Orchestra Lumos: A New Era of Community-Focused Music in Fairfield County

STAMFORD, CT – April 23, 2026 – On May 3, Orchestra Lumos will host a gala that is more than a celebration; it is a testament to a remarkable transformation. The event at Stamford's Palace Theatre will honor the visionary leadership of outgoing President & CEO Russell Jones and feature a recital by world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell. More profoundly, it will cast a spotlight on the orchestra's evolution from a traditional symphony into a dynamic regional force for community health, education, and connection.

A Legacy of Transformative Growth

The evening's tribute to Russell Jones marks the culmination of an eight-year tenure that redefined the organization. When Jones took the helm, it was the Stamford Symphony, primarily known for its performances at a single venue. Today, as Orchestra Lumos, it is a regional powerhouse, performing in ten different venues and reaching communities from Greenwich to Bridgeport.

This expansion was no accident. It was the result of a deliberate strategy led by Jones, which included the pivotal appointment of Music Director Michael Stern in 2019. Together, they embarked on a mission to make the orchestra, in Stern's words, "bigger, better, bolder and geographically broader." A key step was the 2022 rebranding to Orchestra Lumos, a name chosen to signify shining a light on extraordinary music and radiating energy into new communities.

Fueling this vision was a landmark fundraising effort, "The Crescendo Fund," which successfully raised $4 million. This financial foundation was critical, as ticket sales cover less than a third of the orchestra's operating costs. The funds enabled the creation of a dedicated Education, Community, Engagement, and Inclusion department and supported the expansion of programming into a diverse array of new spaces.

Music as Medicine and Mentor

The most significant aspect of Orchestra Lumos's evolution is its deep integration into the fabric of community life, far beyond the velvet seats of the concert hall. The organization is actively demonstrating that music is not just an art form but a powerful tool for healing and learning.

Through its innovative "Music and Wellness" program, developed in partnership with Stamford Health, the orchestra brings musicians and music therapists directly to patients in hospitals and care facilities. This initiative uses the therapeutic power of live classical music to help manage pain, reduce anxiety, and offer moments of hope and connection during difficult times.

Simultaneously, its educational footprint has expanded dramatically. Orchestra Lumos now reaches thousands of young people through a suite of hands-on programs. These include Carnegie Hall's "Link Up" curriculum for elementary students, "Reading and Rhythm" for toddlers and preschoolers, and instrumental masterclasses, or "bootcamps," in local schools. The orchestra's musicians also perform in libraries, museums, and even breweries through its "Small Space Series," breaking down traditional barriers and making world-class music accessible to all.

"As we expand our programming and reach, we're also expanding our commitment to bringing music into every corner of our community—from concert halls to hospitals, from schools to neighborhoods that have never experienced world-class live music," said incoming President and CEO Walker Beard, who will succeed Jones. "This requires resources, partnerships, and community support."

The Harmony of Corporate Partnership

This ambitious mission is unfolding against a backdrop of tightening public budgets, where arts programs are often the first to face cuts. This reality makes the role of private sector investment more critical than ever. Orchestra Lumos's partnership with PMI U.S., its 2026 season sponsor, exemplifies a modern model of corporate citizenship where business success and community responsibility are intertwined.

PMI, which moved its global headquarters to Stamford, has embraced a philosophy of "pragmatic philanthropy," investing in the cultural vitality of the regions where its employees live and work. Their support for Orchestra Lumos is a strategic investment in the health, education, and quality of life in Fairfield County.

"Orchestra Lumos represents world-class excellence with a community-first mission," said Marian Salzman, SVP of Corporate Development & Senior Advisor to the U.S. CEO, PMI U.S. "By supporting their expansion across Fairfield County, we're investing in the health, education, and cultural vitality of the region we call home. This is what responsible corporate citizenship looks like."

A Gala for a New Chapter

The May 3 gala serves as both a celebration of this legacy and a launchpad for the future. The concert will feature Joshua Bell and soprano Larisa Martínez in "Voice and the Violin," a program spanning classical art song, opera, and musical theater. Following the performance, a festive reception, dinner, and live auction on the Palace Theatre stage will raise crucial funds to sustain and grow the orchestra's community-focused work.

All proceeds will directly support the mission that Jones so carefully cultivated: bringing exhilarating and healing musical experiences to every corner of Fairfield County. For those wishing to support this vision and enjoy an afternoon of world-class music, tickets and sponsorship information are available at orchestralumos.org.