz Society
The Capital Jazz Society provides an opportunity for jazz musicians of all ages to hone their chops by sight-reading and performing both classic and new big band pieces. The Lincoln Jazz Series provides formal jazz groups with a venue to showcase their talents. Local, regional and national groups have performed as part of this series. The Capital Jazz Society presents the Monday Jazz Series almost every Monday night at the Storm Cellar on 13th Street. Enjoy some jazz or sit in with the band! For more information call 402-477-7899 or visit artsincorporated.org/cjs or www.facebook.com/CapitalJazzSociety.
Comedy
The Rococo Theatre, the Bourbon, Pinewood Bowl, and the Lied Center for Performing Arts bring in national comedy acts like Trevor Noah, Jerry Seinfeld, John Mulaney, Hannibal Buress, Jim Gaffigan plus Steve Martin and Martin Short. Several Lincoln coffee shops and bars, including the Zoo Bar, have even added open mic nights for local aspiring comedians.
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