Billed as the Grand Finale, the Orchestra's May 16 concert celebrated two important transformations. First is the finale of Andrew Dogan's finale season as Music Director of the orchestra. In a moving ceremony just before intermission, Andy received several gifts from the orchestra, including a signed photograph from the orchestra and certificate of appreciation, as well as a custom carved wood conductor's stand. Then, Andrew led an equally moving performance of Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony, perhaps his favorite symphonic work. For an encore, the Orchestra blazed with Mambo from Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story. Bernstein's Candide Overture and Smetana's Three Dances from The Bartered Bride started off a magnificent evening.

The second major transformation that the orchestra re-named itself the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra. While the orchestra will remain a volunteer organization, the new name reflects its growing reach and capabilities. Players now come from a 100 mile radius and range from talented amateurs to semi-professional players. All are driven by a passion for great music. "We could not have achieved what we have without the talent and the dedication of Andrew Dogan", said Board President Mike Frazier.

The Orchestra plans yet another ambitious schedule for its 2008-2009 concert season. Mark your calendars for these dates:

• Tropical Shakespeare. November 15, 2008 - 7:30 PM - Delavan-Darien High School.
• Valentine in Blue - Gala Pops Concert. February 14, 2009 - 7:30 PM - Badger High School: Celebrate Valentine's Day in style with the LGCO! Our third annual Pops Gala concert features Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Music by Frank Sinatra, Johann Strauss Jr., Leroy Anderson, and more completes this delightful evening. This concert is our main fundraising event for the season and tickets are required. Call (262) 248.1198 for ticket information.
• Brasstacular! March 21, 2009 - 7:30 PM - Elkhorn Area High School: Two concertos for brass instruments - Ferdinand David's Trombone Concertino No. 4 and Richard Strauss' Horn Concerto No. 1 - are complemented by Handel's "Music For The Royal Fireworks".
• Grand Finale. May 16, 2009 - 7:30 PM - Delavan-Darien High School: Farewell! In Music Director and Conductor Andrew Dogan's last main season performance with the orchestra, LGCO presents the Candide Overture of Leonard Bernstein, selections from The Bartered Bride by Bedrich Smetana, and Tchaikovsky's monumental Symphony No. 5 in E Minor.

Come join us at these celebrations of great music!