Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra

View of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and chorus in a symphony concert which took place in the Capital Theatre. Photo courtesy Galt Museum & Archives, 19752310158

View of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and chorus in a symphony concert which took place in the Capital Theatre.
Photo courtesy Galt Museum & Archives, 19752310158

The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra is an organization and resource in southern Alberta that many take for granted as part of our community. But the symphony didn't exist a short 60 years ago.

Albert Rodnunsky was the first conductor of this community orchestra in 1961. The orchestra was formed by local musicians who volunteered their time and talents. These musicians came from across the community to start and build this organization. The orchestra began to branch out and partner with other musical groups, growing their reach and impact.

The symphony began to build on the strength of the skilled amateur players by hiring professional musicians over time. In 1978 a core of the resident professional string players formed Musaeus, the LSO's resident string quartet. Professional musicians now occupy several key positions in the orchestra, including the principal wind, brass and percussion players.

The symphony began collaborating with the University of Lethbridge's Opera Workshop in 2007. Opera students are able to perform live with an accompanying orchestra. This is a valuable and rare component for undergraduate singers. Sung in English, the opera events are accessible to anyone. Fully staged, the performances are complete productions requiring weeks of rehearsal.

The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra's Musaeus String Quartet is putting on a Children's Music Performance at the Galt Museum & Archives on October 24, 2021. The concert will be a perfect introduction to classical music for the next generation. Tickets are available at galtmuseum.com/calendar

Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, 2013. Photo by Jaime Vedres

Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, 2013.
Photo by Jaime Vedres

The symphony has grown over time, moving from performing at the Yates Memorial Theatre to Southminster United Church to accommodate larger audiences and performances. They have diversified their offerings to attract different viewers, with an annual Kids Choir event and a young artist competition.

The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra's Musaeus quartet is putting on a Children's Music Performance at the Galt Museum & Archives on October 24, 2021. The concert will be a perfect introduction to classical music for the next generation. Tickets are available at galtmuseum.com/calendar

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Dr. Frank Hamilton Mewburn was a wiry and fiery surgeon, politician, army officer, and university professor who greatly contributed to the development of Lethbridge. Mewburn came from a long ling of medical professionals, graduating from McGill University in Montreal in 1881.

Claudia Tennant
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Canadian Senior Men’s National Basketball Champions from Southern Alberta
Canadian Senior Men’s National Basketball Champions from Southern Alberta

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Coal Miners on Strike
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ArticleGraham RuttanGalt Museum & ArchivesMusic, Orchestra, Symphony, University, Southminster, Performance, Arts, CommunityComment