Mainstage concerts provide a window into the masterworks of orchestral literature spanning different periods, genres, and styles.
Concerts bring world-class guest artists to northern Michigan, spotlighting the talent, passion, and refined skills of every section of the orchestra.
Tickets are free for veterans, active duty military, and students ages 18 and under by calling the GLCO office at (231) 487-0010.
As seasoned musicians, it is our responsibility to give great effort, from rehearsal to performance, to deliver a musical experience with intention and beauty. We carry with us a deep sense of pride and enjoyment from sharing our best with you.
With over 75 videos we are growing our online video collection. Check out our YouTube channel to view our past performances, Tuesday Talks, Little Bay Concerts, and more!
Music is a universal language — a way to cross borders and unite people of all ages and backgrounds. With a vast variety of concert themes, we highlight the most classic of traditional composers to the most innovative of today’s contemporaries — we truly have something for everyone. No matter your level of music appreciation, we invite you to come and connect with us.
To inspire, entertain and educate through live, professional, community-connected orchestral programming.
Violinist, violist, conductor and professor Dr. Eric Lawson has had a varied career in performance and education. Past performances as a conductor, soloist and lecturer have taken him to Austria, Brazil, China, Germany, Romania and Scandinavia. Before returning to his home state of Michigan, he was based in North Dakota where, in addition to serving as a violin instructor at Bismarck State College, Jamestown College, and the University of Mary, he was also concertmaster of the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra and established the Bismarck-Mandan Youth Symphony. Other former academic appointments have included Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Central College in Pella, Iowa and the University of North Dakota where he founded the string program and the UND Chamber Orchestra.
Here in Michigan, Dr. Lawson as been very active with the Alpena Symphony Orchestra as its concertmaster, conductor and president of the board. He also performs with many other orchestras in Northern Michigan and participates in the Traverse Symphony as a first violinist, in the Gaylord Symphony as concertmaster and as assistant concertmaster in the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra.
And finally, in what has been one of the most important experiences of his life outside of music, he also served almost four years as an Alpena County Commissioner, representing Ossineke and Sanborn Townships. In addition to serving as chair of the Salary and Personnel Committee, he also served on the Airport, Ambulance, District Court, Circuit Court Management and Jail Committees. He also represented Alpena County in Gaylord with the Northern Michigan Regional Entity Substance Use Disorder Board and continues to serve on the Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health Board. Dr. Lawson resides in Ossineke with his wife and two children.
