Spotlight: Lori Julian

September 2024

Lori Julian, a long-time supporter of the League, serves on the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association Board of Trustees, the Negaunee Music Institute Board, and is a member of the League President’s Council. She generously supports a variety of initiatives, including the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Civic Fellowship program, the Negaunee Music Institute and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s MusicNOW series. Among her philanthropy, Lori has prioritized the educational programs of the CSO’s Negaunee Music Institute and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Lori also serves on the boards of the Ryan Opera Center and WFMT/WTTW, and she especially enjoys opportunities to support collaborations for the benefit of all.

How did you become involved with the League?

It was (former League Board member) Penny Van Horn. Very gently, Penny nudged me along—she had plans for me. After I became more involved through Penny, I immediately started going to the League Conferences. I found the conferences so expanding and mind-blowing. At Conference, we would meet other orchestra professionals and board members from orchestras across the country, and it was a great opportunity to connect with and learn from orchestras of all sizes.

Speaking of the League’s National Conference, what do you believe is the biggest value of Conference?

There is a sense of becoming aware of the bigger picture, outside of just your group, seeing that there are resources for staff, board members, etc. I’ve always loved collaborative work, and this is what happens at Conference—you go to the group sessions and you get a much broader perspective of the challenges and opportunities. You also develop deep knowledge of orchestras of all sizes and the unique challenges we all face.

What do you see as the biggest challenges for orchestras now?

I think orchestras are more important than ever, and I think the impact of COVID continues to have an impact on how we view the value of in-person experiences. Many orchestras have continued to tackle getting audiences back to pre-pandemic levels. There is tremendous value in the human experience, of being in a room full of people who are having this experience together. You might not even think about it or be aware of the impact it has on you, but it’s just a phenomenal experience. It’s the shared experience, a powerful experience, and a spiritual experience that you cannot get through a headset sitting on your couch.

What is it about volunteering and serving on Boards is most gratifying to you? What attracts you to doing this kind of work?

I find that the people that you are working with are there because they love and value the institution they are supporting. One is surrounded by mostly joyful people working to nurture something bigger than themselves.

What do you think is the League’s biggest impact is for orchestras?

I think the League’s presence enables orchestras to feel like they are not alone. All over the country, orchestras are working to overcome challenges, and the League provides a strong network and connectivity for all orchestras that is so important as they continue to navigate in an ever-evolving landscape.