Welcome to the home of the
LaGrange Symphony Chorus

Deborah Ogle, Conductor and director of Chorus

Ken Passmore, Accompanist

In 2009 talks began between LaGrange College and the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, it’s designated “orchestra in residence, to consider the possibility of partnering in the formation of a chorus capable of performing master works with the orchestra. The orchestra’s board of directors felt they were ready to pursue important choral works to add to its already impressive programming. 

“The LaGrange Symphony has made incredible progress in the last 10 years, reaching an enviable level of professional performances,” said Patricio Cobos, music director and conductor for the symphony.  “The formation of a symphonic choir will make these performances possible.”

The chorus will further strengthen ties between the orchestra and college that already share performance spaces and personnel. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to benefit the orchestra, the students at LaGrange College and community singers looking for an opportunity to perform major choral works. 

The new group will be led by Deborah Ogle, director of choral activities at the college. “A college ensemble will be the core of the chorus, “ she said.  “Our primary purpose is to provide opportunities for selected students to learn and perform masterworks of orchestral choral music.  The chorus will enhance the academic program of the music department and provide academic course credit for student participants.”

According to David Garrison, Vice President for Academic Affairs, “This opportunity for LaGrange College students to sing with the orchestra goes a long way to widen and deepen their understanding of choral music while also providing them with a wonderful forum in which to share their own developing talent with the community.

“Trained community and regional singers, selected by audition, will be able to perform with the chorus,” Ogle said. “They will rehearse together with the college singers once a week during the fall and spring semesters. The present plan is for the chorus to perform at least twice a year during the orchestra’s regular concert season.”

Annual auditions will be in early August for all singers. Audition requirements include a classical solo, aria or art song in any language; major, minor and chromatic scales; sight-reading, and tonal memory exercises. An accompanist will be provided for the auditions.

 “The symphony will continue to maintain ties with area choral groups, including inviting them to perform in certain concerts,” said Cobos. “The LaGrange Symphony Chorus plans to perform in LaGrange only with the orchestra.”

“The LSO has a long history of partnering with various area community choruses and hopes to continue these associations,” he continued. “Working together to make music is central to our mission. The LaGrange Symphony Chorus represents a new partnership that will enable us to present to our community important symphonic choral masterworks.”

For more information, call Ogle at (706) 880-8188 or Ann Sellman at (706) 880-8351, e-mail dogle@lagrange.edu  or visit www.lagrangesymphony.org