Arts & Culture
Guy McIntosh shares his passion for connection through music
As Executive Director of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, he is leading the way for more meaningful art in our community.
Music has always come naturally to Guy McIntosh. Originally from Maryland, Guy and his siblings were fortunate to have instruments all around them growing up, as their grandfather was an accomplished trumpet player. Guy followed in his musical footsteps, and his studies eventually took him to the Royal Academy of Music in London where he earned a Bachelor of Music Performance.
After graduating, he began playing for a number of symphonies, freelancing in London before returning to play across the Mid-Atlantic. At the same time, Guy felt a draw to help advocate for the arts, aiding with marketing and strategic planning for many music, festival, and performance arts organizations.
When the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, whom Guy had played with at times over the years, had a permanent trumpet opening, he took the opportunity to plant roots here in Lancaster. Then, just three months before the pandemic, Guy put his hat in the ring to step into the role of Executive Director.
“As a musician in the symphony, I noticed concerts being cut and audiences dwindling,” he shared. “The first thing I wanted to do when I took the Executive Director role was really look at the Symphony’s relationship with the community.”
Guy noted the quality of music and musicians LSO was so fortunate to have, and he really began intentionally building relationships with community organizations, other arts organizations, and other nonprofits. This allowed creative collaborations to already be in the works when COVID-19 challenged the performing arts world.
“We’ve worked hard over the past several years to give people the perspective that the Symphony is fun, engaging, collaborative, and something that benefits the community,” Guy said.
“We are really showcasing all that symphonic music can do and creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.”
As creativity has flourished under Guy’s leadership, LSO has expanded their programming, especially with youth education programs, as well as the breadth of musical variety for their seasons. He is delighted that the community has responded with renewed support.
“The arts are such a rich part of Lancaster,” he said. “I honestly believe the more art there is, the more opportunities there are. The fact that we have so much here keeps people engaged, and it’s part of what makes Lancaster Lancaster.”
Behind the work Guy does day in and day out, the heart of what fuels him as he propels the Symphony forward is the camaraderie and community that music inspires.
“Being a part of the Symphony, you learn to be a part of something greater than yourself,” he mused. “As musicians, you can sit in a practice room all day and learn music, but there’s nothing like coming together with a group and working towards a common goal. And I think that really applies to life in general.”
Find tickets for the Symphony’s upcoming season at lancastersymphony.org.
This is article is part of our Reach High series—sponsored by High Foundation—that introduces business and nonprofit leaders who are thoughtfully innovating with a spirit of servant leadership.
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