Area symphony orchestra sets concert

Van Wert independent/contributor content

CELINA – The Grand Lake Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of James Huckemeyer, had worked very hard to prepare a wonderful Christmas program only to have the concert canceled due to the first major winter storm of the season. The good news in this cancellation is that the program for next season’s Christmas concert is now already set!

The group is now working on the third concert of the 2010-2011 season.  The winter concert will be held Sunday, February 27, at Wright State University-Lake Campus’ Dicke Center in Celina.  The concert begins at 3 p.m. and there will be no admission charged.

The concert program will feature many classical selections that most in the audience will immediately recognize, as well as a few pop selections featuring music from the Beatles and the “Lord of The Rings” movie trilogy. There will also be selections performed by the Brass Ensemble.

The GLSO is based in Celina and is comprised of musicians ranging in age from teenagers to “kids” in their 80s. While many of the musicians are from the Mercer County area, other musicians travel to Celina for weekly rehearsals from all around the community, including Lima, Ottawa, and Van Wert, as well as Indiana. These hard working musicians are not paid any compensation, but simply love the opportunity to play in a symphony orchestra and strive to be better musicians and provide music to the community.

The GLSO is looking to fill open string instrument positions! Those interested in playing should bring their instruments to any rehearsal, which are held on Mondays, beginning at 7 p.m., at Grace Missionary Church in Celina. Rehearsals start at 7 p.m. for strings and ensembles and 8 p.m. for full orchestra.

After the winter concert, there is only one remaining concert in the 2010-2011 season. This final concert of the season will be Sunday, May 1, at The Marsh Foundation Auditorium in Van Wert. All concerts begin at 3 p.m. with free admission.

For more information, email GLSO@bright.net or check the orchestra out on Facebook.