The Lake Forest Symphony’s Beethoven cycle continues with his highly-provocative First Symphony. Continuing with firsts, the Symphony invites one of the world’s finest emerging violists, Dana Zemtsov, for her U.S. orchestral debut. Ms. Zemtsov brings to life a popular Romantic-era programmatic work, Berlioz’s Harold in Italy, which was inspired by Lord Byron’s narrative poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. Fabio Mechetti joins the Symphony as guest conductor. Maestro Mechetti has recently concluded a 14-year tenure with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, having now become its Music Director Emeritus, and as Principal Conductor of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Mechetti has also held the post of Music Director of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra from 1993 to 2004. After eleven years of inspiring leadership he was named Music Director Laureate of that orchestra. He also led the Syracuse Symphony for ten seasons, beginning as Associate Conductor in 1989 and becoming Music Director in 1993.