The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra began as a vision of a handful of professional musicians who performed several concerts in 2000. The Orchestra filled a need for classical orchestral music in the northern Michigan area, and soon GLCO was performing classical concerts, “pop” series concerts, and smaller neighborhood recital concerts, as well as developing educational programs that inspire and transform students both in the community and in local schools.
As Northern Michigan’s champions of classical chamber music, it is our mission to entertain, to inspire and to educate. 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!
Today the Orchestra includes gifted conductor and Music Director, Libor Ondras as well as a roster of over 75 professional musicians who challenge audiences to think differently about classical music by promoting cultural diversity and personal enrichment. The orchestra season includes main stage concerts, Sunday Recital Series concerts and collaborative performances with local organizations such as Mackinac Arts Council, Raven Hill Discovery Center and others. The orchestra boasts a chorus of over 40 auditioned singers who perform with the orchestra.
We bring powerful musical experiences to our beloved small towns to promote cultural diversity and personal enrichment. By sharing our message and collaborating with school programs and audiences of all ages, we help create vibrant communities for generations to come.
We invite you to come and connect with us. GREAT LAKES. GREAT MUSIC.
GLCO MISSION
To inspire, entertain and educate through live, professional, community-connected orchestral programming.
GLCO CORE VALUES
Professionalism Adhering to standards of artistic and organizational excellence.
Serving Community Providing opportunities for people throughout the region to experience live professional orchestral and chamber music.
Collaboration Developing and nurturing beneficial relationships with community members and organizations to expand appreciation of orchestral music.
Innovation Exploring new frontiers in music and fostering creativity through leading edge projects and performances.
Education Providing opportunities for performers, audiences and students to learn through music.
Enjoyment Enriching the lives of our audiences while providing gratifying experiences for our orchestra members.
