CLSO to kick off season with 'Christmas with the Orchestra'

The Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra (CLSO) will kick off its 2010-2011 concert season with “Christmas with the Orchestra.” The concert is set for Sunday, December 5 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. A reception will follow.

The group will perform Tschaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” Respighi’s “Church Windows” and the “Finale” movement from Schumann’s “Overture, Scherzo and Finale.”

Tickets for the concert are $10 for adults and $5 for students. They are available at Carlson Music and Cherry Street Books in Alexandria, and at the door.

Season tickets may be purchased for all five concerts of the season for $30 for adults and $15 for students.

The CLSO is a community orchestra that held its first season of three concerts in 2009-2010 under the direction of Brad Lambrecht. It includes 60 musicians from local communities, including Alexandria, Brandon, Carlos, Fergus Falls, Garfield, Nelson, Osakis, Villard and Vining.

Upcoming events include a performance in conjunction with the Minnesota Opera Company. Minnesota Opera musicians and personnel will provide education at area schools and coordinate a performance from Carmen on January 30, 2011 at Jefferson High School (JHS) in Alexandria.

It will involve local talent, including the CLSO, the JHS Carolers/Pop Group and a children’s chorus, comprised of students in grades 5 to 9.

Donations are sought for the CLSO and can be sent to: CLSO, 1210 Broadway, Suite 240, Box 105, Alexandria, MN 56308. Sponsorships are available per concert ($100) or for the entire season ($250). Sponsors receive recognition or ads in the concert programs and four tickets to the concerts they sponsor.

For information, visit the orchestra website at www.centrallakessymphony.org.

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