Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra

The Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra (CLSO) is a distinguished ensemble committed to delivering exceptional orchestral music and fostering cultural enrichment within the lakes region. Established in 2009, the orchestra operates as a non-profit organization with a dedicated Board of Directors. The founding board members included Joelle Burreson as Chair, alongside Karen Erickson, Trish Jensen, Larry Ortloff, Deb Thompson, Erik Vigesaa, and a student representative. The inception of the CLSO was under the visionary leadership of Brad Lambrecht, who at the time was the Orchestra Director at Alexandria Area High School in Alexandria, Minnesota. The first rehearsals commenced in October 2009, attracting over fifty musicians from Alexandria and surrounding communities such as Brandon, Carlos, Fergus Falls, Garfield, Glenwood, Miltona, Nelson, Osakis, Villard, and Vining. The ensemble's rehearsals are hosted at the Alexandria Area High School Orchestra Room, occurring every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Open to musicians aged sixteen and above, the CLSO maintains an inclusive policy for membership, with auditions coordinated through the Director or Board Members. The orchestra's mission is to educate, entertain, and inspire a broader understanding of the world and its diverse cultures through the power of music. Brad Lambrecht, the founder and conductor of the CLSO, is a prominent figure in the musical education and orchestral community. His tenure at Alexandria School District 206 began in 2007, where he currently serves as the Director of Orchestras for Alexandria Area High School and also leads the Fargo Youth Symphony Orchestra. Lambrecht's collaboration through the CLSO has included partnerships with the Minnesota Opera, Twin Cities Ballet, Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience, and many other esteemed musicians. Notable performances under his direction include Mozart's "Die Zauberflöte," Bizet's "Carmen," Copland's "Rodeo," Orff's "Carmina Burana," and Clausen's "Memorial." Lambrecht's commitment to innovation is evident in his commissioning of five original works from Midwest composers, inspired by and premiered in the Alexandria Lakes Area. A graduate of Valley City State University in North Dakota, Lambrecht has been recognized for his musical excellence, including winning the North Dakota Young Artists competition consecutively. His educational journey includes studying under respected conductors and completing a Master’s Degree in Music Education with a specialization in Orchestral Conducting at Colorado State University. Lambrecht has been honored by Minnesota Public Radio as a featured music teacher and continues to contribute to the musical landscape through guest conducting engagements. The Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra remains a beacon of artistic excellence and community engagement, consistently striving to share the transformative power of music with audiences throughout the lakes region.