Strings Jury

Lynne Turner joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1962, shortly after becoming the first American to win first prize in the International Harp Competition in Israel. Born in Saint Louis, she moved to Chicago at the age of 4 and started piano lessons with her mother, Evelyn, at the age of 8. Her father, Sol Turner, was a violinist in the CSO for 22 years; when she was 10, he introduced her to the harp, which became her chosen instrument. She first performed with the CSO at the age of 14, when she was the featured soloist in a series of youth concerts. Turner studied with Alberto Salvi in Chicago and with Pierre Jamet at the Paris Conservatory; she graduated with highest honors, earning the premier prix, première nomée, hors concours.

After completing her studies in Paris, she auditioned for CSO music director Fritz Reiner. She was 21 when she joined the Orchestra, the youngest musician in a major American symphony at that time. She has appeared as soloist with orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Israel Philharmonic, the Sienna Festival Orchestra, and the New York Woodwind Quintet; participated in numerous chamber music series; visited scores of schools as part of the CSO’s educational outreach program; and taught at DePaul University and Lake Forest College. In celebration of Israel’s 50th anniversary, Turner performed at a gala concert in Jerusalem featuring first-prize winners of the Israel competition — a distinguished group representing Australia, France, Italy, Japan and Romania, as well as the U.S. She returned to Israel in 2009 to serve as a judge for the 17th International Harp Competition.

Currently in her 54th season with the Chicago Symphony, Turner is listed in Who’s Who in

America, Who’s Who in American Women, and Who’s Who in Entertainment, among other publications.