LAUREN GREEN, MUSIC DIRECTOR-CONDUCTOR

Beginning his 50th season as the Bartlesville Symphony's Music Director-Conductor — a golden anniversary season for both Lauren and the orchestra — Lauren Green's creative programming and engaging presence on the podium have made him an admired and effective musical communicator to audiences and musicians alike.

For nearly half a century, he has provided inspiration and guidance to hundreds of extraordinary musicians from our city and region, giving Bartlesville musical experiences unheard of in most towns our size. With high standards and unflagging creativity, Lauren has crafted concert after concert that continues to educate, entertain, and enthuse audiences of all ages and musical tastes. He has conducted more than 250 concerts in Bartlesville alone — featuring over 300 composers, 800 individual works, and 350 guest soloists, from local students to world-renowned artists — and he has never stopped exploring, innovating, and sharing the music he loves.

A native of Pasadena, California, Lauren is a graduate of the University of Redlands, where he studied cello and conducting. He moved to Bartlesville in 1977 at age 25, adopting the city as his home and going on to play many roles — musical and otherwise — in its life: college professor, church choir director, radio programmer and announcer, TV host, and even, for a time, Laboratory Manager at 21st Sensory, where he cooked and created food daily for a panel of sensory analysts.

Through it all, Lauren has led the Bartlesville Symphony through decades of growth, serving as both conductor and programmer to create concert experiences that continue to shape the community's cultural life. On stage, he is known by musicians and listeners alike for his clarity and effectiveness on the podium, and for his engaging explanations and rapport with audiences. Above all, his leadership over the decades has set the standard for — and helped build — the cultural treasure Bartlesville is today.

Lauren also remains an active performer, playing cello professionally with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, the Tulsa Opera, and the Tulsa Ballet. He has served as a guest conductor for the Tulsa Signature Symphony's "Fourth on the Third" concert, performing to a full house and enthusiastic acclaim.

In recognition of his years of extraordinary service and creativity, the Oklahoma Arts Council awarded Lauren the 2026 Governor's Arts Award at ceremonies held at the State Capitol.

Lauren has been married for over 40 years to his wife, Juanita, who has performed with the Bartlesville Symphony in past seasons. Juanita spent 15 years as choral director at Madison Middle School before a second career as a Territory Specialist in the pharmaceutical field. Together, Lauren and Juanita have two children, Elizabeth and Daniel, and two grandchildren.