A $100,000 donation to the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra is music to the ears of supporters.

The orchestra had considered scaling back its operations, citing fiscal concerns. However, a donor from Lawrence has stepped forward with the $100,000 check, ensuring the full orchestra will play into the future.

“This definitely is one of Lawrence’s jewels, and it needs to be preserved,” said Steven Elisha, the group’s artistic director.

Going into Sunday’s annual meeting, some board members said the board planned to supplement one or two full orchestra concerts per year with several concerts with smaller ensembles. Playing with a full orchestra throughout the year costs $40,000 to $65,000 a year, compared with $15,000 to $30,000 with a scaled-back concert series.

The donor, who wished to remain anonymous, wants the money to create an endowment to provide ongoing support to the orchestra. She also will encourage others to donate to the endowment.

Elisha said the fund would give the orchestra a starting balance every year. In past years, the orchestra raised funds year-to-year.

Preliminary plans call for a fall concert, a Christmas concert featuring flutist John Boulton and others, a Baroque by Candlelight fundraiser and a spring concert.

Elisha said the donation still must be formally accepted by the orchestra’s board of directors, and the concert schedule must be set later.

“What this means is we have a season to look forward to,” Elisha said. “It means the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra can affirm its commitment to provide the highest level of professional music to the Lawrence and the surrounding areas.”