Over 50 years, a dozen presidents, and a whole pandemic later, the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra has returned to its original name as it enters the 2021-2022 season.

Previously known as the Imperial Symphony Orchestra for the past 30 years, the organization has returned to its original name from when it first began in 1965. The pandemic provided new challenges for everyone, Lakeland Symphony Orchestra included. Now, the orchestra is reimagining the ways upon which they interact with the city of Lakeland. Between outdoor concerts and virtual performances, the orchestra was able to innovate. And as they prepare for the 2021-2022 season, they’re continuing to reimagine what that looks like in today’s world. The orchestra will perform three major concerts this season, opposed to the usual five. All three concerts will have no intermission and take place on Saturdays at the Polk Theatre. The three concerts include Beethoven’s Odds-on Favorites (Oct. 3), Carol Symphony (Dec. 4), and Symphony No. 5 (March 5). Outside of the three major concerts, the orchestra will also perform a small series of concerts between the Polk Museum of Art, the Polk History Center, and the Lake Wales Arts Center. The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra is making changes not only due to the pandemic but also to reach new goals. The orchestra would like to continue to bring in their beloved older audience members but also reach and connect with younger audiences, as well. Some of the upcoming changes reflect that, as they aim to fill seats during these unprecedented times. Single concert tickets to the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra range from $21-46, with season ticket options available. Students with ID have free admission to all concerts.