This is a special year for our community as we are celebrating 150 years of both the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music and the Lawrence Community Music School.

Our journey began in 1874 when President George McKendree Steele proposed the establishment of a Conservatory of Music to the Lawrence University Board of Trustees. That same year, the Lawrence Community Music School was founded, marking the formal start of our music program with a mission to provide music instruction to the wider community.

Lawrence Conservatory 150th logo

Lawrence Conservatory & Lawrence Community Music School 150th Timeline

Explore Lawrence University Archives' Timeline for a deeper dive. 

View from behind the Orchestra in the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center for Kaleidoscope 2013

Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope's non-stop, 50-minute format provides a rapid-fire musical spectrum showcasing the sheer variety and mastery of students attending the Lawrence Conservatory of Music. Kaleidoscope is hosted every three years, with the most recent performance being October 12, 2024. 

Find out more about Kaleidoscope
Flute ensemble performs at the recent Kaleidoscope concert.

150th Crescendo: Convergence

We celebrated the Conservatory of Music's 150th year with a special concert featuring 9 world premieres, including performances by the LU Flute and Trombone Ensembles.

Lawrence University Wind Ensemble performing on the Memorial Chapel stage

Celebrating the 150th 

To celebrate the 150th, the Lawrence University Wind Ensemble's Celebrating the 150th performance featured several works inspired by Conservatory history.

Watch the Recording
Conservatory students took the Conservatory 150th celebration to New York City at the Manhattan School of Music. As part of the Conservatory student experience, music performance majors are often invited to perform at special events worldwide.

Touring Performance

Lawrence University took its celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Conservatory of Music to New York City over spring break.

Read the story

150th Celebration News

View 150th Stories

Upcoming Conservatory Events

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Get the Social Media Kit

Celebrate on Social Media! Let all of your friends know why Lawrence is such a special place. Share a photo of your time at Lawrence or wearing Lawrence gear on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn and use #LUCon150 when you post!