La Crosse Symphony Orchestra

==La Crosse Symphony Orchestra== The '''La Crosse Symphony Orchestra''' (LSO) is an American orchestra based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century and is dedicated to providing high-quality orchestral music to the residents of the greater La Crosse area. The LSO also focuses on enhancing the educational, cultural, and artistic landscape of the community through various engagement opportunities. ===History=== The origins of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra can be traced to January 1898, when a local bank clerk named Marcellus Greenwood initiated the formation of a symphony orchestra. The majority of the original orchestra members were part of the Maurice Langstadt Orchestra, which had been organized in 1892. After Greenwood's departure to Montana in August 1899, the orchestra disbanded. Following a fifteen-year hiatus, the La Crosse Philharmonic Orchestra emerged in January 1914, marking the second attempt to establish a symphonic group in the area. However, this ensemble was short-lived due to issues with player quality, lack of dues, and disciplinary challenges. The third symphonic ensemble, the Cathedral Orchestra, was founded in the fall of 1927 by Father Oscar Cramer. Concurrently, in 1928, another group named the La Crosse Philharmonic made its debut under the direction of Rudolph Kreutz, a professional violinist and La Crosse native. The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra as it is known today had several iterations between 1932 and 1939, with varying levels of success and longevity. The orchestra reestablished itself in 1941 and has since seen a succession of conductors, including Leigh Elder, Frank Italiano, Paul Dowdy, Hugo Huss, and Amy Mills. Since 2010, Alexander Platt has served as the Music Director and Conductor of the LSO, which currently contracts seventy musicians. ===Mission and Activities=== The LSO's mission is to provide high-quality orchestral music and to foster community engagement through music education and cultural enrichment. The orchestra offers a variety of concerts and events, including the 125th Commemorative Art Giclée Prints, the Valentine Ball 2024, and various volunteer opportunities. The LSO is also involved in educational programs such as the Rising Stars, Symphony for Youth, String Scholarships, and the BGC Violin Lessons, which are part of the Mayo Ed Programs. These initiatives aim to nurture young talent and make music accessible to children and youth in the area. ===Organization=== The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra is managed by a small staff and supported by a dedicated board of directors. The organization provides internship opportunities and runs the Gundersen Fellowship Program, contributing to the professional development of individuals interested in the arts. The LSO is grateful for the support of its sponsors and offers various ways for patrons to contribute, including legacy giving, sponsorships, and the Conductor Wannabes program. The orchestra's commitment to community involvement is further reflected in its active engagement with audiences through its "Symphony Spotlight" updates and other informational resources. ==External Links== * [Official Website of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra] * [La Crosse Symphony Orchestra on Social Media] [[Category:American orchestras]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 1898]] [[Category:La Crosse, Wisconsin]]