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It was stifling hot - a rehearsal in the midst of summer coupled with the glare of harsh lights beating down upon the orchestra players from above the stage. It took only too long for someone to decide to open some vents and let some air in, vents that had not been opened in years. Instead of the respite of cool air, it had come as a surprise to everyone when a rain of age-old pigeon poop poured down upon the players. This is a memory that JoFran Bendix (who has been with La Porte County Symphony Orchestra for the past forty years since it first started, and is still an active member today) remembers fondly.The Symphony Orchestra was more casual back then, Bendix relates. People from all sorts of backgrounds got together for the love of music. This passion for music is what makes La Porte's symphony orchestra quite unique; it is rare for a small town to have such a community gem.

Read more: Now & Then: The Past, Present & Future of the LCSO

     I Pagliacci (The Clowns), is a well-loved, Italian opera by Ruggiero Leoncavallo.  This opera continues to enjoy world-wide popularity due to the magnificent power of this work, as well as the rare expressive intensity of the great voices who love to perform it. The opera is presented in two acts with an English translation provided in super-titles.  The high drama of, I Pagliacci, is beautifully portrayed by the soloists, full chorus and orchestra in the exquisite, intimate theatre setting of The Acorn.

     The signature production of the Opera at the Acorn season:  Ruggiero Leoncavallo’s commedia del arte masterpiece, “I PAGLIACCI.” Starring in the title role will be John Payonk, who thrilled us last year as Rigoletto. Nedda will be performed by the wonderful soprano Sarah Hibbard, Beppe by John Concepcion, and Tonio will be sung by Warren Moulton. This year we introduce a new voice to the Acorn theater—baritone Lorenzo Formosa, performing the role of Silvio. The evening will also feature a chorus and a chamber group from the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Philip Bauman. We advise patrons to reserve tickets early. 

Buy Tickets

Presented by Harbor Arts and Robert Swan.  
Sponsored by The Pokagon Fund and New Buffalo Savings Bank.

• Due to last year's sold out performance, this year there are 3 opportunities to see the production. 
• Dress Rehearsal:  Wed, Aug 15, 2012  Price: $20.00
  Performances:  Friday August 17, 2012 & Saturday August 18, 2012  Price: $35.00
• 8:00 pm EST (Michigan Time)
• Acorn Theatre, 107 Generations Dr.,  Three Oaks, MI  49128
• 269 756-3879

Due to a shortfall in income for the 2011-12 concert season, the LCSO Board of Directors met with area business leaders to decide on an action to stabilize the finances of the orchestra for that past season.  The Matching Fund Challenged secured funding from community donors who agreed to make their donations if there could be a further commitment by additional donors to match the amount that was initially raised.  With the assistance of the Unity Foundation of La Porte County to administer this drive, the goal was met by July 1, 2012.

Many thanks to those who rose to the challenge and believes in the work of this orchestra!

1. Until April 9th, an individual interested in conducting the orchestra may “throw his/her hat into the ring” with a $25 donation to the orchestra. Send your nomination to MagicBaton@LCSO.net or call 219 362-9020.

2. Nominees will be posted online at www.LCSO.net, and any individual can vote for them by pledging a donation to the orchestra. Send your pledge amount and vote to MagicBaton@LCSO.net. Each vote costs one dollar. Donations of all sizes are encouraged; voting for people even a hundred times is completely appropriate.

3. At the concert, photos of the nominees with donation boxes will be prominently displayed so that more voting/donations can be made.

4. The winner will be the one who has raised the most money for the orchestra by the end of intermission at the Pops Concert. That person will conduct the orchestra that evening, April 21, 2012.

Read more: Magic Baton Nominations