LaGrange Symphony Orchestra

     Since beginning with an idea and suggestion in 1989, the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra has experienced amazing growth. In that year, Dr. David Naglee, Professor of Religion at LaGrange College, came up with a great idea-LaGrange should have a Symphony Orchestra and Harry Kruger should lead it! Mr. Kruger was the recently retired Conductor of the Columbus (Ga.) Symphony Orchestra, and lo and behold. Mr. Kruger was delighted with the idea. When Kruger and Naglee ran the idea by Dr. Walter Murphy, the LaGrange College President, they received an enthusiastic response. And the rest, as they say, is history!

     The Orchestra was initially called the LaGrange College Community Orchestra, and the first concert was held January 14, 1990 as a gift to the people of LaGrange. Dr. Kruger served as Music Director and Conductor for twelve exciting and successful seasons until he retired to become Music Director Emeritus after the 2000-2001 season. He was succeeded by Patricio Cobos, who was then Professor of Violin/Viola at Columbus State University and CSU Orchestra Conductor.

     Today, the Orchestra performs a five-concert subscription season and an annual Pops Concert sponsored by the LaGrange Symphony Guild. The Guild is an auxiliary group of local supporters who publicize, promote and help finance the Symphony. The Guild has been sponsoring a highly popular annual table decorating competition at the Highland Country Club with the theme of "Mt Favorite Things." This has resulted in the Guild being quite successful in increasing its membership and revenue.