The groups listed below in and adjacent to Lake County maintain a schedule of performances. Some also have smaller ensembles and specialty groups which may be contracted for special events.

Ravinia - Summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. One of the most popular performance venues in Lake County, featuring a wide range of classical and contemporary music performances almost every evening during the summer. (Kid's program, too!)

Lake Forest Symphony Orchestra - The only fully professional orchestra in Lake County. Currently under the baton of Alan Heatherington, Illinois "Conductor of the Year" for 2005.

FullScore Chamber Orchestra - A dynamic ensemble of professionals, teachers, and freelance musicians focused on bringing great music to their local community. Based in Zion and founded in 2003, the Orchestra has quickly gained a reputation as one of the north shore's most dynamic and invigorating musical ensembles.
Highland Park Strings Chamber Orchestra - An exceptional group of highly-talented musicians, performing music spanning three centuries.
Kenosha Symphony Orchestra - Providing symphonic music for the enjoyment and education of IL/WI border residents since 1940.
Northbrook Symphony Orchestra - Voted the 2006 "Community Orchestra of the Year" by the Illinois Council of Orchestras
North Suburban Symphony - Based in Lake Forest, the established community orchestra of about 60 members provides an opportunity for musicians to play standard works of the symphonic repertoire under skilled conductors

Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band - Plays and performs all varieties of music from classical to Broadway to pop and jazz, and is an integral part of Buffalo Grove's extensive promotion of the arts.
Glenview Concert Band - A community band comprised of volunteer adult musicians, the GCB performs concerts at a variety of venues around the northshore and the northwest suburbs.
Lake Geneva Community Orchestra - A fully-volunteer ensemble comprised of approximately 50 musicians from throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Lakes Area Community Band - Sponsored by The Festival Arts of Antioch.
Palatine Concert Band - A vibrant ensemble of approximately 80 volunteer musicians.
Round Lake Area Community Band - Sponsored by the Round Lake Area Park District, the band provides performance opportunities for residents of NW Lake County.
Waukegan Municipal Band - Performs during the summer months.
Waukegan Symphony Orchestra - A dynamic community orchestra performing in continuous seasons since 1974.

Illinois Brass Band - This Lake County-based group is a six-time North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championship winner, performing 15-20 concerts a year including several church concert series, and appearances in summer concert series.

College / University Groups

Carthage College - Wind Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra: For those in northern Lake County, the short trip just over the border to Carthage in Kenosha is well worth the drive. The college also has outstanding Choral presentations, and a Chamber Music Series featuring acclaimed international performers & ensembles.
College of Lake County (CLC) - The Concert Band performs at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake. Other CLC instrumental groups include the Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble.
Lake Forest College - Chamber Orchestra
Trinity International University - Community Philharmonic Orchestra & Symphonic Band