Your LSO’s History
The Lethbridge Symphony through the years…
2012
In collaboration with the University of Lethbridge Opera Workshop and Vox Musica, the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra warmed the chilly month of February with a fully-staged production of W.A. Mozart’s The Magic Flute, sung in English.
2010-2011
The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra celebrated 50 years of music.
2009-2010
The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra completed a comprehensive rebranding in anticipation of its banner 50th Season.
2008-2009
The 10th Anniversary of the popular Broadway Musical collaboration between directors Fran Rude and Ken Rogers, and the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony moved from the Yates Memorial Theatre to Southminster United Church to accommodate a growing audience.
2005
In August, the Orchestra shared the stage with country rock band Doc Walker for its second annual Symphony on the Green.
2003
Glenn Klassen was appointed Music Director of the Lethbridge Symphony.
2002 & 2003
As part of the Crowsnest Pass Rum Runner Days held every July, the LSO performed Music on the Mountain at the Pass Powder Keg Ski Resort.
2000-2001
Our 40th Anniversary Season opened with a Master Series concert in memory of Albert Rodnunsky. In May, we launched our annual Kids Choir, providing area elementary school choirs the opportunity to perform with symphonic accompaniment by members of the orchestra.
1998 & 2000
Music at the McIntyre, August afternoon concerts featuring the LSO and other area musical groups were presented at the beautiful McIntyre Ranch near Magrath, AB.
1994
Claude Lapalme joined the LSO as Music Director.
1985
The inaugural LSO Young Artist Competition was organized as part of our 25th Anniversary Season.
1978
Music Director Stewart Grant’s tenure began and included the formation of a core of resident professional string players now known as Musaeus, the Southern Alberta Chamber Orchestra, the creation of a Chamber Recital Series sponsored by the du Maurier Council for the Arts, and the Music for a Sunday Afternoon Series at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery.
1976
Professor JP Christopher Jackson became interim conductor and urged the engagement of a resident Music Director. Norbert Boehm succeeded Dr. Clifford Palmer as Concertmaster.
1974
The Lethbridge String Instrument program was launched with the support of Alberta Culture, the local school boards, and the Kiwanis Club of Lethbridge. As part of this effort, professional violinist Norbert Boehm was hired, and the program was established at the Grade 1 level, using the Suzuki method.
1970
Professor Lucien Needham took over the baton. The Symphony offered a Season format, including the Annual Family Concert, and introduced run-out performances to the surrounding communities.
1961
The Symphony Women’s League (SWL) was started to support the Orchestra in various ways, including fundraising. Mr. Rodnunsky assembled the Lethbridge Symphony Chorus, which lasted 15 years.
1960
The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra was formed. Albert Rodnunsky served as its first conductor and Dr. B. Wayne Matkin served as its first president.