Lawrence Rapchak

Larry served as Music Director of Chicago Opera Theater, leading the premieres of Berlioz’s “Beatrice and Benedict”, Ullmann’s “Kaiser of Atlantis”, and Hagen’s “Shining Brow”. Under his direction, the company recorded Menotti’s The Medium, earning acclaim for its theatricality. During his eighteen seasons with the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra, Larry conducted premieres of significant works like Shostakovich's Symphony No. 2 and Richard Strauss' Panathenaenzug. He has conducted for various renowned ensembles, including appearances with The Chicago Symphony. Larry's compositions have been performed worldwide, with notable premieres by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is listed in Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of Musicians and is currently in his 28th season as a pre-concert speaker for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Larry resides in Whiting, Indiana, with his wife, Celeste, and their three whippets.