Longmont Symphony Orchestra

The Longmont Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is a distinguished cultural institution that has been serving the community of Longmont, Colorado, since its inception in 1966. Founded by Phil Mattoon, an adult education director, alongside conductors Leo Meyer and Walter Birkedahl, the LSO held its first concert in April of that year. Over the years, the orchestra has seen growth and change, with Leo Meyer taking the helm as conductor in 1970 and serving for twelve seasons. Following Meyer's retirement in 1983, Dr. Robert Olson was appointed as the Music Director, a position he held for 34 years before being named LSO Conductor Emeritus. In 2017, Elliot Moore was selected as the new music director, marking a new era for the orchestra. The LSO has expanded from its modest beginnings, with an initial budget of $1,645 and four concerts in its first full season (1966-1967), to presenting 15 performances annually. These include six Mainstage concerts at Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, a free July 4th concert at Thompson Park, a Holiday performance, several chamber orchestra concerts at Longmont Museum’s Stewart Auditorium, two full performances of "The Nutcracker" with the Boulder Ballet, a "Gentle Nutcracker" for individuals with special needs and their families, and a pair of concerts for all St. Vrain Valley School District 5th graders. The LSO also boasts an active education and outreach program and operates with an annual budget of approximately $615,000. The LSO is driven by its vision of music being a catalyst that deepens awareness of shared humanity through artistic collaboration, enriching Longmont and making it an exceptional place to live in Colorado. The mission of the orchestra is to enrich, inspire, and serve the extended community as a symphony orchestra recognized for its artistic excellence. The LSO's core values include celebration, excellence, professionalism, inspiration, inclusivity, integrity, sustainability, and engagement. For the 2023-2024 Season, themed "Shoot for the Stars," Music Director Elliot Moore has curated a series of performances designed to elevate the artistic possibilities of music in Longmont. The season features an array of concerts, including LSO Opening Night, "Mahler at the Museum," Shostakovich No. 5, "The Nutcracker," "A Baroque Christmas," a Family Concert: "Wild Symphony," "Tchaikovsky: A Portrait," and culminates with Beethoven’s Cycle: Symphony No. 9 and a Pops Concert: John Williams Tribute. The LSO's commitment to community engagement is evident through its educational programs and music scholarships, which aim to foster a love for music within the community and support young musicians. The organization relies on the generosity of donors and sponsors, and it encourages the community to support its mission through donations and volunteer work. For those interested in experiencing the Longmont Symphony Orchestra's performances, tickets are available through their ticketing website, offering various packages to enjoy their season concerts and special events.