Music Director's Message

Welcome to the LSA's 47th season in which we will together, experience several "Wonders of Our World".

Lethbridge, our wonderful town, is extremely fortunate to be home to many gifted musicians who will share the stage with us this season. Our strong choral tradition is showcased in Mozart's Requiem, combining the forces of The University of Lethbridge Singer and Vox Musica, and in the talented casts of Wonderful Town and Amahl and the Night Visitors - a touching and humorous story of a crippled boy's encounter with the three kings as they journey toward the star of wonder. This production, the first collaboration between the LSO and the University of Lethbridge Opera Workshop program, is sure to delight all; a wonderful way for you and your family to celebrate Advent.

Our roster of guests also includes Seung-Hye Lee playing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, Adam Mason featured in Rosauro's Concerto for Marimba and Strings, Tido Janssen in Elgar's Cello Concerto and the winner of the 2007 Young Artist Competition mezzo soprano Emma Parkison.

A highlight of the season, not to be missed, is the Suzuki Fantasy, arranged by former LSO music director Stewart Grant, featuring the violinists of the University of Lethbridge Conservatory Suzuki program and the Lethbridge Youth Strings Association. These youthful wonders represent the future of the LSO and make manifest the Symphony Women's League motto: "The richest child is poor without music."

Thank you for joining us! May the wonder of our music uplift and transport you.
Glenn Klassen

About Glenn Klassen

Glenn Klassen is currently Music Director and Conductor of the Lethbridge Symphony Association and the Rochester Symphony Orchestra (Michigan). Previous positions include Associate Conductor of the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Mason Community Orchestra, Mennonite Community Orchestra and, Manitoba Conservatory of Arts and Music Orchestra. Recent conducting engagements include the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, Helena Symphony, Traverse Symphony Orchestra, the National Academy Orchestra at the Boris Brott Summer Music Festival and, a return to guest conduct the Mennonite Community Orchestra.

A native of Manitoba, Mr. Klassen relocated to Michigan in 1997; pursuing graduate studies at Michigan State University. While at Michigan State, he was Assistant Conductor and led the University's Symphony, Chamber, Philharmonic and Campus Orchestras and; also worked with the Opera Theatre Department. He received his DMA degree in the spring of 2002.

Mr. Klassen resides in Lethbridge, Alberta, with his wife, Sandra, and their two children, Koreen and Kerry. He enjoys running, fishing and, most recently, golfing.