About Us
Since its first concert in June 2002, Allegro Orchestra Lancaster has brought joyful music to the Lancaster community. Inspired by the vision of Founder and Artistic Director, Dr. Brian Norcross, the ensemble embodies the classic definition of music by Catherine Drinker Bowen as a “conversation between friends.” Most of Allegro’s immensely talented professional players are from Lancaster County. Their love of great music – and of playing together – shows in every performance.
Our mission is to expand the appreciation and love for classical music across multiple generations in Lancaster County by making great music accessible in new, friendly and playful ways. Join us!
Artistic Leadership
Dr. Brian Norcross
Artistic Director
Dr. Brian Norcross is not only the Artistic Director of Allegro Orchestra Lancaster but also one of its founders. His passion for creating a joyful experience when conducting, playing and listening to classical music drives much of Allegro’s artistic vision and audience experience.
Many people know Brian from Franklin & Marshall College where he is the Conductor of Instrumental Ensembles. He is also well known around the community as the Director of Music at First United Methodist Church.
He and his wife Kim have four children: Molly, Megan, Greyson and Gloria.
Todd Sullivan
Concert Master
Allegro is thrilled to have the very talented Todd Sullivan as its concertmaster. Todd has played the violin with some of New York City’s finest, as well as toured with national productions like Kiss Me Kate and The King & I. He also has worked as a concertmaster with headliners like Ray Charles, Natalie Merchant and Patti Austin.
Todd’s orchestrations for symphony orchestras and headline vocalists have been featured on numerous concerts and albums throughout the country.
A founding member of New York City’s Meyers-Sullivan Orchestra, Todd is co-producer, along with six-time Emmy Award winner Lanny Meyers, of the album “The Dave Brubeck Songbook.”
Zachary Levi
Assistant Conductor
Zachary Levi is Allegro's Assistant Conductor and NextGEN Youth Orchestra's Overture Conductor. He is also the high school orchestra director in the Southern York County School District as well as the orchestra director at York College. In addition to teaching and conducting, Zach is an active cellist performing with Allegro and the York Symphony. He lives in Columbia with his wife Johanna and their son, Samuel.
FIG Stories
Dr. Brian Norcross was recently featured in the premiere issue of FIG Stories, a collection of INSIGHTFUL STORIES featuring Lancaster County's MOST INFLUENTIAL leaders, BOLD thinkers, and agents of CHANGE.
Click here to read his story and view a video of his telling of it.
Board Members
Kathy Ashby
Frank Byrne
Gene Clark, President
Ethan Eshbach
Zach Fried
Kate Golden, Treasurer
John Hamilton
Carl Hartman
Barbara Kavanaugh, Secretary
Beth Lavender
Malcolm MacDougall
Anne Nye
Stephanie Stauffer
Katie Weeber
Musicians
Bass
Brian Krauss
John Yerger
Bassoon
Gail Ober
Kimberly Buchar
Ralph Lehman
Robin Plant
Cello
Brian Mishler
Ellen Eager
John Caldwell
Steve Lavender
Zach Levi
Clarinet
Bev Butts
Christy Banks
Jill Gagliardi
Rob Shaubach
Flute
Benjamin Martin
CJ Flint
Jana MacKay
Harp
Horn
James Rester
Jill Graybill
Kris Albert
Leah Jorgensen
Lori Groff
Oboe
Jeff O'Donnell
Jill Hoffmann
Kathy Horein
Percussion
Bob Nowak
Dan Heslink
Jud Brill
Mark Yingling
Tom Blanchard
Piano
Trombone
Andrew Walls
Clay Sattazahn
Joseph Snyder
Stefan Weibe
Trumpet
Tuba
Bill Grager
Bruce Smith
Michael Banks
Viola
Brook Mead
Jody Greve
John Hamilton
Marianne Kelly
Violin
Amanda Krauss
Betsy Swartz
Catherine Baker
Chi Park
Corrinne White
Joanna Levi
John Herr
Katelyn Kiehl
MaryLee Yerger
Maya Shih
Melody Cliff
Michael Lambertson
Sharon Lambertson
Stephanie McCullough
Tara Kenkelen
Todd Sullivan
Interested in Playing for Allegro?
Allegro Orchestra Lancaster is open to outstanding performers who demonstrate a high level of musicianship and who reflect Allegro’s mission of sharing a joyful experience with audience members of all ages. To be considered, a player must receive a recommendation from a current Allegro member. The player will then be invited to perform with Allegro in a series of rehearsals for evaluation. Based on their musicianship, attitude, and connection to the mission of Allegro, they may be invited to become a member of Allegro Orchestra Lancaster. Interested musicians are invited to contact Artistic Director, Dr. Brian Norcross, at brian.norcross@fandm.edu.
Interested in joining the Board?
We're currently looking for new board members. Contact us!
Photo Gallery
To view a variety of photos from our concerts and events, click here.