Concert Reviews

Cancelled due to COVID-19

Cancelled due to COVID-19

A PATRON COMMENTED THIS CONCERT AS BEING, “THE VERY BEST CHRISTMAS CONCERT YET!!”  OTHERS WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE WITH THEM. Friends and family gathered for the LSO holiday concert, Sounds of Peace, with smiles, hugs, and happy chatter. The lobby had a special delight as “The Soundpost,” a group formed by members of the LSYO, under the direction of Celeste Myall, serenaded the Patrons with pre-concert holiday classics. They warmed hearts as everyone came in from the cold. This was an extra-touch that greatly added to the holiday atmosphere. The excitement of a sold-out house paired with the wonderful program line-up was clear throughout the auditorium.  The buzz of happy conversation gave way to anticipatory quiet within an instant, as the concert was about to start.

The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s 30th Anniversary celebration continued through this concert, as president Kaye Lanning Minchew paid tribute to the musicians that played in the very first LSO concert, 30 years ago.  Several members of that original orchestra were in attendance and were individually recognized.

Spellbinding! Thirty years and counting!  The LSO 2019/20 season opened to a full house September 24, 2019, with the traditional, vibrant rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.  The Sounds of Drama concert was a salute to LaGrange College and their close relationship to the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra.  LSO Executive Director, Raylene Carter, explained in her concert comments that the origin of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra is attributed to three men: Dr. Harry Kruger, conductor emeritus of the Columbus Symphony, Dr. David Naglee, LaGrange College professor, and Dr. Walter Y. Murphy, then President of LaGrange College.  She went on to describe the immeasurable support that the College has given the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra during these past thirty years. This support continues today with Dr. Dan McAlexander, current LaGrange College president.  The LSO gratefully acknowledges and appreciates LaGrange College.  We look forward to the next 30 years.

A grand finale concert brings with it an expectation of “that little something extra,” which can’t easily be described. Tuesday’s concert of Holst’s The Planets, by the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, was special in that sense. The way I would attempt to illustrate this indescribable “something extra”, comes actually from the audience. This diverse combination of students, families, out-of-town guests, first-timers, and seasoned classical enthusiasts had their entire attention on what the stage was producing. Not just listening, but immersed in each moment. When you have around 500 people in one room, and you can audibly experience silence when the music uses it, or the whisper of the faintest pianissimo...

A MUCH LOVED – CLASSIC EVENT “I couldn’t miss this [concert], Mozart is my absolute favorite composer.” The evening of Mozart began with two additional pieces added to the program for the annual “side-by-side.”  This is the time of year, when members of the Youth Orchestra (LSYO) are paired with professional musicians.  They physically sit beside them, play the same music, and react to the same cues from the conductor.  This has proven to be a very valuable learning experience for the students.  At this concert, we had the LSYO string sections. The full Youth Orchestra with strings, wind, brass, and percussion, will perform their spring concert Tuesday, March 26th, 7:00 PM at Callaway Auditorium.

The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concert drew a full house on a very chilly winter night on Tuesday December 11th.  Smiles were plentiful as Patrons came out of the cold into a warm and inviting lobby that was buzzing with chatter, greetings, hugs and laughter.  Filled with long-time friends, new acquaintances, and loving families, this was truly a holiday gathering rich with kindness, affection and good will.

HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT MUSIC The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s artistic direction has brought about a wonderful concert full of historically important music that was totally new to most listeners and musicians alike. The October 30th concert entitled “Women in Music” uplifted three fantastically talented composers and put each one in the spotlight they so deserved. Fanny Mendelssohn, Lili Boulanger, and Florence Price works were featured. Although each composer has now passed on, their contribution to the musical world remains an important asset to be cherished. Through the efforts of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, new appreciation for these works has come about. Music director, Dr. Richard Prior, put together

LSO SPARKLES IN SEASON OPENER Dedicated to the memory of Dr. Walter Y. Murphy and Dr. Werner A. Linz. Tuesday, September 25th, 2018 marked the opening performance of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s 2018-2019 season.  This concert, titled The Beginning, was dedicated to the memory of two great men, who’s leadership and guidance has been vital to the existence of the LSO. Through the kind words from LSO president, Kaye Minchew, Dr. Walter Y. Murphy and Dr. Werner A. Linz were officially recognized, before the concert, for their tremendous contribution to the organization.  Both men put great effort into the success of the Symphony since the very beginning. It was in their memory and with tremendous gratitude that the concert was dedicated. Both of the honoree’s wives were in the audience and were applauded for their significant role in the accomplishments of their late husbands.

LISTENING LARGE The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra set a new record during Tuesday’s season finale.  This concert had the greatest number of adult musicians ever for a regular instrumental LSO concert!  This concert, titled The World’s Embrace, which included both Mendelssohn and Mahler works, required seventy-seven (77) musicians.  How special and fitting for a grand finale, which closes a truly remarkable season with this record-breaking ensemble.